《Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend》


 Chapter 1: The Darkest Night

    Arthur Reynolds was a young man with an insatiable love for books, devouring everything from fantasy epics to science fiction adventures. For him, reading wasn''t just a hobby, it was a sanctuary, a place where he could lose himself in the creativity of others.


    He would do this to get away from his mundane life, where his parents spoiled his siblings and only supported him with the basics that someone would need to survive. Arthur had put himself through college with a decent job.


    ''Hopefully, the next arc of that web novel drops when the author gets back from holiday,'' he mused, leaning back in his chair. ''It''d be great to see if the main character gets the last three girls.''


    That brought a small smile to his face. After that, he went back to reading while tapping his finger on the chair. Hours later, Arthur felt his body ache thanks to working out at the gym a few hours ago when he got off a long shift at work.


    ''I need to take a day off today. My arms are hurting since Mark convinced me to go gym,'' he thought while stretching with a relieved sigh as his back popped.


    Following that, he stood up only to hear several cracks from his stiff body, thanks to sitting in the same position for hours and mumbled before walking out of the room to go grab a drink, ''''Let''s go get a glass of water.''''


    Just as he started making his way downstairs. Someone suddenly shouted, which made him jump. ''''Big brother! Will you give us a lift to our friends?'''' a girl''s voice echoed out through a big house.


    Arthur chuckled when hearing her request, but answered while reaching the bottom, ''''I wish I could, Maria, but I have to go pick up Dad from work in half an hour. You know how he is when I''m late.''''


    ''''Ugh, he would freak out. Thanks anyway, bro,'''' his younger sister replied cheerfully before leaving the house, followed by her twin, Mark.


    ''''Don''t worry about it, I''ll get one of my friends to pick us up,'''' the teenager said with a wave as the front door closed.


    Following that, Arthur watched his siblings rush out, pausing outside to wait for their friends, who pulled up ten minutes later. He had always been close to them despite the parents'' treatment of the three of them.


    ''Damn kids, always out and about,'' he mused with a smile. ''Hopefully, I don''t have to save Maria from another jock. My jaw still hurts after that last fight.''


    Despite their closeness, he had always felt like an outsider in the Reynolds Family. They were the favorites of the family, leaving him to his own company. Yet, he couldn''t deny the quiet warmth he felt seeing them happy.


    ''At least they let me live here while paying next to nothing for rent, unlike some parents out there,'' he mused while walking to the kitchen.


    After grabbing his drink, he retreated to his room, seeking the solace of its quiet walls and his novels. Hours passed, and he picked up his dad on time before getting back to reading until a blood-curdling scream shattered the silence.


    Heart pounding, Arthur rushed out, his mind racing with worry. As he reached the living room, the scene froze him in place. His father was on the phone with a pale face, speaking in a panicked voice.


    That''s when he noticed his mother standing nearby, tears streaming down. She was trembling while sobbing as she clutched her jumper. The air was thick with dread, and his stomach sank as he realized something terrible had happened.


    ''''What happened?'''' he asked after taking in everything.


    His father turned to him with a concerned expression before speaking and the response made his stomach dropped. ''''The twins have been in a terrible accident. We need to get to the hospital now. Let''s go.''''


    Following that, the three of them rushed to the car and made their way to the hospital while ignoring the traffic. When arriving, they rushed inside and were told to wait in a private room by an understanding but firm nurse.


    Arthur sat in the hospital as his family sat around crying as more folk members turned up to support his parents. ''What were they thinking, driving that fast?'' he thought, frustration bubbling to the surface.


    But he pushed it aside while remembering all the times that he spent with the twins and how they got on well despite their parent''s favoritism, which annoyed him to no end, but he''d never take it out on them.


    ''It was never their fault. Maria tried to make it right when she was six,'' he thought with a warm smile as the memories flowed back.


    Afterward, they were told by a nurse that the doctors were checking over his siblings in the next room. Arthur''s heart hammering in his chest as he anxiously waited for the news and ten minutes later, they returned with grim expressions.


    ''''Mark has lost a significant amount of blood. Stabilizing him has been a challenge because of his rare blood type and we haven''t got a stock of it on hand,'''' a doctor said in an apologetic voice.


    After the news sank in, the man continued, but this time it was about his sister. ''''Maria''s condition is even more critical, a lung and kidney burst from the impact. The hospital hasn''t been able to locate suitable donors.''''


    As his mother heard that, she broke down sobbing as the despair overwhelmed her. His father, though shaken himself, wrapped his arms around the crying woman, holding tightly as she wept.


    ''''I understand this is an incredibly difficult time for your family'''' the doctor said softly. ''''But I must be honest, their chances of recovery are slim to none under these circumstances. If we can find the right donors, we can proceed with the operations, but time is running out.''''


    Arthur sat silently, his hands clenched into fists as his thoughts swirled. ''We share the same blood. I''m healthy enough and can save them.''


    The weight of the situation pressed on him, but his resolve hardened. ''I''m twenty-three and lived a good life. They are only kids with their whole lives ahead of them.''


    Rising from his chair, he approached the doctor, his voice steady yet filled with emotion as he spoke words that stunned everyone in the room. ''''Excuse me, Mark can have as much of my blood as possible, and Maria can have the organs she needs. I''m strong enough to handle it. They''re not.''''


    Gasps filled the room as his family stared at him in shock and disbelief. But Arthur''s gaze didn''t waver, his determination shining through, as he wanted to do everything for the ones he loved.


    ''I should be fine. I''ll just have to adapt to the situation and live with fewer organs,'' he mused with a nervous smile. ''Plus, life isn''t so exciting for me anymore, beyond books and gym.''


    The doctor''s expression softened, a mix of concern and admiration etched across his face as he regarded him before speaking. ''''There''s a chance something could go wrong, young man. But what you''re offering, it''s an honorable and selfless act for your siblings.''''


    He nodded and turned to his parents, who stood there rooted to the spot and started talking with a warm smile. ''''Tell the twins that I love them. Remember what you used to tell me when I was a little boy, mom?''''


    Arthur concluded with a chuckle, while admiring the setting sun. ''''The darkest night makes for the brightest stars. I''ve never forgotten that, even after all these years. But I''ll be back soon. Got to bail out the twins once again.''''


    His mother looked guilty as she grabbed his hand and spoke in a quiet voice, ''''I''m sorry for the way we treated you. You''re a wonderful son and great sibling. Thank you for being there for them.''''


    He was about to walk away but his father expressed in a pain-filled voice, ''''I hope everything works out. I''d like to correct my mistake and get to know you more son. It''s been years since we spent time together.''''


    Arthur looked at the older man and realized his dad had never been horrible to him, but they were never close. He smiled before leaving the waiting room and followed the doctor through the hospital.


    Hours later, his eyes flickered open, his surroundings blurred and disorienting. He was lying on a cold, metal table, the world fading to white. A panicked beeping echoed in his ears, a stark contrast to the stillness of his thoughts.


    His body felt heavy, as if he were floating in and out of consciousness. Amidst the chaos, one voice broke through with a tinge of respect. ''''I knew this would happen, but this young man saved his siblings,'''' the doctor whispered.


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 Chapter 2: Raegar Blackwood

    Exhaustion enveloped Arthur''s entire being, pulling him under like a gentle tide. Yet, beneath the weariness and fading pain, a quiet sense of peace bloomed in his heart, warm and comforting.


    As his world turned black, a voice echoed through the void, strong yet kind. ''''Selfless! Now go forward and make another family happy. But this time, boy, make sure to truly live instead of reading.''''


    Arthur smiled as an unknown force pulled along him as glimpses of his life flashing before his eyes, which showed many of his experiences. This brought a smile to his face, but that changed when, unexpectedly, a funeral scene appeared.


    ''''May he rest in peace,'''' a man said solemnly, stepping away to leave the Reynolds family alone in their grief.


    A young girl hobbled forward, her legs trembling, her teeth clenched in determination. She reached out and rested her hand on the cold tombstone, tears streaming freely down her face.


    Her voice cracked as she whispered, ''''Thank you, big brother. You saved us... you gave us a chance to live and I won''t waste it this time. I''ll never forget about you, Arthur.''''


    Seconds later, the girl''s resolve broke and sank to her knees, wailing uncontrollably. Her twin brother approached, his face tense as he struggled to contain the storm of emotions within him.


    He tilted his head back while staring up at the sky, his voice shaky as he muttered, ''''Thank you, big bro. Rest in peace, and... I hope you find the happiness you deserve, wherever you end up.''''


    When Arthur laid eyes on his siblings, a wave of relief and joy washed over him. They were alive, safe and whole, because of his sacrifice. A soft smile spread across his face while thinking, ''At least they survived. The idiots can carry on living their lives.''


    Suddenly his attention was pulled somewhere else as he something tugged him toward a vast planet which made his eyes widen in surprise, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself in a dark, damp place.


    Confusion overwhelmed him as he realized he couldn''t move his limbs, yet he had the strange sensation of floating, weightless and adrift. ''Where am I?'' he wondered.


    Seconds later, Athur heard a muffled woman''s voice, which scared him, but soon realized he was safe allowing him to calm down. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as an unseen force seized him.


    Moments later, a bright light engulfed him. He threw up his hands to shield his face, only to freeze in horror. His palms were slick, glistening with blood. ''''Oh, he has your beautiful white hair darling,'''' a man''s voice rang out, which made him cry.


    All Arthur heard was a baby''s cry that shocked him even more. ''I reincarnated? This stuff actually happens? What the fuck?'' he thought.


    Following that, a woman''s soft voice spoke to someone else, ''''Turn off the light, Yuki, he needs to get used to the outside world.''''


    ''''Yes Mistress!'''' A girl answered in a cheery voice.


    Arthur kept his hands tightly over his eyes, trembling slightly as everything was intense and emotions in haywire, but the woman''s voice broke through the silence, warm and overflowing with love.


    ''''My little Raegar,'''' she whispered in a caring tone, ''''The light won''t hurt your eyes any more, darling. You''ll be fine.''''


    ''Raegar? Is that my new name?'' he wondered.


    Slowly, he lowered his arms, only to be struck speechless. Before him was a breathtaking woman in her late thirties, her snow-white hair cascading around her face, framing her striking bright red eyes.


    Beads of sweat clung to her skin, proof of the exhaustion and effort of bringing him into this new world. Yet, despite it all, her beauty and presence radiated an undeniable strength and warmth.


    ''''There you are,'''' she said with a big smile before introducing herself. ''''Welcome to the world baby, I''m your Mother.''''


    Arthur''s gaze was fixed on the woman before him, his mind swirling with confusion. When he started to spiral, a memory from his grandmother back on Earth surfaced, her voice gentle yet firm, cutting through the storm within him.


    ''''Science helps us understand how to live longer,'''' she had once told him on her deathbed, ''''But feelings give us the reasons to want to live, Arthur. Live every day as if it''s your last, and I''ll be happy watching over you, my dear.''''


    Her words echoed in his heart, a lifeline that grounded him in this strange moment. With a deep breath, he washed away the confusion and fear, remembering the old woman''s wisdom and finding the strength to move forward.


    ''So, I''m Raegar now... I like that name,'' he thought, a small smile spreading across his baby face.


    His mother''s eyes lit up with joy at his expression, her heart swelling with love. Without hesitation, Raegar reached out with his tiny hands, and in an instant, she gathered him into her arms, holding him close.


    As she embraced him, a powerful wave of warmth and love surged through his body, flooding every corner of his being. It was so overwhelming, so pure, that the emotions he couldn''t yet understand broke free.


    Tears filled his eyes, and he began to cry as the torrent of feelings was too much for him. When this happened, his mother frowned before peppering his little face with kisses, which made him laugh.


    The sounds of a happy baby giggling echoed throughout the room just as a man''s voice spoke, who he assumed was his father. ''''Can I see little Raegar, Victoria? I''m dying to hold him.''''


    ''''Yes husband,'''' his mother replied before handing him over.


    When Raegar caught sight of the man, a smile tugged at his lips. His father''s eyes locked onto his, a proud, loving grin spreading across his face. His light blue hair was cut short, which matched with his the light green eyes.


    ''''He has your beautiful hair and eyes,'''' his father said with a playful chuckle. ''''I''m afraid we''ll have to fight off all the noble girls. They''re going to want to take him from us.''''


    His mother giggled softly, her eyes twinkling as she looked at her husband before speaking with a love-filled smile. ''''Looks like you''ve captured his attention, Alaric. He hasn''t stopped looking at you.''''


    Raegar quickly looked away but couldn''t deny that he was happy with his new parents, who seemed to shower him with nothing but love. He couldn''t help but gaze around the room, his curiosity piqued.


    The surroundings were unlike anything he had ever seen before. ''Looks like it was ripped from a fantasy novel,'' he wondered while admiring the room.


    Stone walls that seemed straight out of a medieval story he read back on Earth. Just as he let himself be lost in the awe of it all, his father''s voice brought him back to reality. ''''Looks like our son seems more aware compared to the other children. He''s listening to us speak right now.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he glanced at his father with a grin before turning to his mother and raising his arms toward her. The white-haired woman''s face lit up with joy as she beamed, quickly sweeping him into her arms with a radiant smile.


    ''''Looks like he wants to be cuddled by Mama,'''' his mother snickered. ''''Could you send Yuki and Saki in please?''''


    Raegar watched Alaric smile as Victoria booped him on the nose, which made him giggle once again. ''''So curious already, wait until you meet Yuki. She''s been dying to see you handsome.''''


    He smiled just as the door opened and his head snapped to the right when hearing the noise, only for his eyes to go wide as he internally exclaimed. ''Cat people!''


    A woman with pink hair, dressed as a maid, walked inside, but he quickly noticed a pair of cat ears twitching nervously as her bright blue eyes locked on him, causing the newcomer to smile.


    ''''I see the young master''s birth was problem free, my lady,'''' the woman said.


    ''''Come meet little Raegar, Saki and bring little Yuki in,'''' Victoria said while sitting up. ''''He''s a very curious boy.''''


    When hearing this, his gaze landed on a little girl who stepped into the room and also had the same pink hair as Saki, but had big blue eyes. Raegar noticed her pink tail swaying side to side; she also wore a maid''s outfit.


    ''She must be ten? I''m not sure, it''s hard to think too much,'' he thought with a cute yawn that made the three giggle as he smiled at her.


    His mother noticed where he was looking, causing her smile to grow wide as a twinkle appeared in her eyes. Seconds later, she teased the little cat girl, ''''Looks like you have an admirer already, Yuki. Come over here and hold him.''''


    The cat girl shuffled forward a little hesitantly as she approached. Victoria, sensing her uncertainty, patted the bed with a warm smile. ''''Get comfortable, you don''t want to drop him,'''' she said gently.


    Yuki held Raegar with a warm smile, whose eyes widened in awe as she gazed at him. ''''He''s so cute! And has the white hair of the Vaelthrone Family, my lady,'''' she murmured, her voice filled with wonder.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 3: We Can Start Today

    His mother nodded at the girl''s words, a soft smile on her lips as Yuki was booping Raegar on the nose, which made him laugh. Soon after that, Victoria and Saki began chatting quietly as the older maid attended to her.


    ''She''s a real life cat woman just like in anime,'' he mused with fascinated red eyes.


    His little hands reached out instinctively, stretching toward her ear, but he couldn''t quite reach it. Yuki noticed his attempt and couldn''t help but smile warmly. ''''Do you want to touch my ear, young master?'''' she asked in a gentle voice.


    Raegar''s gaze locked onto her, his curiosity and innocence shining through. The warmth in her tone made him smile. She lowered her head so he could grab her fluffy pink ear, which felt soft to his touch.


    While doing that, he got excited and started thinking as his fingers ran through her fur, ''So soft! I could stroke these all the time.''


    Following that, his mother took him back to feed. That was a whole new trauma that he forced himself to get over as he needed to eat or his new life to end. Time flew by and the years passed while doing the same thing until he could walk and crawl.


    Raegar thrived in his new family, a complete difference to his past life. He felt loved and seen for who he was. By the time he was six, he had grown curious and adventurous, often exploring every corner of the sprawling manor.


    Much to the dismay of his mother and the staff, who were constantly on edge, fearing he might get into trouble. Raegar had discovered that he belonged to the noble Blackwood family, a revelation that left him shocked.


    His father was a Count who ruled over a southern territory of the Dawnfire Empire in a world called Sylvara. Adding to his fascination was the fact that his mother came from the influential Vaelthorne family, a powerhouse in the western regions.


    Once learning all this, he turned his attention to his new home, which looked like it came straight out of a fantasy movie. Each hallway seemed endless, filled with fancy decor and paintings of the previous Blackwood generations.


    Yet Raegar''s boundless curiosity twisted into mischief. His antics caused no end of trouble for the maids, who spent countless hours searching for him. One constant in his early life was his maid, Yuki.


    A calm and ever-reliable presence who seemed to always be nearby, ready to help him whenever he needed. Whether patching up a scraped knee or gently guiding him back on track.


    They grew closer the older he got, even though she was ten years older. The two loved spending time in the library reading about the world he found themselves in. He also had three older siblings.


    Isabella Blackwood, the eldest, who resembled their mother and was mistaken for her sister, which made the family laugh, though she carried a colder demeanor, she wasn''t unkind to him, the age gap between them left their relationship nonexistent.


    He later discovered that she attended the prestigious Dawnfire Magic Academy, located just outside the capital. His other two siblings were Lyra Blackwood, who also studied at Dawnfire, and his brother Jasper, who took a different route and joined the imperial army.


    Throughout the empire, they knew Isabella as a genius. He could hardly contain his excitement about starting his magic studies. ''No wonder Mother looks so young for her age. Aether is strengthening every part of her body,'' he mused when Yuki mentioned it.


    While studying one day, he overheard his father speaking with the house steward Alfred about the Dawnfire Imperial Family. His father had been summoned to Eryndor City, the empire''s capital, to attend the crowning of the new empress.


    Raegar asked his mother if he could go, but she gently but firmly shook her head. ''''The roads are dangerous, darling,'''' she said, her voice filled with concern. ''''They''re full of bandits and monsters. It''s too risky until your father can deal with it.''''


    She quickly distracted him with his first display of magic, her fingers weaving a pattern in the air while she muttered something. Seconds later, he watched as a glowing white bird materialized, fluttering gracefully around the room.


    Its delicate wings shimmered with an ethereal glow before disappearing into his chest, leaving a relaxing feeling behind. Raegar''s face lit up, a look of pure awe crossing his features at his first taste of magic.


    ''Magic!'' he thought, his red eyes sparkling with wonder.


    Victoria couldn''t help but smile at his excitement. ''''What you just saw is Aether,'''' she explained. ''''It''s the essence of everything around us. It flows through all things and allows us to wield magic. The more you possess, the stronger your magic can become.''''


    As she spoke, she conjured another display, writing his name in the air with swirling colors. Each letter danced and glowed before fading into nothingness as she placed her finger against his chest.


    ''''Everyone has an Aether Pool within them,'''' she continued, her gaze softening. ''''But for you, we''ll have to wait until you''re fifteen to discover what element you''ll unlock, and to see how vast yours will be.''''


    Raegar''s brow furrowed in frustration. Despite his annoyance, his mother pressed on as she taught him the basics. Thanks to his mental maturity, far beyond his current age, he was able to absorb her lessons with ease.


    By the time their discussion ended, he learned that meditation was key to replenishing and expanding his pool, among other things. There were specific spots around the manor, places rich in energy, where he could meditate.


    ''So the key to magic in this world is imagination,'' he pondered while sitting in his room. ''What if I can picture the spell even better as I''ve watched loads of anime? Would that mean I don''t have to use a chant to activate it like normal people?''


    This piqued his interest like nothing before. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he relentlessly pursued every scrap of knowledge of magic in the family library until harassing his parents and the maids.


    He wore down his mother, father, and Saki with countless questions, forcing them to share every detail. They told him everything they knew about Aether and magic until he couldn''t learn anything else.


    As the years passed. Raegar''s transformation was remarkable as he trained with his father and the guards. He grew into a handsome, confident young man who had a passion to learn sword fighting until he could unlock his Aether Pools on his birthday.


    Rumors spread across the province that the count''s new son is a genius. His chiseled features and piercing gaze made him the subject of affection, with women of all ranks and ages vying for his attention.


    But despite all that, his mind remained focused on one thing: mastering the magic that fascinated him so deeply. One day, Raegar was wandering around the manor, only to find himself in a guard station.


    That''s when he bumped into old man Rodric, the commander of his father''s Blackwood Guards. ''''Hello little master. What can I do for you?'''' he said with a big smile as he put some paperwork down.


    ''''Morning Rodric, it''s good to see you. I was wondering if you can teach me how to fight, please? Beyond what I''ve learned so far,'''' Raegar asked in a respectful tone that his mother had been teaching him so he could communicate with people over the years.


    The older man''s eyebrows rose in surprise. He shook his head before asking in a curious tone, ''''Why do you want to fight, little master? You''re only eleven and want to train even more.''''


    Raegar fixed the man with a determined gaze. ''''I want to start early and learn how to dual-wield. I''ve been studying a book by the renowned Elara Crowhurst. She claimed that to become a powerful Aether Mage, I must strengthen my body to support my Aether Pool when it manifests.''''


    Rodric''s eyes widened in surprise, but before he could speak, the older man sprang to his feet and saluted. ''''It would be an honor to train another member of the Blackwood Family,'''' he said with an excited expression. ''''But be warned, little master, this won''t be easy. You may come to hate me when it''s over.''''


    ''''Never!'''' he replied with gleaming red eyes. ''''I want to become the strongest and will do anything to achieve that.''''


    The commander nodded while standing up. ''''Let''s go talk to the master and if he agrees, we can start today.''''


    Following that, Rodric led Raegar through the Blackwood Manor until seeing his father training with the soldiers. When Alaric saw his commander and son standing there, he smiled before speaking, ''''What brings you two here? Has Raegar been causing trouble again?''''


    ''''I''ve done nothing. I''m here to ask you if Rodric can train me like he did with big brother Jasper,'''' he responded, which caught his father off guard.


    Alaric''s expression changed to one of surprise, causing him to question, ''''What happened to all the books? Bored with them?''''


    Raegar shook his head before explaining, ''''No. I just want to train my body so I can be a stronger Aether Mage when I join an academy.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 4: Youre Still A Child

    ''''Who gave you this idea, boy?'''' his father Alaric asked, while brushing his blue hair out of his face.


    ''''Elara Crowhurst,'''' Rodric replied with a chuckle. ''''That lass is always haunting you, Master. You two were close, weren''t you?''''


    His father let out a hearty laugh, then revealed something that left him stunned. ''''That woman and I are old friends,'''' he said with a nostalgic smile. ''''I once explored dungeons by her side, but when Dahlia''s father offered me the title of Count, I had to set that life aside.''''


    ''''Who''s Dahlia, father? I haven''t read about the empire''s rulers apart from the current one. Magic and fighting have caught my attention,'''' Raegar questioned.


    The two men looked at him like he was an idiot and also with respect before laughing as Rodric questioned with an amused expression, ''''Tell me who the current ruler of our empire is ?''''


    He grew confused at the question but nodded either way while answering, ''''Yes, Alexander Dawnfire.''''


    Alaric stepped forward and spoke with a tired smile. ''''Well, he has stepped down from the throne and passed it to his eldest daughter, Dahlia, who is the strongest Aether Mage on Kaldorra.''''


    Rodric nodded in agreement, adding, ''''She''s the one who led the decisive victory in the Northern Wars against the Stormrune Kingdom. It''s no surprise the emperor chose her over the other princes and princesses.''''


    Raegar frowned slightly, curiosity flickering in his expression. ''''The Stormrune Kingdom?'''' he asked.


    The name was unfamiliar, and he hadn''t learned much about the other kingdoms on the Kaldorra Continent. All he knew was that it was massive compared to the ones on Earth, with many realms, but only one empire which he belonged to.


    ''''Northmen little master,'''' the Blackwood Commander answered. ''''They used to raid the northern provinces, but thanks to your father and Dahlia, we won the ten-year-long war which forced them to sign a treaty of peace.''''


    Raegar nodded in fascination before his father finally gave his answer, ''''Yes, Rodric can train you, but don''t slack on your studies and your mother wants to take you to her noble meetings.''''


    His excitement shone briefly before he nodded earnestly. ''''Yes, Father. I enjoy studying and won''t neglect it.''''


    Over the following weeks, he began meeting regularly with Commander Rodric, who took charge of his training. The grueling regimen started with running laps around the manor grounds to build stamina, accompanied by intense physical exercises to strengthen his body.


    Rodric then introduced him to dual-wielding techniques. Each session pushed him to his limits, but his determination never wavered while getting stronger. His father was proud as he watched him grow.


    On the day Raegar turned twelve, Alaric approached him with a sly smile and issued a challenge which he couldn''t refuse. ''''How about a duel?'''' his father said.


    The offer lit a spark of excitement in him, who eagerly accepted. The training yard buzzed with anticipation as the Blackwood Guards gathered around, their eyes keenly watching the young master.


    Among them, he noticed Yuki off to the side, her cheers ringing out in encouragement. Gripping his training swords tightly, Raegar took his stance. Across from him, Alaric readied himself, exuding confidence.


    ''''I won''t use magic or go all out,'''' his father said, his tone teasing but firm. ''''You''re still a child.''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement, then burst forward with a surprising burst of speed that caught many of the onlookers off guard. He aimed a quick strike at Alaric''s legs, but the older man moved just as swiftly, raising his blade to block the attack with practiced ease.


    The clash of wood echoed through the training yard, drawing cheers and gasps from the watching guards as his mother quickly cheered for him. Seconds later, Raegar charged at Alaric, his training swords whirling in a flurry of strikes.


    His muscles burned, his breath came in sharp bursts, but his determination drove him forward. Each swing was faster, stronger than the last. His mind focused on finding an opening in his father''s defense.


    The older man moved like a force of nature, calm, unyielding, and controlled. With every clash, he parried his son''s strikes. When he feinted to the right and lunged for his father''s unguarded side, Alaric spun with startling grace, disarming him with a single motion.


    Raegar stumbled back, sweat dripping from his brow as his training swords clattered to the ground. Before he could recover, Alaric closed the gap and lightly tapped Raegar''s chest with the flat of his blade.


    ''''It''s over,'''' his father said, his tone firm but not unkind. ''''You fought well, son. One day, you''ll surpass me, but today isn''t that day.''''


    Raegar fell to his knees, gasping for air, but he looked up with a fiery determination in his eyes. ''''Not yet, Father. But I will.''''


    Alaric smiled, offering his son a hand. ''''That''s the spirit.''''


    Following that, he continued training and learning about the history of Kaldorra, which interested him. While sitting in the library going through what he had studied, Yuki suddenly appeared out of nowhere and made him jump.


    ''''God woman, where did you come from?'''' he asked.


    The cat maid giggled before answering, ''''Young master, don''t look so afraid. I''m not here to bite you. I want to test you.''''


    Raegar narrowed his eyes and accused the pink-haired woman, as he knew she was up to something. ''''What are you scheming, you mischievous cat? You can''t trick me again.''''


    ''''No tricks, young master,'''' she replied honestly, but he didn''t miss the twinkle in her eyes. ''''I want to see how much you''ve learned.''''


    Yuki got comfortable and asked her first question with a grin. ''''Can you tell me the three kingdoms of the south and what deathly place do they border?''''


    Raegar narrowed his eyes as he explained everything he had learned since reading about the continent. ''''The southern regions border the Forgotten Wastes. Then there are three nations, if I remember correctly. First, the Nytheria Kingdom controls the central part, a realm ruled by vampires and steeped in ancient traditions.''''


    He thought for a few seconds before continuing, ''''Then there''s the Korrveth Kingdom in the east, the homeland of the demons, known for its fierce warriors and powerful mages. Lastly, we have the Lunathyr Kingdom in the west, a land of demi-humans, where many races coexist.''''


    Yuki''s smile widened as the test continued until the sunset and she suddenly stood up, which surprised him. ''''Come on, young master. The mistress wants to take you to a social gathering to spread your wings now that you''re thirteen.''''


    Raegar sighed but didn''t fight the cat woman who helped him prepare, and when he was ready she gave him a satisfied smile, ''''Very handsome. The girls will go crazy over this white hair of yours, young master. It''s a very rare trait, after all.''''


    He chuckled as they made their way to the entrance, where his mother, Victoria, stood alongside Lyra Blackwood. She looked like the female version of their father, with flowing blue hair and the same light green eyes.


    The younger woman turned to him with a smile, ''''Evening, little brother. I''m glad you''re coming with me. You can chase off all the noble boys when they become bothersome.''''


    Raegar chuckled before nodding, ''''Yes. Mother wants me to learn how to interact with people and she thinks this will be the best way.''''


    Lyra nodded in agreement as she explained, ''''She did the same with Isabelle and Jasper before they left.''''


    After talking for a while, his sister walked over to their mother, who was in conversation with the guards assigned to escort them to the gathering. Raegar, meanwhile, settled into a nearby chair, pulling out one of his books to pass the time as he waited.


    He started reading about dungeons, which interested him, as they worked a lot like the games he played back on Earth. They had ranks, different monsters, treasure, and bosses causing excitement to well up inside him.


    Raegar soon discovered that the Drakenwood Magic Academy in the west, which boasted dozens of dungeons, available for students to explore during their spare time or used for occasional tests held by professors.


    The other academies also had dungeons, but they focused more on studying and academic assessments. Drakenwood, however, offered a unique balance, incorporating practical experience alongside theoretical learning.


    Despite its appeal, Raegar knew it was the lowest-ranked among the four major magic schools in the Dawnfire Empire, often overshadowed by the more prestigious institutions. Yet, it was this very combination of theory and hands-on learning that drew him in.


    While sitting there, his mother''s voice reached his ears, ''''Come on, darling! The carriage is waiting.''''


    Raegar closed the book with a soft snap, tucking it under his arm before following the two women. Though he often attended noble gatherings, his quiet nature ensured he didn''t get much attention like his brother Jasper, a fact that didn''t bother him in the slightest.


    His thoughts drifted to something far more intriguing. He had recently discovered that he could feel Aether in the air, its power just out of reach thanks to not having his pool. It was a discovery that stirred something deep within him.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 5: Vapour, Mist And Fog

    Another year passed by and Raegar was training hard with Commander Rodric and his father while studying in the library in his free time. He also found out that he can pull in small amounts of Aether, which excited him.


    It was a hot summer''s day, and he was sitting at the back of the garden while meditating after he was finished reading. He was now fourteen and only had a few months until he could finally take the Aether test.


    ''I can wait to find out what element I''ll get and how big my pool will be,'' he mused while coming out of his meditation when hearing a noise coming from nearby.


    Raegar opened his eyes to find Yuki standing before him, her expression serious yet graceful. At twenty-four, she had blossomed into her full beauty, her long pink hair tied back in a ponytail, and her glowing blue eyes sparkling in the morning sunlight.


    ''''Why do you look so serious, Yuki? Can''t you smile once in a while?'''' he teased while standing up.


    The cat woman turned in his direction with a beautiful one, which caught him off guard, causing her to giggle. ''''It seems the young master loves this maid''s smile.''''


    Raegar chuckled, ''''You''re right, but that doesn''t mean you can stand there like one of father''s guards. They''re like statues when on duty.''''


    When the young woman heard this she shook her head, ''''Young master, they do not want to fight you anymore. The master and Sir Rodric shouldn''t have trained you, because half of them plead for me to talk to you out of it,'''' she said with an amused smile.


    He looked at the pink-haired maid with narrowed red eyes before quickly denying her allegations. ''''I do not hurt them, Yuki. Now you''re acting like my mother.''''


    She started laughing. ''''It''s true though, young master. You beat them up too much even though you''re half their age. No wonder Master Vaelthorne wants you to come to his estate.''''


    ''''The journey west? I forgot about that,'''' he replied with a sigh.


    Yuki shook her head before revealing, ''''I''ve packed plenty of books and the Aether Chronicles. It will help you learn more about magic and Aether control.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his smile grew wide as he suddenly hugged the cat woman, causing her cheeks to turn red. Following that, they returned to the manor''s entrance, where they were met by Victoria and Saki, who smiled as the two entered.


    The women started gossiping, causing Yuki''s cheeks to grow redder. He ignored this before greeting them, ''''Hey mother, Saki. When do we leave for grandfathers?''''


    ''''Soon, we are just waiting for Isabella to join us,'''' his mother answered with a sweet smile. ''''She should be here anytime now.''''


    Raegar nodded to himself, his curiosity piqued. He reached for a book among his things and sat down, flipping it open. The cover caught his eye. ''''High Level Spells and Aether Collection Methods.''''


    His lips curved into a small smile as he muttered. ''''This must be the new one Father brought back from the city.''''


    He began skimming the pages, intrigued by the techniques within. His hand reached for another book, drawn by the title ''''Basics for Learning How to Master Dual Wielding.''''


    Raegar raised an eyebrow, his enthusiasm shifting to something that interested him as well as magic. ''Now this...'' he thought with a grin. ''This could be just what I need.''


    With that, he began studying sword techniques, determined to expand on the lessons his father had taught him when he was eight. Raegar immersed himself in the material, eventually turning to the first book.


    He opened the book and began reading so quickly that it left his mother, Saki, and Yuki in surprise, though the younger maid couldn''t help but giggle. Victoria cast a glance at the pink-haired girl and asked, ''''Why is he always buried in books? Doesn''t he sneak out to meet the girls in the city?''''


    Yuki shook her head. ''''No, my lady. But, I must admit, I have noticed him watching me from time to time, and now he''s started to flirt with me.''''


    When the white-haired countess heard this, she got excited. ''''So he likes older women than? Should I take him to noble meetings? It may help him learn how to interact with people.


    ''''That is a good idea my lady,'''' Saki commented with a warm smile. ''''He will go to one of the magic academies like you and the master did at sixteen when he finally turns into a man.''''


    Victoria smiled before turning to Yuki, who was busy looking at Raegar with a knowing expression, ''''And it seems a certain cat maid likes a handsome younger man.''''


    Raegar was busy with reading, oblivious to the conversation unfolding between the three women. Had he been paying attention, he would have certainly listened in, but a spell named Fractured Pulse caught his attention.


    Eagerly, he read through the description and gulped. [The Mage channels raw Aether through their body, causing their veins to glow with energy. This surge enhances their muscles, tendons, and bones, granting them extraordinary speed, strength, and endurance. The Mage can land rapid strikes and deliver powerful blows, though the toll on their body is considerable]


    ''Oh wow, this spell is so cool!'' he internally celebrated.


    Raegar absorbed the knowledge and saved it for when he unlocked his Aether Pool. Not long after that, his mother appeared with a smile, ''''Time to go darling, grandfather is waiting for us.''''


    He looked up from the text, giving a quiet nod before rising to follow the group out of the manor now that his sister arrived. As they made their way to his father''s carriage, Raegar noticed a dozen soldiers standing at attention.


    These soldiers would be protecting them on their journey on the Kings Way, a road that stretched across the empire and toward the lands of the Vaelthorne Family. Raegar stepped into the carriage and sat next to Yuki while he continued to read.


    They pulled out of the manor as his mother spoke. ''''If weather permits it, we will reach Father''s manor in eight hours.''''


    ''''Why does grandfather want to see me? I''m needed in the capital, so I''ll head there after,'''' Isabella questioned in an icy tone.


    He looked up just as Victoria answered, ''''I don''t know sweetheart, he just asked to see you and Raegar. There will be a carriage there to take you back to the academy.''''


    ''''Thank you, Mother,'''' the white-haired young woman replied before she noticed he was looking at her.


    ''''Bel, do you know the spell Fractured Pulse?'''' Raegar suddenly asked his older sister with excitement as he read more about it.


    Isabella looked at him with narrowed eyes before answering in an annoyed tone. ''''Don''t call me that. But yes, I''ve heard of it. It''s an Enhancement spell that boosts your power at the cost of being fatigued afterward. Only Tier Three Mages at the Fog level can use it. The Aether consumption will damage a weaker person like yourself.''''


    ''''Is it because of the smaller Aether Pools? I know the Mage Ranks equate to a mage''s overall power just like yours and fathers, which is massive compared to big brother Jasper?'''' he asked while ignoring her obvious annoyance.


    The young woman bristled, but she answered in a firm voice when their mother gave her a pointed look. ''''Yes, you''re correct. If someone weak tried to use that spell, it could permanently damage their magic pools, causing them to become unstable.''''


    She paused, glancing briefly at the others before adding, ''''It''s not a spell to be taken lightly.''''


    Raegar nodded in response, then fell silent as he sensed the shift in his sister''s demeanor. Her annoyance was obvious. He didn''t fully understand the cause of it; he decided not to press the matter.


    Instead, he turned his attention back to the book in his hands, his focus shifting to the Aether Ranks section. He memorized the details, knowing that understanding the different levels of Aether would be invaluable to him in the future.


    Raegar sat back in the carriage, the rhythmic sound of the wheels turning against the road lulling him into a thoughtful state. As he flicked through the pages of his book, his mind focused on the four main Aether Tiers that would shape his journey in the coming years: Tier one to four.


    ''These are crucial,'' he mused, ''Determining not only someone''s power but also the size of their Aether Pool.''


    His fingers paused as he reached a section detailing the levels an Aether Mage must pass through before getting to the next tier. ''If I remember correctly,'' he thought, ''They are Vapour, Mist, and Fog.''


    Raegar frowned slightly as the carriage jolted over a bump as he continued to ponder, ''Each of these levels is a milestone... Vapour for beginners, Mist for those with some control, and Fog for those that are close to reaching the next tier.''


    He closed the book and started looking out the window, only to see farms and other dwellings that belong in a fantasy world.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 6: Your Older Girlfriend

    Raegar was enjoying the landscape, as he still couldn''t believe he had found himself in a fantasy world. While admiring that, his mother, Isabella and Yuki, were chatting about mundane stuff.


    He sat there distracted when he spotted a town in the distance, a branching road leading away from the one they traveled. As he gazed at it, memories from the many books he read surfaced.


    This was Emberfield, one of the farming settlements near Blackwood Manor. Following that, the journey was peaceful as the hills changed to grassland that stretched in all directions. Raegar loved this world as it was something new and he could explore it when he was older.


    ''I can''t wait to join Drakenwood and conquer their dungeons,'' he pondered as his red eyes glowed. ''That should help me improve my skill and Aether Pool.''


    After that thought, Raegar retrieved the Aether Chronicles, a guide he had started recently. He flipped through its pages until he found a section that caught his interest. As he read, he discovered something intriguing.


    Using Aether in the form of magic would increase both its size and storage capacity. The concept fascinated him; the possibilities were running wild in his mind. However, his enthusiasm died out, and boredom soon set in.


    Closing the book, he turned his attention to the world outside once again. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting the landscape in hues of orange and gold. Raegar noticed they were coming to a halt near the edge of a peaceful lake.


    ''''It''s time to camp for the night as we left home late and the sun will go down,'''' his mother said to everyone, causing Yuki and Saki to step out of the carriage.


    The cat girl held the door open for them and he smiled at the beautiful maid, which caused the young woman''s cheeks to turn red. Following that, the Blackwood guards started setting up the tents.


    Raegar wandered around while taking in the surroundings. ''This place looks good to stay, but something is giving me a bad feeling,'' he mused.


    Nothing unusual occurred, allowing him to relax as he made his way toward his tent. Upon entering, he found his mother arranging his bunk, while Isabella worked alongside Saki, who was assisting her with a few tasks.


    Raegar remained silent, his gaze briefly lingering on the scene before he sat in the corner to be out of the way. Crossing his legs, he closed his eyes and meditated, his breathing steady as he focused on centering himself amidst the calm of the evening.


    Minutes into his meditation, Raegar sensed the Aether flowing through the air. It was subtle at first, but then it became vivid, elemental energies swirling around him like a quiet, invisible dance.


    Water and Earth were the most abundant, their presence steady and grounding, while Fire Aether flickered brightly, fueled by the campfires. As he focused, the energy seemed to take on form, appearing as tiny dust motes glimmering faintly in the dim light.


    ''This is what the book says Tier One Aether Mages can do when unlocking their pools,'' he mused while the sound of campfires crackled and soldiers'' laughs echoed through the night air.


    Raeger settled into his meditation, and within moments, he sensed the subtle currents of Aether surrounding him. The energy danced and shimmered in the air, captivating him entirely.


    He quickly noticed that the elements of Earth and Water were common, their presence dominating. Fire, Light, and Dark flickered in the mix, but their energies were far less prominent.


    ''Must be because of all the water and earth in the surroundings,'' he thought, piecing together the natural balance of the environment.


    Following this, his mother handed him a plate of food with a smile, ''''Eat up darling, we''ll be at grandfather''s estate by tomorrow afternoon,'''' she revealed.


    Raegar nodded before asking while looking around, ''''Thanks mother, where''s Yuki?''''


    Victoria''s smile shifted into a playful grin as she teased, ''''She''s in her tent. I see you miss your older girlfriend.''''


    His cheeks flushed a deep red, surprised by the sudden remark. He had only ever been around his mother, Yuki, her mother, and the other staff at home, none of whom had ever made him feel this kind of awkwardness.


    ''''Everyone knows you like each other and she is a wonderful woman, son,'''' she said while sitting down and teased him with a grin. ''''Your father and I expect you too bring home a few girlfriends in the future. Like I said before, I want many grandbabies to spoil.''''


    Raegar''s face turned even redder at their laughter. Without a word, he hurried out of the tent, leaving Victoria and Saki''s giggles behind. He made his way to the adjacent tent, where Yuki was cleaning up.


    As he approached, her sparkling blue eyes met his, and for the first time, he truly noticed just how beautiful she was. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought before speaking. ''''Can I join you? Mother won''t let me read in peace with her teasing.''''


    The cat woman nodded with a big smile, ''''Come in young master, make yourself comfortable.''''


    Raegar slumped down and relax the meat, which was delicious. He offered some to Yuki, but she politely declined, ''''No thank you, young master. I''ve already eaten while you were busy reading.''''


    Following that, the two of them sat in silence only for him to notice she was reading a romance novel like most twenty-four-year-olds do. He found it baffling because he knew love was a strange concept.


    ''My parents didn''t love each other back on Earth and were in a loveless,'' he pondered. ''But my new ones do and it''s obvious.''


    After finishing his dinner, Raegar placed the plate aside and settled into meditation once more, tuning into the currents of Aether that flowed around him. Hours passed in peaceful concentration until a gentle nudge brought him back to reality.


    Yuki''s sweet voice reached him as she spoke. ''''Do you want to join me for the night, young master? The weather''s worsened, and you''ll get wet if you return to your tent.''''


    Raegar looked into her big blue eyes that were hopeful and nodded, ''''Yes, I will in a minute.''''


    The pink-haired maid nodded with a beaming smile, ''''Okay young master,'''' she before climbing into her bunk.


    He watched as Yuki settled in, her excitement barely concealed by the effort to mask it. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and mischief. Raegar couldn''t help but smile to himself.


    ''What''s the point of being scared of her? We''ve grown up together, and she is comfortable around me,'' he thought, the familiarity between them making the situation feel more comfortable than awkward.


    Raegar got up only to have pins and needles, which made him yelp, causing Yuki to look at him with a strange expression as he shook his feet. When the maid realized what he was doing, she giggle.


    ''''Are the cave goblin tickling your feet?'''' she questioned with a giggle.


    He looked at her with a confused expression as he answered, ''''They have gone fuzzy and it''s annoying.''''


    Yuki nodded with a playful smile. ''''That''s what I meant. Now come join me, young master. It''s getting colder,'''' she said, lifting the cover.


    Raegar hesitated, taking slow steps toward her, causing the cat woman to smile mischievously. ''''I won''t bite,'''' she teased, ''''Unless that''s something you like to try young master.''''


    He stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes at her. ''''No biting, Yuki! You already got my ear that time and made me jump.''''


    Her laughter only grew louder as she nodded, still amused. ''''As you wish, young master. Now get in, or you''re sleeping on the floor.''''


    Raegar, heeding her playful warning, climbed into the bunk. Almost immediately, Yuki wrapped her arms around him from behind, her chest pressing softly against his back, which made him feel weird.


    It was something he had never experienced, but the warmth and comfort of her embrace soon made him feel groggy. As she gently ran her fingers through his snow-white hair, the rhythmic motion lulled him into a deep, peaceful sleep.


    Sometime later, explosions woke Raegar up, causing him to jump out of bed just as someone grabbed him. He panicked, but Yuki''s quiet voice reached his ears. ''''We''re under attack, young master. I need to get you to safety.''''


    Following that, they left the tent as the Blackwood soldiers were fighting dozens of bandits. He looked around as some of them dying, but their killers were burned to a crisp when his mother and Isabella cast a fire spell into the group.


    Raegar''s eyes locked onto the approaching bandits, their figures charging toward the cat main. In an instant, she drew two daggers, blocking the first attacker''s strike with practice, before plunging one into the second assailant.


    But before Yuki could recover, a third bandit unleashed a devastating wind spell. The blast sent her crashing through the air, her body slamming into the ground with a sickening thud as she yelped in pain.


    His heart surged with fury as he watched his mother and Saki rush to her side, but his rage only intensified when the bandits struck Victoria. The blow sent her crumpling to the ground, dropping with a painful thud.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 7: Fractured Pulse

    But it was too late for Raegar, as the anger within him had already ignited. ''How dare they!'' he thought, his rage boiling over. In that moment, something ancient stirred deep within him, a power awakening that would change everything.


    His arms gave off a red and yellow glow just as the same voice he heard once before spoke in a caring but firm tone, ''It''s early, but the time is right for you to awaken. Go forward ***** **** and show the world your power.''


    Raegar was confused, but something told him he could use magic and without waiting, he cast a spell he created months ago, ''Stormfire Bullet.''


    A reddish-yellow sphere, slightly larger than a shotgun shell, materialized in his palm. The sheer size of it took him by surprise. There was no time as fatigue began creeping in, but he ignored it while sending another bullet toward the bandit, closing in on Saki.


    The moment it struck, the surrounding air shimmered with heat as the bullet punched a hole straight through the man''s chest. Raegar didn''t wait while thinking, ''I need to keep going. Yuki and mom will get hurt if I don''t and I can''t let that happen.''


    He fired again, and again, Stormfire Bullets tearing through the air like deadly meteors. One by one, bandits who had attacked them fell before him, their bodies left smoldering in his wake.


    ''I feel weak and it''s getting worse,'' he thought while throwing up.


    Pain tore through Raegar''s body, a searing agony that made him cry out, but he ignored it and continued casting spells. Ten minutes later, his legs wobbled. He tried to brace himself against a nearby carriage.


    But even his arms betrayed him. He collapsed to the ground, his breathing ragged as his vision blurred and his head spun violently while sweat poured down his face and his hands trembled.


    Sitting there, he started thinking. ''I may have messed up,'' he mused grimly, feeling his strength slip further away.


    ''It was too early to awaken my magic.'' Darkness crept in at the edges of his sight, and he could only hope the battle was truly over before he lost consciousness.


    When the Blackwood guards saw the results of Raegar''s sudden attack, they rallied and charged, cutting down the remaining bandits. Dozens of enemies dropped dead, their numbers decimated as he tried to stay awake, but it was hard.


    ''''Young master! Hold on,'''' all he heard was Yuki''s panicked shouting, but her voice seemed faraway.


    Raegar had burned out and injured himself thanks to unlocking his Aether Pool a year early, which was unheard of. Seconds later, his eyes flickered open, a surge of dread coursed through him.


    The bandit leader was charging toward Yuki, his blade raised for a killing blow, while she was unaware of the danger she was in. His breath caught, his voice failed him, and despair clawed at his chest.


    ''I''m not losing her,'' he thought.


    Gritting his teeth, Raegar stood up just as pain surged through his entire being and tore at his very soul. He forced himself to his feet, drawing on strength he didn''t know he had, but appeared in his time of need as Aether supported his body.


    Without wasting a second, the world blurred as he surged forward, moving with such speed that he became little more than a blur. The bandit leader''s blade descended toward the cat woman, but he was faster.


    His fist ignited with a brilliant yellow glow, a pulse of raw power that bathed his surroundings in blinding light. Gasps echoed as heads turned, the sheer intensity of the Aether crackling in the air, freezing everyone in place.


    ''''You shall not touch her!'''' Raegar roared, his voice thundering like a storm as his fist collided with the bandit''s jaw, ''''Fractured Pulse!''''


    The impact was cataclysmic. In an instant, the spell unleashed its fury, a dazzling explosion of Lightning, Earth, Fire and Water Aether that collided in a violent dance. The ground trembled, arcs of electricity shattered the air.


    A torrential surge of water and debris obliterated the bandit leader without the man standing a chance. When the dust settled, Raegar stood swaying for a heartbeat, his body trembling from the overwhelming strain.


    Then, like a puppet with its strings cut, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious, his Aether utterly spent and his body damaged.


    ***


    (Minutes before Raegar collapsed)


    Pain radiated through Victoria''s body, but she gritted her teeth and stood up. She had to get to her son. Yet as her eyes locked onto him, what she saw left her stunned. Raegar stood at the center of the battlefield.


    ''''My baby can use magic?'''' she muttered as worry overwhelmed her.


    His hands glowed, casting light across the chaos. Spell after spell erupted from him, each one tearing through the ranks of the bandits with devastating precision. ''His arms are glowing,'' Victoria thought in disbelief.


    The Aether swirling around him crackled, but to her it was unbelievable as no one unlocks their magic before they were fifteen. ''It looks like Fire and Lightning magic fused together... but that''s impossible. No one can wield two elements like that, not since the last Grandmaster died many years ago.''


    Her heart raced as Victoria tried to accept what she was seeing. Raegar, her son, who had never trained in battle magic, was wielding a power that defied every rule the world knew and was killing bandits like a trained Aether Mage.


    It seemed like forever passed as she watched her son fight any enemies he came across before collapsing because of exhaustion, which made her sigh as the Blackwood guards killed the last attacker.


    They began tending to the injured, but Victoria''s attention snapped to the leader, who suddenly leaped to his feet. At the same moment, Yuki dashed toward her young master. The man raised his sword, aiming a fierce strike at the cat woman.


    But what happened next would change the course of her son''s life. Her son glowed even more intensely, a brilliant aura engulfing him as the world''s Aether surged into his body like a tidal wave.


    Then, with a burst of unimaginable speed, he dashed forward so fast that her eyes struggled to follow. Victoria didn''t need to see where he was heading, she knew. He was going for the leader to protect Yuki.


    In the blink of an eye, he appeared before the bandit, his figure radiating raw power. Then Raegar spoke words that made her heart plummet, as everyone knew the consequences of using such magic. ''''You shall not touch her! Fractured Pulse''''


    She stood frozen, breath caught in her throat as his fist connect with the bandit leader. Time seemed to slow. For a single heartbeat, there was silence, a fragile, deafening stillness before the storm.


    Then the world exploded. A shockwave of golden light burst outward, blinding and all-consuming. Lightning arced through the air, searing the ground in jagged streaks, while shards of stone and water surged together in a devastating cascade.


    The force roared like thunder, a primal blast that shook the earth and sent the dead bandit leader hurtling backward. They watched as Raegar stood still before falling down while out cold, which made her heart drop.


    Following that, panic erupted as the guards hauled the injured onto the carriages, but Victoria stepped forward and ordered. ''''Get my son to the carriage now! We must reach Duke Vaelthorne''s estate immediately!''''


    ''''Mistress! The young master is dying! We have to move now!'''' Yuki cried, her words quivering with desperation.


    When Victoria heard those words, her world seemed to shatter around her. But she refused to let despair consume her. Her voice, steady, cut through the panic that reassured the young cat woman.


    ''''No, he cannot die here,'''' she said with determination. ''''I''ll take him to my mother. She''s one of the finest healers I know.''''


    Without hesitation, she stepped forward and scooped Raegar into her arms. His body was limp, his light fading, but she held him close as if her will alone could keep him tethered to life.


    Saki''s voice trembled. ''''Mistress, are you going to use that spell? It''s dangerous and you haven''t used it since the academy days,'''' she asked, worry etched into her face.


    Victoria''s eyes hardened, a fierce glint sparking within them. ''''I will do whatever it takes,'''' she replied.


    She then looked at her eldest daughter Isabella and instructed, ''''Get the caravan to grandfathers Bel. I need to get there as soon as possible so your grandmother can treat Raegar.''''


    Victoria watched as a flicker of concern appeared in the young woman''s eyes before she nodded without saying a word. Following that, she started chanting, causing fire to appear below her feet.


    Without wasting time, she soared into the sky as a burst of fire to trail behind her while flying west.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 8: Bone Dry

    A short time later, Victoria spotted her parents'' estate on the horizon. With a surge of determination, she poured the last of her Aether into the spell, propelling herself forward with explosive speed.


    Seconds later, she crashed into the Vaelthorne''s garden, causing all hell to break loose. Guards rushed in from every direction and aimed their weapons at her, but froze when her father appeared, Duke Griffin Vaelthorne, a man with a fearsome reputation.


    His expression changed to shock as they fell upon his daughter. ''''Sunflower! What is the meaning of this!'''' he exclaimed, but soon went wide eyed when he saw Raegar in her arms.


    ''''Elysia! Get out here now, our grandson needs you!'''' The Duke''s voice boomed across the garden when he realized the situation and called for his wife.


    Seconds later, a powerful boom echoed through the air. Victoria''s eyes widened as she saw her mother emerge above the manor, her figure unmistakable as she moved toward them with purpose.


    Her father knelt beside the dying Raegar, placing a steady hand on his chest, his expression tense as he focused on the fallen figure before him. Griffin''s eyebrows rose in shock as his face paled at the condition his grandson was in.


    ''This is serious. Aether overload is tearing his body apart,'' he thought.


    After that, he got angry and asked in a low voice that scared her, ''''What happened? Why is his body breaking down like this?''''


    ''''We were on our way here, camping along the Kingsway,'''' she started, her voice growing gentle as she gazed at her son. ''''That''s when the bandits attacked. Amid the chaos, he began to glow with Aether, and before we knew it, he was casting spells that destroyed everything they touched.''''


    When Griffin heard this, his eyebrow rose just as Elysia arrived and took Raeger before scanning him. Victoria looked worried as she questioned, ''''Can you heal him, mother?''''


    The mature woman concentrated as her energy washed over his body before her eyes opened only to reveal, ''''We need to talk in private, but I can heal him, but it will take a great deal of Aether.''''


    Following that, Elysia took Raegar while speaking, ''''Come to the workshop, Vic, and husband, bring me some Aether Fruit please.''''


    ''''What type?'''' Griffin asked.


    ''''All of them, bring as many as you can,'''' her mother replied. ''''You won''t believe it.''''


    Afterward, they rushed off with Victoria peppering Elysia for answers, but the older woman shut her down, ''''Just wait, daughter!''''


    Minutes later, the trio arrived at a workshop where her mother put Raegar on a bench as Griffin rushed out of the room to get the Aether Fruit. Once he was gone, Elysia turned to her and revealed, ''''He''s a Tetraarch, my daughter. A Mage who can use all eight elements, which is amazing but dangerous.''''


    When Victoria heard this, her eyes widened as her brain shut down. ''''A Tetraarch? How is that impossible? The last one died hundreds of years ago in the Great War,'''' she exclaimed.


    Her mother nodded in agreement, ''''I would usually agree with you Vic, but scan his inner world,'''' she said while motioning to the sleeping boy.


    Victoria approached Raegar, her movements calm yet deliberate, and gently placed her hand over his chest. Closing her eyes, she channeled her Aether into him, feeling the energy flow throughout his body.


    What she saw was beyond anything she had ever expected, numerous pools of power, each swirling around a larger, unfamiliar one at the center. The sight was alien to her, something she had never encountered in all her studies.


    As the vision faded, Victoria emerged from the haze, her voice tinged with awe. ''''I''ve never seen that before. Not even in the old history books.''''


    ''''You''re wrong daughter,'''' Elysia said while staring at Raegar with a curious glint in her eyes, ''''There''s one legend, well, more of an old myth.''''


    Victoria glanced at her mother, her brow furrowed as the older woman recalled the distant memory. ''''If I remember correctly,'''' she continued, her voice thoughtful, ''''My grandma once mentioned a being who was adored by the world''s mana and commanded the elements like no other.''''


    ''''And you think Raegar is this being?'''' she asked the older woman.


    Elysia shrugged, her expression serious as she cautioned, ''''When the boy attends the academy, he must only use three elements at most, or things could go wrong. Even that could cause problems.''''


    Victoria''s brow furrowed in confusion at her mother''s words. Sensing her daughter''s confusion, the older woman quickly added, ''''If the other Dukes and Duchesses learn of him, they''ll try to bind him to their families, or worse, some might attempt to enslave him. His power would make him a target.''''


    ''Oh no they won''t,'' she thought as her motherly instincts kicked in while exclaiming with a dangerous expression, ''''I won''t allow anyone to touch him.''''


    Elysia grinned before revealing, ''''Your father and Alaric would cause chaos across the empire but that won''t stop the nobles'' schemes.''''


    Victoria nodded just as Griffin entered the workshop with a massive basket of fruits, which he put down while speaking. ''''What''s going on? When will you heal him, love?''''


    ''''Bring me a Lightning and Fire Fruit,'''' the older woman replied.


    She watched as her father pulled out two small objects and handed them to Elysia, who revealed what she knew. ''''Griff, our grandson is a Tetraarch Mage.''''


    Victoria watched the big man go white as he stammered, but noticed a glint in the old man''s eyes as he exclaimed, ''''He''s going to be a monster. We need to protect him from those greedy nobles and those who would harm him.''''


    ''''Put your contacts to good use, darling. When he takes the Aether test, we can lie and tell people he''s a Triarch Mage instead,'''' Elysia instructed her husband and daughter. ''''We also have to be careful with the De Vilmont, that Mariah is a sly fox.''''


    The older woman pressed a fruit in her hands, crushing it over Raegar''s mouth, allowing the juice to flow into him. She repeated the process, her movements purposeful. Victoria, unable to understand, watched her mother in confusion before finally asking, ''''What''s going on? Why are you doing that, Mother?''''


    ''''He needs Aether in every part of his body. I can sense that his pools are bone dry and cracking, which will destroy his internal organs,'''' Elysia answered with a focused expression. ''''And I''ve been pouring energy into him to heal the wounds.''''


    When Victoria heard this, her eyes widened, but a small smile appeared as she muttered, ''''Thank you for your help, mother.''''


    ''''Shhhh now, he''s my grandson and I have a feeling this one will come see us, unlike the others,'''' the older woman replied in a cheerful voice.


    Victoria and Griffin sat quietly, watching as Elysia continued to heal Raegar. Slowly, they could see his body mending, wounds closing, and his breathing stabilizing. However, it was obvious the older woman was growing increasingly exhausted.


    Despite the visible strain, she pushed forward, her focus unwavering as she ignored her fatigue and continued to pour her energy into healing him. While doing this, Victoria looked at her son with a newfound respect.


    ''What could a soul like that be capable of?'' she thought in amazement while sensing the life returning to Raegar just like the mythical phoenix.


    ''''We better pray he doesn''t turn against us or the empire, daughter,'''' her father warned, his voice heavy with concern. ''''It would be the doom of Kaldorra.''''


    He paused for a moment, his gaze distant, as if contemplating the weight of his words. ''''But I believe his soul is too strong for that.''''


    ***


    While unconscious, Raegar was dreaming about his previous life and he didn''t miss it, as he had a new life to live. Once he came to, pain shot through his body but soon felt Aether flowing into him.


    ''What''s going on?'' he mused with a groggy mind. ''I remember killing those bandits, but after that, nothing.''


    Minutes later, Raegar''s eyes fluttered open as he regained his strength. He saw a window that showed him a beautiful garden, shrouded in darkness, with a landscape stretching endlessly in every direction.


    The stillness of the scene only seemed to heighten the confusion in his mind. He groaned softly as he attempted to sit up, but the intense pain coursing through his body made him tremble.


    ''Shit, this hurts so bad,'' he thought, clenching his teeth as the sharp pain sent waves of discomfort through him.


    As Raegar sat there, he felt the Aether coursing through his body, gradually mending the last of his injuries. The pain slowly receded, and ten minutes later, he felt much better. His senses sharpened, and he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.


    His gaze landed on a basket filled with strange-looking fruit. ''What are they?'' he mused, curiosity getting the better of him.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 9: A Newborn Fawn

    Slowly, Raegar made his way over to the basket, intrigued by the food in front of him. He picked one up, turning it over in his hands. It was brown and about the size of a golf ball, which only deepened his confusion.


    ''What kind of fruit is this? I''m guessing some kind of fantasy fruit,'' he thought, still uncertain about what to make of it.


    Raegar continued to examine the fruit, his fingers tracing its smooth surface as he marveled at its unusual appearance. As he brought it closer, an earthy aroma reached his nose, catching him off guard, and causing him to think, ''Why does it smell like dirt?''


    With a shrug, he inhaled deeply, and to his surprise, the scent was rich, almost as if the very essence of the earth itself had been captured within the fruit. It was unlike anything he had ever smelled before.


    But then, as he focused on the fruit, he sensed something unusual, a flow of Earth Aether coming from it. The sensation was unlike anything he had experienced before. It was a deep, stabilizing force that made him feel more grounded.


    ''Are these Aether Fruits of some kind?'' he mused after thinking about it for a while.


    Raegar took a bite of the strange fruit. The moment his teeth sank into it, a surge of sensations overwhelmed him. It felt as if minerals flooded his body, the deep essence of the earth filling him.


    The Aether rushed through his body as the taste of metal and rocks filled his mouth, but it wasn''t horrible. ''''That was strange, but I didn''t dislike it,'''' he muttered before closing his eyes to focus on the energy inside him, only to get another shock.


    Seconds later, he was floating inside a dreamlike world where nine pools sat quietly and the atmosphere gave off a calming effect. They reminded him of small containers the size of a soccer ball, but glowing liquid slowly dripped into them.


    Each one glowed a different color that was the distinct element for Aether. Then there was the biggest one in the center, circled by the others, causing him to think, ''Are these my Aether Pools? Why are there so many and what is this big one for?''


    He immediately noticed three distinct types of Aether converging, each flowing with rhythm and color. As it gathered, the pool slowly filled. Intrigued, he focused, watching with growing curiosity as the yellow energy finally spilled over into one of the smaller pools nearby.


    ''It left some Aether in the bigger pool, but not much?'' he pondered when seeing this.


    After checking that out, he returned to the real world with a lot of questions just as the door suddenly flew open, slamming against the wall. A large, imposing man stepped inside. He halted abruptly when his eyes met Raegar''s.


    For a moment, the two stared at each other in tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken recognition. Despite the years and the unfamiliar setting, Raegar recognized the newcomer as his grandfather, Griffin Vaelthorne.


    They had met when he was much younger, along with his grandmother, and even now, the older man carried an unmistakable presence that reminded him of a lion. The man had a mane of thick, fluffy white hair framing his strong features, and his piercing red eyes mirrored Raegar''s own.


    The only difference was Griffin''s sheer size. He towered over six feet tall, his frame massive and powerful, like a seasoned warrior carved from stone. ''''Looks like my little grandson has finally woke up,'''' the big man said while closing the door behind him and sitting down in a nearby chair.


    ''''Everyone else is asleep,'''' he concluded.


    Raegar gave a brief nod before retreating into his inner world, his focus drawn to the Lightning and Fire pools swirling with energy. A spark of excitement lit within him, and he attempted to cast Stormfire Bullet.


    The moment he tried, a sharp, excruciating pain tore through his body, which made his world go white for a second, forcing a yelp from his lips while thinking, ''What''s going on? This hurts so much.''


    Before he could recover from the sudden pain that threatened to knock him out, a heavy smack landed on the back of his head, which sent his world spinning while bringing him out of the brain fog by the old man''s gruff voice.


    ''''Stupid boy! Don''t even think about using magic right now,'''' Griffin scolded, his tone a mix of frustration and concern. ''''Your pools or body hasn''t healed yet. You need to fully recover before attempting any of that foolishness again.''''


    Raegar gave his grandfather a dirty look while rubbing his head, ''''Why hit me, old man? I was only testing my magic.''''


    Griffin chuckled, ''''The more you try to use it, the worse it will be in the long run. Rest for now and you''ll heal in no time,'''' he said.


    ''''Okay, why are there all different Aether Pools? I remember reading that the most anyone can have is three and they''re known as Triarch Mages, but I have nine,'''' he asked his grandfather.


    The older man stroked his blonde beard thoughtfully before responding. ''''You''re right,'''' he said, ''''But there''s something beyond that, the legends would call you a Tetraarch Mage.''''


    He paused, his piercing red eyes locking onto his. ''''Tetraarch Mages are rare, boy. Their power is unmatched, but there hasn''t been one in generations. All I remember is that magic flows through them like second nature,'''' Griffin said, a note of pride and curiosity in his voice.


    Raegar hesitated, unsure how to respond, before changing the subject. ''''If I remember correctly,'''' he began, ''''It''s going to take me a lot longer than the average student to get to higher tiers, or even level up since I have to progress with all eight elements individually.''''


    Griffin sighed but nodded to confirm the news. ''''Unfortunately, yes, but it''s not all bad news. When you reach the next tier, your power will far surpass that of others your age. You won''t just be strong, you''ll be in a league of your own.''''


    ''That sounds amazing, but I''m going to have to work hard,'' he thought with glowing red eyes.


    ''''I''ve decided that I will train you in hand-to-hand combat little one,'''' his grandfather suddenly commented.


    When Raegar heard this he was confused, causing him to ask, ''''I have two years before I start Drakenwood Academy. Will that be enough time to learn?''''


    ''Hopefully, I can start using magic before the Aether Test when I turn fifteen,'' he pondered, as his grandfather was thinking to himself.


    Griffin stood up with a confused expression after a few minutes of musing to himself. ''''Yes. I can teach you a fair bit before classes start, but why would you choose to go there? Isn''t it the worst of the four academies in Dawnfire?''''


    ''''Yes, but they have dozens of dungeons that the students can explore if they''re strong enough and it goes toward the overall grades,'''' Raegar replied in an excited voice. ''''They also work on merit and not family status. After all, I come from a count''s family.''''


    His grandfather nodded while rubbing his beard. ''''Yes, that is a good way to think. The brats in the Dawnfire Academy look down on anything below a Duke. You could use my name, but I doubt you''re like that.''''


    Raegar chuckled when hearing that. A spark of determination appeared in his eyes as he pushed himself to his feet, though his legs trembled from weakness thanks to the damage his body received.


    ''''I don''t care about all that, old man,'''' he said, his voice steady. ''''I just want to learn how to use magic before the Enrollment Tests.''''


    Griffin raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ''''Ambitious, aren''t you?'''' he muttered, crossing his arms. ''''Well, if you''re that eager, we''d better start as soon as you''re able to stand without looking like a newborn fawn.''''


    Raegar laughed when hearing this before lying down again, as the pain was too much. Seconds after, an older woman with grey-white hair and big pink eyes appeared who looked like a mature version of his mother.


    ''''What are you two troublemakers up to?'''' she questioned in a tired voice.


    He watched his grandfather go stiff before turning to the woman with a worried expression, ''''I was just getting to know our grandson, my love, he''s a wonderful boy.''''


    ''This must be my grandmother Elysia Vaelthorne,'' he thought when seeing the mature woman staring at Griffin.


    ''''You didn''t say that when you smacked me,'''' Raegar said with a sly smirk that only his grandfather could see.


    When Elysia heard that, her eyes narrowed at the old man, who retorted with a shocked expression, ''''I mean yes I smacked him, but that was only because he tried to use his magic,'''' he explained.


    The white-haired woman narrowed her eyes, causing Raegar to chuckle but let out a startled yelp, ''''Why did you hit me?'''' he said while rubbing his head.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 10: You Little Gremlin

    ''''Don''t you go getting your grandfather into trouble, you little gremlin,'''' Elysia said with a playful giggle. ''''But hey, it''s good to see you up and causing chaos, sweetheart.''''


    Raegar chuckled before looking at his grandparents and could feel the love they had for him. He sighed while rubbing his head. ''''Sorry, I didn''t know it would hurt. I was confused when waking up.''''


    When Griffin heard this, he felt guilty, but Elysia stepped forward and suddenly hugged him before playing with his snow-white hair. ''''I was so worried after laying my eyes on you. Your body was breaking down from the inside out.''''


    He stiffened at her words, but his grandmother gave him a reassuring smile as she continued, ''''No need to worry, sweetheart. I healed you as much as I could before running out of Aether. You''re lucky I''m not charging you for it!''''


    Raegar laughed as a memory from his childhood popped up when seeing that smile as he instantly recognized it.


    ***


    ''''Little one! Come see your grandmother!'''' his mother, Victoria, called from the backdoor, her voice warm and full of affection.


    Raegar, however, sat fully immersed in his own little world in the garden, surrounded by the Aether toys his father had bought him. He was utterly unbothered by his mother''s call, too enthralled with one that resembled a wobbly slime.


    ''''Slum... Slim... Slime!'''' he tried to speak until getting it right.


    He holding up the toy like it was the greatest discovery of his new life. Victoria crossed her arms with a smirk. ''''I see where I rank compared to a blob of goo!''''


    ''''Goo!'''' he repeated her words, which shocked himself as it was the only one he got right on the first attempt.


    His mother giggled softly, but her amusement faded as a stranger appeared in the garden. Raegar froze, clutching his slime toy tightly. She looked a lot like his mother, but something about her was different.


    ''She''s powerful. The surrounding air seems to move around her like an unknown force was controlling it,'' he thought while staring at the newcomer.


    It felt like a monster was gazing at him until it vanished, which confused him even more. The woman smiled warmly, shooing Victoria away with a wave of her hand before settling down beside him.


    Without hesitation, she scooped him up and placed him in her lap, her gentle demeanor easing his nerves. ''''No need to be nervous, sweetheart,'''' she said, her voice soothing. ''''I''m your grandmother, but you can call me Nana if you like. Can you say that? Nana?"


    ''''Na...Na,'''' Raegar attempted, his tiny voice struggling to form the word, but it just wouldn''t come out right.


    She laughed, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. ''''Close enough, darling. We''ll work on it after your slime finishes its world conquest.''''


    ***


    ''''Nana,'''' Raegar said, which made Elysia go stiff.


    She pulled back with a big smile while speaking, ''''I see you remember the day where we helped your slime toy conquer the garden,''''


    He chuckled when hearing that. ''''It came to me when you smiled.''''


    ''''Seems like you take after the women of our family. You have Elysia''s beautiful smile,'''' Griffin commented, with a voice laced with jealousy.


    The grey-haired woman chuckled softly before sharing the news, her eyes twinkling with warmth. ''''You and your mother will re returning home in a few days. The healing is progressing even better than I expected.''''


    Raegar''s heart soared with surprise and excitement, but his grandfather''s commanding voice interrupted the moment. ''''You''ll train here until it''s time for you and your mother to leave. After that, I''ll fly over every evening to continue your lessons.''''


    Following that, Griffin said his goodbyes and went to bed, as Elysia stayed behind to heal him as much as possible. While sitting there, he finally realized the strange feeling emanating from her.


    ''''Grandmother, you''re above Tier Four, aren''t you?'''' Raegar asked. ''''I could feel a strange power around you when I was young, but now I know it''s your Aether.''''


    The older grey-haired woman looked at him and nodded. ''''Yes I am sweetheart, Tier Seven, to be exact.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened in shock, causing his grandmother to giggle while pouring more Aether into his body. This made the remaining pain subside, which made him sigh.


    ''''That feels a lot better. The sharp pains have gone,'''' he said with sweat running down his brow.


    Elysia stepped back looking tired herself as she spoke, ''''I''m going back to bed, I''ve run low on energy and need to recover.''''


    ''''You were using Water and Light Aether to heal me, correct?'''' Raegar questioned with a curious glint in his red eyes.


    The older woman smiled before nodding, ''''Yes, it''s a healing spell names Mermaid''s Touch. I learned it on one of my adventures many years ago.''''


    Raegar became fascinated but Elysia commented, ''''Get some rest sweetheart and ensure that you eat some of the Aether Fruits, they will help you recover.''''


    ''''Thank you, have a good rest,'''' he replied before getting comfortable on the bed.


    A while later, Raegar found himself restless and couldn''t fall asleep. He climbed out of bed and grabbed the basket of Aether Fruit. His legs felt unsteady as he made his way toward the room''s balcony.


    Sweat beaded on his skin, and he stepped outside, drawn by the soothing touch of a warm summer breeze, which cooled him as it brushed against his body. Following that, he grabbed a blanket before sitting outside.


    ''This is peaceful and the Aether in the air helps me relax,'' he mused while picking up a Water and Light Fruits.


    Raegar started eating and soon after that he felt the energy rush into his cores while filling up the two pools while leaving some in the center. He was still confused, but ignored it as he continued eating.


    After eating a dozen fruits, the Water and Light vessels were about a quarter full. It was then that Raegar recalled how his grandmother had used the spell to heal him. Being the curious goblin his parents often called him, he couldn''t resist trying to copy Elysia''s method.


    He focused intently, feeling the Aether flow through his body, its energy repairing the damage within. Pain shot through his entire being, but it vanished thanks to the copied spell that dulled it.


    Raegar let out a tired sigh as the last of his Aether drained away, leaving him feeling both exhausted and better than before. He slumped into a nearby chair, pulling a blanket over himself.


    Curling up, he let the comforting warmth lull him into a deep sleep. The next morning, Raegar stirred awake to the sensation of gentle fingers running through his hair. Groggily, he opened his eyes to find Yuki gazing down at him.


    A radiant smile lit up her beautiful face as she greeted him. ''''You''re finally awake, young master.''''


    Still disoriented, Raegar blinked at her in confusion. Before he could respond, she leaned down, her voice soft and filled with gratitude, as she kissed his forehead. ''''Thank you for saving me. I never expected you to appear by my side so suddenly.''''


    ''''Always and forever Yuki,'''' he mumbled while sitting up. The morning sun was high in the sky and he felt much better. ''''Where is everyone?''''


    ''''Your grandparents are meeting with the Valmont Family and your mother is healing the injured down in the Healer''s Wing,'''' the cat woman answered.


    Raegar shook his head while grabbing a handful of Aether Fruit and started eating, which poured energy into his body, but her worried voice reached his ears. ''''How are you eating so much, young master?''''


    ''''What?'''' he mumbled, turning to Yuki as he bit into a Fire Fruit.


    The fiery taste exploded in his mouth, burning like a mouthful of hot chili, but he powered through and finished it. She watched him with a mix of amusement and astonishment before explaining, ''''A Tier One Aether Mage couldn''t possibly consume the amount you are.''''


    Raeger shrugged, ''''It''s filling up my pools and healing my body, so it feels good,'''' he replied just as a maid appeared at the door.


    ''''Young master, Master Griffin has requested your presence at his meeting,'''' Yuki suddenly revealed, her tone calm but expectant.


    Raegar blinked in surprise, momentarily baffled, but he nodded and rose to his feet. As he went to walk out the cat maid, she smiled warmly and added, ''''I''ll be assisting your mother, so I won''t be joining you this time.''''


    He said goodbye before continuing his walk through the manor''s corridors. The floors echoed beneath his steps. Ten minutes later, they arrived at a meeting room where the woman knocked on the door.


    ''''Come in!'''' his grandfather''s voice boomed out.


    The maid gracefully opened the door, and Raegar stepped through, his curiosity piqued. His eyes immediately fell on two individuals seated inside, but it was their distinct appearances that left him momentarily speechless.


    ''What are these people?'' he thought while standing there.


    Griffin''s smile grew wider before speaking, ''''Sit down and take a seat, you little gremlin.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 11: Stop Being So Stiff

    Raegar stood frozen, staring at the two individuals, both with skin tinted a shade of blue. The man appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties, his glowing red eyes and jet-black hair giving him an intense, almost predatory aura.


    His attire, a finely tailored Victorian-era suit, only added to his imposing presence, as though he had stepped out of a forgotten age. But it was the second figure that truly caught Raegar off guard.


    A young woman sat beside the man, her features similar to his, causing him to think, ''Father and daughter?''


    Her luminous red eyes glimmered like embers, framed by delicate yet strikingly sharp features that could make any woman on Earth envious. Her high cheekbones and full lips seemed carved to perfection, exuding an otherworldly beauty.


    Wild blue hair cascaded around her face and shoulders in waves, defying any attempt at order, yet enhancing her captivating charm. As the young woman''s gaze met Raegar''s, she offered him a slow, enigmatic smile.


    The moment her lips parted in a welcoming smile, she revealed sharp fangs, sending a shiver down his spine. ''Vampires!'' he thought.


    ''''What are you doing, Raegar? Greet our guests and stop being rude,'''' Griffin asked in a concerned voice.


    He shook his head and greeted them while introducing himself. ''''My apologies, I''m Raegar Blackwood, youngest son of Count Alaric Blackwood''''


    ''''A well-mannered young man, unlike your other grandchildren,'''' the man said with a chuckle before replying, ''''I''m Vlad Von Carstein, King of the Nytheria Kingdom, to the south and this is my daughter Camilla Von Carstein.''''


    Afterward, he joined his grandfather, who was still speaking. ''''As I was saying, could I gain access to Dreadshade Castle, the one that overlooks Bloodfang Forest? I want to send the boy there to train once he''s healed. I tried speaking to Duke D''Ambrose, but he refused to grant permission to the Wintershade Forest in the north.''''


    When Raegar heard that name, his face turned as white as his hair, which made the young woman giggle as he asked with narrowed eyes, ''''Old man, are you trying to kill me? This smells like a setup.''''


    Griffin glanced at him with amused red eyes before answering with a chuckle. ''''You''ll be fine. There are only Tier Two monsters, maybe the occasional Tier Three, but I doubt you''ll meet them since the Nytherian soldiers clear them out.''''


    ''''Do you think it''s wise sending your grandson to that place, Griff? The northern vampires are right to reject your request. Wintershade is no place for a young man,'''' Vlad questioned with a worried expression.


    Raegar looked at the vampire king before retorting with a confident tone, ''''I won''t die, especially with Grandfather''s training over the coming year.''''


    Vlad glanced at him with a kind expression while asking, ''''Are you aware of the dangers in the Bloodfang Forst?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered with a confident glint in his eyes. ''''There''s Tier Two to Three monsters roaming it like grandfather said along with outlaws, bandits, and rebels from the fallen kingdom to the southwest.''''


    The vampire king nodded in understanding, ''''I will grant the boy permission to enter the fortress, but he cannot cause trouble as it''s a military outpost with a guild inside for adventurers. You''d be able to the monster loot there whenever you return.''''


    Raegar got excited and everyone could see it causing Camilla, ''''You''ll die there, boy. Deadly monsters roam that forest.''''


    ''''So what? I won''t get stronger by fighting weak Tier One beasts,'''' he replied to the beautiful young woman. ''''Plus, I enjoy an enjoyable challenge and it will help my Aether grow.''''


    When hearing that, Vlad took out a small gold plate and handed it to Griffin with a curious expression. ''''This will allow the boy to enter Dreadshade Castle. It was good seeing you, old friend, but I need to head to the capital to meet with the new empress. She''s very mysterious.''''


    The old man nodded. ''''Yes, she is, but powerful as well. I wouldn''t want to get on her bad side,'''' he said with a chuckle.


    Afterward, the Von Carsteins stayed a while longer before finally departing, with Griffin escorting them to the gates. Once they were gone, the blonde man turned to Raegar with a teasing grin, his eyes glinting with mischief.


    ''''Run around the mansion first, then you can go see your little girlfriend,'''' he said, his tone dripping with playful mockery.


    ''''Shut up, old man,'''' Raegar shot back, rolling his eyes as he started to jog. Before he could take more than a few steps, a sharp smack landed on the back of his head, courtesy of his ever-cheeky grandfather.


    ''''Keep talking like that, and I''ll double your laps,'''' the older man said with a laugh, leaving him grumbling as he picked up the pace.


    By the time Raegar finished his run, his legs felt like jelly, each step heavier than the last. Yet, despite the exhaustion, he felt energized. His body was much lighter and more refreshed than it had been that morning.


    As he approached the manor, he noticed someone standing near the entrance waiting for him. Her bright, cheerful smile was impossible to miss, and his heart skipped a beat as recognition set in.


    ''Yuki,'' he thought, surprise and excitement flickering across his face.


    Without thinking, Raegar headed toward the cat woman, who greeted him with a warm smile before hugging him. ''''Young master, It''s good to see that you''re training again. It proves that you are better,'''' she said in a voice as sweet as honey.


    The two of them moved to a nearby bench and sat down as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. Raegar slumped back, his legs aching from the day''s exertion. Yuki glanced at him and giggled softly.


    ''''Tired, young master? It seems the Duke is quite serious about your training. He''s currently talking with the mistress to work out your schedule,'''' the cat woman revealed with a knowing smile.


    ''''Yes, I know,'''' he replied while glancing at the grassland that surrounds his grandparents'' manor. ''''He wants to take me to the Bloodfang Forest to fight monsters before I start classes after turning sixteen. I''ve read about some creatures that inhabit that area but need to learn more.''''


    Yuki went pale when hearing this, but Raegar reassured her, ''''I''ll be training between now and then, so I''ll be much stronger.''''


    The young woman''s blue eyes narrowed before revealing and asking something that surprised him, ''''I am well versed in Enhancement magic. Can I teach you it, young master? In our spare time, of course.''''


    Raegar''s eyes lit up with excitement at her words. Without hesitation, he eagerly responded, ''''Yes, please! I want to learn as much as I can!''''


    Yuki giggled at his reaction before fixing his hair while replying, ''''Well, once we are back home, I will start planning our classes.''''


    Following that, his mother Victoria, and Grandfather appeared in the garden as the older man exclaimed in a booming voice, ''''So this is his girlfriend?''''


    ''''Not yet, but it''s obvious the two are close,'''' Victoria replied, a sly smile playing on her lips as she covered her mouth with one hand.


    The cat maid''s ears perked up at this. She quickly sprang to her feet, her cheeks flushed red, and bowed deeply toward Griffin. ''''Good evening, Duke Vaelthrone,'''' she said respectfully.


    ''''Stop being so stiff,'''' the older man waved her away. ''''You seem to forget that I''ve known you since birth and that goes for Saki. She''s going to appear any second now.''''


    Raegar watched Griffin scan his surroundings, only to jump when the older cat woman appeared from nowhere. The old man started laughing along with everyone else. ''''See! I called it.''''


    Saki giggled before replying, ''''It''s good to see you, Master. I hope Mistress Elysia is keeping you out of trouble.''''


    ''''That she does,'''' Griffin responded, while turning to Raegar. ''''We''ll be leaving in the morning as your grandmother has to go to Dawnfire Academy.''''


    ''''Okay, but now I''m healed. I can use magic, correct?'''' he asked his grandfather.


    The older man gave a slight nod. ''''Yes, but be cautious. Don''t exhaust your Aether, or you''ll end up unconscious,'''' he warned sternly.


    Raegar was about to rush off when his mother pulled him into a tight embrace. ''''I''m so glad you''re okay,'''' she said, her voice filled with relief. ''''When Grandmother told me you were out training, I was thrilled, but this brute dragged me away before I could see you.''''


    She shot a mock glare at Griffin, who opened his mouth to retort with a witty remark, but immediately stopped when Elysia appeared at his side, her presence alone enough to silence him.


    The tension dissolved into laughter, and the older woman ushered everyone into the manor for dinner. ''Stupid old man,'' Raegar thought, stifling a chuckle as he followed the others into the hall.


    ''''I had the cooks make something delicious,'''' his grandmother commented from the front before she turned to him, ''''And I have loads of Aether Fruit for you, sweetheart.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 12: That Was Awesome

    Raegar sat between his mother and Yuki, with the older catmaid seated next to her daughter. The two women tried to protest as they felt uncomfortable, but his grandparents refused to listen.


    Griffin turned to them and spoke with a serious expression, but there was a twinkle there. ''''It seems you and my daughter will be in-laws,'''' he said, a knowing look in his eyes while glancing at Yuki and Raegar. ''''And you''re practically a member of our family now, considering all the help you''ve given us with our children over the years.''''


    Saki smiled at the old man before replying in a respectful tone, ''''Thank you Master and it''s been my pleasure helping your family. I now enjoy working with the mistress and young master.''''


    After everyone finished talking, the Vaelthrone maids brought out their dinner, which reminded Raegar of steak and mash, but something was different about it. The meat was giving off faint traces of Aether that caught his eyes.


    ''''Now, everyone eat up and enjoy the dinner,'''' Griffin announced, his voice cheerful. ''''This will be the last time we gather like this until the Everfrost Festival.''''


    Once everyone started eating and chatting, Raegar noticed his older sister wasn''t there and hadn''t seen her since the attack. He turned to Victoria with a curious expression, ''''Where''s Isabella?''''


    ''''She''s headed straight to the academy. I tried to get her to stay, but you know how that young woman is,'''' his mother answered with a sigh. ''''I don''t understand why she can''t be like Lyra or Jasper, they both love you.''''


    He nodded in understanding before turning to his meal and trying some which he found delicious, but seconds later, he started taking in some Earth Aether from the food, which surprised him.


    ''Oh yeah, it''s in everything and this must have been a Tier Two monster to give off this amount,'' he pondered while enjoying the meal.


    Following that, the dinner went smoothly. After he finished eating, one of his grandparents'' maids guided him to his room after his grandfather sternly lectured him about experimenting with magic, which he completely ignored.


    As Raegar sat on the bed assigned to him, he raised his hand and focused on the spell he had just learned. ''''Stormfire Bullet,'''' he whispered under his breath.


    A bullet, glowing with a blend of yellow and red, materialized just above his hand. Its shape resembled a shotgun shell, and it emitted a mesmerizing light that lit up the room as it hovered there.


    ''What do I do with it now?'' he thought while glancing around as the projectile started getting hot.


    Raegar noticed a balcony nearby and stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against his face. He aimed the glowing bullet upward and released it, watching as it soared high into the sky.


    Moments later, it exploded in a dazzling burst of light, painting the night with vibrant colors. His eyes widened in fascination at the display as it faded away while it floated toward the ground.


    ''Did it take the form of a shotgun shell because I imagined it that way?'' he wondered, intrigued by the spell''s reaction to his thoughts.


    Raegar shrugged before thinking of his classes back on Earth and muttered to himself, ''''If I remember correctly, lightning and fire cause powerful reactions. Stormfire Bullets explode on contact thanks to that.''''


    While standing on the balcony, Raegar raised his hand, his mind racing with inspiration from the science he had studied back on Earth, causing him to come up with something that might work, but he had to try it.


    Drawing on that knowledge, he tested out a new spell he just come up with. ''''Lightningfire Blast,'''' he whispered softly.


    Raegar steadied himself on the balcony, the crackling sphere of electricity and fire growing larger in his hand. The raw energy pulsed violently, sending tingling waves up his arm. With a determined grin, he thrust his palm forward.


    The spell erupted from his hand with an ear-shattering roar, a torrent of blazing lightning streaking through the night sky like a comet. The force of the release was far greater than he''d expected.


    A shockwave rippled outward, and Raegar flew backward, crashing onto the balcony floor with a grunt as the railings rattled. Dazed but exhilarated, he stared at the glowing trail of destruction the blast had left behind in the sky.


    ''''That... was awesome,'''' he muttered breathlessly, a grin spreading across his face just as he collapsed thanks to running out of Aether.


    ***


    ''''Our grandson is going to be something different,'''' Elysia commented with a small smile while brushing her long grey hair.


    Griffin looked at his wife with eyes full of love as he responded, ''''He''s our daughter''s son, but he reminds me of Darius. I love how he always wants to learn or train. Many noble children only take it seriously when joining the academy.''''


    The older couple was in their bedroom relaxing just as a massive explosion shook the manor, causing the older man to jump up, ready for a fight. ''''Who''s attacking us?'''' he exclaimed before rushing outside.


    They witnessed a bright yellowish-red glow lit up the surroundings but that''s when Griffin sensed the Aether, ''''Damn boy! I told him not to use powerful magic,'''' he muttered before taking off and heading for Raegar''s bedroom.


    When they arrived, Elysia''s eyes widened in shock before rushing up to him with a panicked expression. Griffin joined her while looking at the unconscious boy. ''''What did he do? I can sense the strange Aether in the air.''''


    ''''He''s mixing magic and lucky to survive such a thing, especially since he''s only just unlocked his Aether. It could''ve exploded if he had more energy,'''' the older woman revealed while brushing Raegar''s white hair from his face.


    ''''Then how is this little gremlin doing it?'''' Griffin questioned, confused.


    Elysia glanced at her husband like an idiot as she giggled, ''''Do you have the brief memory of an Orc suddenly, dear?''''


    When the older man heard this, he ran his hand through his blonde hair before answering with a chuckle, ''''Oh yes, he''s a Tetraarch but how come he''s out cold now?''''


    ''''He poured too much Aether into the spell which drained the three pools,'''' the gray-haired woman replied while picking him up. ''''Let''s get him to bed, and you won''t be punishing him. He''s a child who''s just unlocked his magic early.''''


    Griffin grumbled as he muttered, ''''I''ll just make training harder for the little shit.''''


    Afterward, Elysia gently tucked Raegar into bed, his deep, peaceful breaths signaling he was sound asleep. The older woman paused, a tender smile gracing her lips as she gazed at his handsome face.


    ''''Sleep well sweetheart, your journey is only just beginning,'''' she said before kissing him on the forehead.


    Following that, she dragged Griffin back to their room just as Griffin commented in a worried voice, ''''Did you hear about the Devil attacks in the north? The empress has sent the hunters up there but asked me to go check it out.''''


    When his wife heard that, she stopped walking as a serious expression appeared. ''''Do you want me to come help?''''


    The older man shook his head while answering, ''''Stay in the west and make sure it''s safe.''''


    Elysia nodded before the couple settled down for the night.


    ***


    The following morning, Raegar woke up feeling refreshed. ''That was a decent sleep, but why is my body aching?'' he mused.


    He shook his head groggily as he climbed out of bed, stretching until his back let out a satisfying crack. The memories of the previous night flooded back, the spell he had cast, the Lightningfire Blast that had drained all his Aether, leaving him unconscious.


    ''''I need to gather more on the way back home, but how much can I hold?'''' he muttered, his thoughts already planning for the long journey back to the Blackwood Manor.


    His gaze then landed on a small basket of fruit by the bedside. Without hesitation, he picked a fire one and took a bite while sitting back down as small amounts of Aether flowed into his pools.


    As Raegar did that, a knock on the door echoed out just as his mother walked in with a warm smile as she greeted him. ''''Start getting ready, darling. We''re heading out soon as your grandparents need to leave to attend to their duties.''''


    He nodded in agreement before heading toward the bathroom. As he left, she called after him, ''''Once you''re done, come to the dining room. The maids are nearly finished with breakfast.''''


    Raegar stepped into the hot room as the steam washed over his body, causing him to strip out of them and slip into the relaxing water. He felt at peace as his head sunk into the water while staring at the light above as strands of his white head floated everywhere.


    ''It''s too long and becoming annoying,'' he thought.


    Following that, Raegar started washing himself with the soap that was on the side. Ten minutes later, he was standing in front of the mirrors, and his hair was all over the place. Some of it reached down to his shoulders.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 13: Go Find Your Parents

    Raegar rifled through the cupboards until he found a pair of scissors, then set to work, carefully trimming his hair until it was short, leaving the top long, his preferred style during his previous world.


    He paused for a moment, studying his reflection with a sense of satisfaction. His blood-red eyes stared back at him, framed by a chiseled jaw and striking features that could effortlessly captivate most women on Earth.


    Following that, Raegar left the bathroom only to run into Yuki, who stopped walking as she spotted him. Her blue eyes sparkled as she questioned, ''''What did you do, young master? You look good.''''


    ''''Thanks Yuki,'''' he replied with a charming smile. ''''My hair was getting annoying, so I cut it short.''''


    The cat woman nodded in understanding, her sharp eyes narrowing as she assessed his handiwork. ''''Looks like you missed a spot,'''' she remarked with a teasing smirk. ''''May I help you finish it off, young master?''''


    Raegar agreed and took a seat as she pulled out a pair of scissors from nowhere, which surprised him. ''Is she a ninja?'' he thought with a chuckle.


    ''''Look forward,'''' Yuki commented before getting to work cutting the missed bits off while humming something that he recognized.


    ''Mother used to hum that all the time when I was little,'' he mused with a smile.


    Following that, the two of them left the room and met his mother and grandparents at the entrance, where the Blackwood Guards, along with a dozen Vaelthorne soldiers, stood around the carriage.


    When Elysia and Griffin saw him, they both smile before the older man stepped forward with a big smile, ''''I will come meet you this evening. Meet me in the garden because today will be our first lesson, but tomorrow, when I''m busy, your father will take over.''''


    ''''Yes, old man,'''' Raegar replied with a smirk, only to be bonked on the head.


    He rubbed the sore spot, glaring half-heartedly as Griffin chuckled. ''''Be respectful, you little gremlin,'''' the older man said with a grin, ''''but I''m looking forward to our training.''''


    Before Raegar could respond, his grandmother swept him into a quick, warm hug and planted a kiss on his forehead. ''''Take care of yourself, sweetheart,'''' she said affectionately. ''''And when you''re on your way to Drakenwood Academy, make sure you stop by here so I can see you.''''


    ''''I will, grandmother,'''' he answered with a smile.


    After that, they set off on the journey back to Blackwood Academy. This time, the trip was uneventful, with no surprises or threats lurking along the way. The Vaelthorne soldiers escorted them diligently, ensuring their safe passage until they finally arrived home.


    Once the carriage stopped outside, his father Alaric greeted them as they climbed out while Victoria spoke while hugging the blue-haired man, ''''Father will be here later on to train, so no arguing with him, darling.''''


    Yuki turned to Raegar with an amused expression. ''''Shall we begin our lesson on Enhancement Magic, young master?'''' she asked gently.


    He gave a nod of approval, and together they made their way to the back of the garden, where a magic field awaited them. The vibrant greenery framed the clearing like a natural amphitheater.


    As they reached the field, Yuki spun around, her pink hair catching the light as her eyes sparkled with excitement. ''''Alright then,'''' she began, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. ''''What do you already know about Enhancement Magic?''''


    Raegar paused, furrowing his brow in thought, before replying, ''''Well, it''s magic your kind and some humans can use to increase strength, speed, and other abilities to help you fight better.''''


    The cat-woman''s ears twitched as she listened, a smile curling her lips. She nodded approvingly. ''''Yes, that''s the basic idea. But there''s so much more to it than that.''''


    Following that, she muttered something and Raegar noticed a clear glow wash over her body before she exploded forward. Yuki moved so fast that he felt the wind blow through his hair, which amazed him.


    He turned around and saw her standing there with a smile, but she quickly asked, ''''Do you have Aether in your pools?''''


    Raegar nodded before she continued, ''''Close your eyes and imagine a stream of energy coming from your pool to your heart and while that happens, say Enhancement and if you''re able to use it, the spell will activate.''''


    ''''Okay, I got it,'''' he replied and closed his eyes.


    Seconds later, he pulled some of the Earth Aether he had as it was the lowest and sent it to his heart before thinking as a strange feeling washed over him, ''Enhancement.''


    Raegar felt a surge of energy ripple through his body, flooding his senses and strengthening every fiber of his being. The unfamiliar sensation startled him, his heart racing as the power coursed through him.


    But as quickly as panic rose, he forced himself to steady, his breathing slowing as he acclimated to the newfound strength. When he finally looked up, Yuki was watching him intently, her smile widening with unmistakable pride.


    ''''Well done, young master!'''' she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Raegar grinned as he challenged the maid with confidence in his abilities, ''''Let''s fight Yuki, I''ll show you how strong I''ve become.''''


    The young woman giggled as her blue eyes shone, ''''So be it, but I won''t hold back, young master. You must grow stronger.''''


    Following that, she chanted something as he readied himself with the new spells he created using Fire, Lightning and Wind Aether. Raegar rushed toward the maid before sending several Stormfire Bullets at her.


    The beautiful projectiles sliced through the air, causing Yuki to smile before she vanished, causing his eyes to widen, but he quickly used the second spell he created to avoid the coming attack. ''Flash Step!''


    As the cat woman appeared, Raegar vanished as lightning washed over his body and he appeared behind Yuki, but she didn''t move for a second before turning to him with a fearful expression.


    ''''Move young master!'''' she shouted.


    Raegar didn''t hesitate and activated Flash Step again, vanishing just as a blade struck the spot where he had stood moments before. The impact of the missed attack sent shockwaves rippling through the air, but he was already gone.


    As the dust settled, the air grew heavy with an oppressive presence. From the swirling haze emerged a figure clad in sinister black armor, its surface etched with unholy runes that pulsed with malevolent energy.


    A pair of imposing wings stretched from its back, their shadow casting an eerie shroud over the battlefield. Raegar''s gaze locked onto the curved horns crowning the stranger''s head, a grim reminder of the otherworldly power it possessed.


    The aura radiating from the being was suffocating, a palpable force that seemed to claw at his very soul. Raegar''s legs tremble under the stranger''s strength, but he clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand firm.


    ''''This is no ordinary foe,'''' he muttered under his breath as the fear started building inside when seeing the newcomers.


    While standing there, they stared at each other, but two more figures appeared out of nowhere. He had a bad feeling, but readied himself for a fight. When Yuki saw the beings, her face paled before her head snapped in his direction with a panicked look.


    ''''Run, Raegar!'''' Yuki urged, drawing two daggers. Her eyes narrowed as she added while preparing to fight, ''''These are Devils. Mercy isn''t in their nature.''''


    No sooner had the cat-woman spoken than the lead devil raised a clawed finger toward him while declaring in a menacing voice. ''''You will die here, boy! Our king knows what you are.''''


    Hearing this, Yuki stepped between them, her hands trembling as she gripped her weapons and steeled her determination. Her voice wavered while smiling at him. ''''Go find your parents. I''ll hold them off!''''


    Seconds after her words, the Devils sprang into action. The closest lunged at Yuki, its claws slicing through the air. She swiftly deflected the attack, her movements sharp and precise, before countering with a powerful punch.


    In a fluid motion, she unleashed an Aether Blast that struck another. But the odds were against her, three against one. Despite her skill and determination, the relentless onslaught overwhelmed her.


    Raegar stood frozen in fear at the newcomers, his breath hitching as his gaze locked onto his maid''s, blood pooling on the ground as she struggled to stand. Without hesitation, he pushed his worries, fears and concern for himself aside before lunging at the Devils while casting magic.


    Stormfire Bullets erupted from his hands and streaked through the air like meteors, slamming into the Devils attacking her. The impact staggered the attackers, forcing them back just enough for Yuki to retreat, gasping for breath.


    He didn''t stop as he channeled all the Aether he''d been collecting for the last few days. His fists ignited with raw power as he dove into the fray. Blow after devastating blow landed, the force making the air itself ripple.


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 14: Fusion Overdrive

    Even though it was injuring himself, he continued attacking in a wild fury as the enemies finally countered. For every one punch he delivered, the Devil''s claws raked his flesh, tearing deep lacerations into his skin.


    Pain wracked Raegar''s entire being, but it wasn''t enough to stop him as he steeled himself and ignored the agony. That was until his eyes caught sight of Yuki sprawled on the ground, her body drenched in blood with a Devil standing over her.


    A surge of power erupted within him, flooding every corner of his body with raw energy. At the same moment, a voice rang out in his mind. He recognized it instantly. ''Many generations that came before entrusted this power to you. It only appears when it''s needed, not wanted, boy. Use it now and push beyond your limits or she will die!''


    ''''Fusion Overdrive!'''' he bellowed the words that suddenly came to him. ''''Fusion Smash!''''


    His body ignited in an explosion of the eight Aether Elements, each tone shimmering with a terrifying power. The Devils froze, their confidence giving way to shock and fear. But it was too late as he dashed forward so fast that it created after images.


    Moments later, Raegar''s glowing fist connected with his foe. The world seemed to hold its breath just as an earth-shattering explosion erupted, blinding lights consumed everything. The ground quaked violently and shook the Blackwood Manor.


    The Devil disintegrated, its body burned from existence. But the other two, standing close to Yuki, reacted without hesitation. One lunged at Raegar while enraged, as the other let out a rage-filled roar.


    ''''A real Devil Killer! Take him down now!'''' the enemy exclaimed in horror.


    His eyes flicked to the second Devil, its claws poised to strike the injured Yuki. A surge of desperation flowed through him as he aimed at the ground near her and cast Stormfire Bullet.


    When the projectile hit it erupted, the shockwave sent her hurling away from danger just as the claws slashed through the empty air, missing by mere inches. He watched as his two foes charged toward him, their movements quick.


    Raegar narrowly evaded the first strike, his instincts saving him in the nick of time. Seizing the opportunity, he fired a dozen Stormfire Bullets. The projectiles detonated on contact, which sent both enemies scrambling out of the way.


    At that moment, everything his father, Commander Rodric, and the guards had drilled into him came rushing back. ''All the hours reading, training, and now this power? Let''s show these Devils that they can''t harm anyone I care about,'' he thought.


    Moments later, the surrounding Aether went crazy, affecting everything and everyone, including himself. With a sharp inhale, he opened his eyes, a fiery determination blazing within them.


    Raegar dashed toward the second Devil, his movements like a predator closing in on its prey. The creature lashed out with a wild, desperate punch, but his reflexes were quicker. He ducked under the attack, the wind from the Devil''s fist grazing past him.


    Channeling every ounce of power within him, he pivoted on his heel and unleashed a devastating blow straight to the devil''s chest. ''''Fusion Punch!'''' he roared, his fist igniting all the elements that combined into something the world hadn''t seen for generations.


    The impact was cataclysmic as a shockwave erupted, the sheer force ripping through the Devil''s body and extinguishing its life. Moments later, Raegar''s attention was drawn to the edge of the battlefield as two familiar figures entered the fray, which made him sigh in relief.


    Flames roared and flickered around Victoria''s body with each movement. Without hesitation, she shot forward, her speed a blur. The third Devil barely had time to react before her kick connected, the impact sending a shockwave through the air and hurling the creature backward.


    Alaric moved calmly, his blade gleaming like liquid silver in the light of the flames. He advanced on the last Devil with a warrior''s grace, his every step calculated. With a powerful swing, his sword cut through the air, slashing into the enemy with a force that echoed like thunder.


    Raegar felt a surge of pride watching his parents fight, their teamwork seamless and their power awe-inspiring. The battlefield itself seemed to tremble under the weight of their combined might.


    He quickly noticed the Devil was fighting back, causing him to pick up one of Yuki''s daggers only for it to be covered in Aether within seconds before he dashed forward so fast that it created a sonic boom as he drove the blade through the enemy''s head.


    The corpse slammed into the ground, with Raegar standing there, panting as the power subsided. He looked at his father and mumbled, ''''Check on Yuki. I need to sit down.''''


    Following that, Raegar hobbled over to a nearby bench and slumped down as his body was hurting. ''Fuck, still too weak to use it, but at least I didn''t faint this time.''


    As he sat there, his father approached, his expression clouded with concern. But as he drew closer, that concern morphed into something unrecognizable, something darker. The older man halted in front of him, standing as still as a statue.


    Then, without warning, the older man slapped him. Raegar froze, utterly shocked and unsure of how to react. Before he could even process what had happened, Alaric''s eyes widened in horror when realizing what he had done.


    His father didn''t say a single word as he rushed off, leaving him in stunned silence. But the shock quickly gave way to anger. Clenching his fists, he forced himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him.


    Without a backward glance at the garden, he walked toward the manor''s exit, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. When stepping outside and saw the surrounding grassland, he headed for a nearby hill.


    Raegar was confused, angry, and hurt by Alaric''s actions, but soon enough started gathering Aether to refill his pools, causing pain to surge through his veins, but ignored it.


    ''I need to get stronger if I''m ever going to use Fusion Overdrive properly,'' he thought, stifling a yawn as a dull ache radiated through his limbs. ''The aftermath leaves me in pain and exhausted.''


    Following that, Raegar continued to gather while pushing the incident to the back of his mind, as the pain was too much. He tried blocking it out but didn''t know that the Aether was slowly healing his body.


    ***


    Back at Blackwood Manor, chaos reigned. Reports flooded in from all over the southern province, each one confirming that Devils were attacking from every direction. Despite the mayhem, the empire was gaining control over the situation.


    The empress sent several renowned Devil Hunters to hunt them down, tracking and eliminating the creatures like wild animals. While this was happening, the white-haired countess marched toward her husband.


    ''''Why did you hit our soon you fool!'''' Victoria roared like a tigress as her red eyes flared with rage. ''''Do you want to burn?''''


    Alaric ignored his wife while staring off into the distance before sighing as he revealed, ''''I''m sorry, my love, but it was an accident and my instincts kicked him as my hand moved.''''


    This didn''t calm the angry woman down as she stepped forward and replied in a controlled voice as her anger was bubbling, but what her husband said next calmed it down instantly because she understood it.


    ''''At that moment he scared me, Victoria,'''' Alaric admitted in a low voice barely above a whisper. ''''He''s so strong for his age and doesn''t even know how to control his powers properly.''''


    They both sat down as the older man continued, ''''When I looked at him, the Aether radiating off him was something else. It felt like it was waiting to be awakened or for him to become strong enough to wield it.''''


    Alaric glanced up at the afternoon sun, his gaze thoughtful before he spoke. ''''Our son will become a legendary warrior when he grows up, Victoria. And I''m not ashamed to admit it, he terrifies me. But in a way, I''m proud of that. He''s only fourteen, yet his power is extraordinary.''''


    ***


    Raegar was busy gathering as someone joined him on the hill. He turned around and spotted the healed Yuki causing him to jump up and hug the cat woman who started speaking in a grateful voice, ''''Thank you for saving me for the second time young master.''''


    ''''It''s my pleasure, Yuki,'''' he replied before dragging the cat woman next to him.


    She glanced at him with her big blue eyes and questioned, ''''What are you doing out here, young master?''''


    Raegar sighed, running a hand through his hair before asking, ''''Do you know why that Devil calls me a Devil Killer? Does that mean I could become a hunter?''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 15: Sentimental

    Yuki nodded with a gentle smile. ''''Yes, young master, you could. The academies offer special classes and programs for students who excel in such matters, but you pass a certain test. If I remember correctly, the previous emperor asked the Order of Hunters to send a representative in every school.''''


    She revealed before continuing, ''''The empire celebrates them as heroes for saving countless towns from attack, but the profession is dangerous as Devils are sneaky beings that attack when you least expect it. Many of the best hunters have perished thanks to assassins sent by their leaders.''''


    ''''Don''t I know it?'''' he replied with a laugh. ''''I''ve never read up on them, but I may look into it now since I can kill the creatures with my magic, and they seem to hate me, which I find amusing.''''


    ''''That would be a good idea young master,'''' Yuki replied with a big smile as her blue eyes sparkled. ''''Now would you like to continue with the Enhancement training? I know you can learn it.''''


    Raegar agreed with an excited nod before jumping up and learning the magic, but only after taking a beating until he could defend himself from the cat woman''s speedy attacks, as he couldn''t keep up with her.


    Following that, the days passed by with him training with Commander Rodric, Yuki, and working on improving the spells he already knows. He hadn''t practiced with his father as the two avoided each other, even though Victoria tried to have them speak.


    His Grandfather would appear occasionally to train him with his dual wielding, which baffled the old man, but helped either way. By the time Raegar turned fifteen, he was now on the way to the province''s capital, known as Dunmara, the province capital in the south.


    Victoria, Yuki, and Griffin were accompanying him on the Kingsway in the family''s carriage. He was busy reading up on monsters that dwell in the Bloodfang Forest, which caught his attention.


    While sitting there, the old man spoke in his usual cheerful tone, ''''So little one. We have to go to this church because an old friend of mine there controls the Aether Tests for his brother, who''s the Duke of the southern province.''''


    ''''I know, mother told me about it before you arrived but the important question is, are you still taking me to Bloodfang Forest?'''' Raegar questioned as the carriage went quiet. ''''I''ve been learning about the place. There are many Tier One Monsters and some Tier Two which are interesting.''''


    When Victoria heard this, her face paled before she shook her head and went to open her mouth to protest. But Griffin raised a hand, cutting her off. He knew she was being protective of him.


    Yuki started giggling at the scene. ''''Sunshine,'''' he said firmly, his tone calm but resolute. ''''He needs to leave the manor and face some real challenges to grow in life. Most of the Vaelthorne children have done the same.''''


    Griffin glanced at him with a proud smile, ''''Yes, they would normally be older and have more experience with their Aether, but fighting monsters will do him good. And to prove it to you, once his test is over, he and I will fight to show you how skilled he''s become. That should settle it, daughter.''''


    Following that, the three of them started talking as Raegar turned to the window while watching the beautiful grasslands with hills covered in a sea of colorful flowers. An hour later, his breath caught as he spotted a massive city that looked like it had leapt straight from the pages of a fantasy novel he used to read on Earth.


    ''Reminds me of the western castle walls, but on a massive scale that encircled an entire city,'' he mused with excitement.


    Towering thirty-meter-high walls stood there made of beautiful yellow stone that gleamed in the morning sun. Towers rose at regular intervals along the walls, their silhouettes punctuating the skyline.


    Soldiers patrolled the ramparts, while others scrutinized the steady stream of people entering through the main gate. Raegar was busy watching the scene with wide eyes as Griffin climbed out of the carriage.


    The old man pulled him along before speaking. ''''You look like a country bumpkin grandson. Haven''t you come to Dunmara?''''


    Raegar shook his head while giving his grandfather a dirty look. ''''No. I went to Wildriver City when traveling to your home. Mother hasn''t let me explore outside the manor thanks to the bandits.''''


    Griffin started laughing and slapped him on the back while explaining. ''''That''s a good thing, my boy. The roads are dangerous and the imperial guards are struggling to deal with the criminals infesting the woods.''''


    ''''I understand, but isn''t the Bloodfang Forest full of bandits?'''' he asked with narrowed eyes. ''''But yet I''m going there.''''


    The older man studied him with a calculating gaze before speaking, his face alight with pride. ''''You''ve got the strength to stand your ground and the speed to escape if necessary. I wouldn''t put your life at risk over training.''''


    Raegar narrowed his eyes while speaking. ''''That''s because you were much harder on me than any of your children or grandchildren. You''re an evil old man.''''


    As the words left his lips Griffin bonked him on the head, ''''None of the other rascals are a Devil Hunter apart from Rhaelor, but even with that you''re a Tetraarch Mage, the only one alive.''''


    ''''Stop hitting me on the head!'''' Raegar snapped back, which made Victoria and Yuki giggle at his reaction.


    ''''Then stop calling me old, I am a handsome mature man who all the ladies want,'''' Griffin said with a chuckle just before he went to approach the city guards.


    Victoria and Yuki shook their heads as the white-haired woman commented from the carriage behind them, ''''Just like Darius and his narcissistic ways.''''


    Everyone laughed as Griffin and Raegar approached the guards, who noticed the older man and saluted him. Seconds later, a commander appeared. ''''Good morning, Duke Vaelthrone. Here for the Aether Test?''''


    ''''Yes Darion,'''' his grandfather replied before pointing a thumb back at him. ''''I want to show the boy around the city. It''s his first time here.''''


    The man named Darion nodded at Raegar with wide eyes before asking a question. ''''Greetings, young master. Are you Jaspar Blackwood''s sibling?''''


    ''''I am,'''' he answered the newcomer. ''''He''s my big brother.''''


    ''''No wonder I recognized you,'''' the commander said with a chuckle. ''''You have the same face as him but less scarred.''''


    Griffin laughed before questioning, ''''How is the boy? I heard he was fighting in the East against the bandit gangs that infest the area since the Eastern Wars.''''


    Darion glanced at the blonde man. ''''That he is Griff. Some of the old boys are saying he''s one of the finest commanders Dawnfire has ever produced. Word is, even High Command is impressed with him, and with your grandson, Rhaelor.''''


    The mention of that name made Raegar stiffen, a surge of irritation flashing across his face. ''''Ugh, not that guy. I swear one day I will show him how weak he''s,'''' he thought bitterly.


    His cousin was a year older than him. Their first and only meeting had been less than warm. They couldn''t have been more different. Rhaelor was outgoing, charming, and the undeniable favorite of the entire Vaelthorne family.


    Though he was loved by his grandparents and immediate family. Raegar, unlike his cousins, preferred spending time on his own and avoided the typical noble behavior of seeking attention or bragging about the family name, which always baffled him.


    Their pompous actions and condescending attitudes annoyed him, especially when they directed their snobbery toward Yuki and Saki. It was a line Raegar refused to tolerate and got into an argument with one of his mother''s sisters.


    ''Dumb bitch always insults Yuki whenever she gets the chance,'' he thought in frustration before he was brought back to reality.


    ''''Come on boy, we need to get to the church before the ladies get there,'''' Griffin dragged him back to reality as the two were let into the city.


    As Raegar stepped into the city, he couldn''t help but be awestruck by the sights before him. Cobbled streets stretched in every direction, flanked by sturdy stone buildings decorated with colorful awnings and complex carvings.


    The bustling roads crisscrossed Dunmara as Merchants called out their wares from market stalls that were set up along the walkways, and townsfolk moved with purpose, weaving through the crowds.


    Dawnfire soldiers patrolled the streets in their polished armor. They greeted citizens with nods. Raegar watched this with a curious expression as Griffin suddenly spoke. ''''You know, boy. You''re the greatest gift that your grandmother and mother have ever given me.''''


    ''''Why are you getting sentimental, old man?'''' he asked his grandfather.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 16: The Highest And The Lowest

    Griffin''s piercing red eyes locked onto him, a wide grin spreading across his face as he ruffled his hair. ''''The only reason I was so hard on you during training is because this world is unforgiving, and you will only attract trouble. That''s why, by the time you were fifteen, I made sure you could take on Tier Two monsters without breaking a sweat.''''


    As they continued on, Raegar''s gaze was drawn to a massive temple that stood before them, its beauty catching him off guard. Its surface, made of gleaming white stone, reflected the morning sunlight.


    He scanned the structure in awe, taking in the carvings that embellished its walls and the towering spires that seemed to touch the sky. The temple''s beauty was both humbling and awe-inspiring.


    ''''I''ve decided against you hiding your powers,'''' his grandfather suddenly announced, his voice steady. ''''You won''t be able to keep them to yourself while growing stronger, so it''s pointless to try. But with that decision made, I''ll buy you some weapons. You''ll need every advantage.''''


    Raegar felt a surge of excitement when he heard that, but Griffin quickly tempered his joy. ''''I need to check if the blacksmith is available, but the weapons should be ready by the time I take you to Bloodfang Forest.''''


    As they continued on, the two spotted Victoria and Yuki, surrounded by the Vaelthorne guards. The cat-woman flashed him a warm smile, but before Raegar could respond, his mother enveloped him in a tight hug, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    ''''Now the empire will finally see how talented my son is!'''' she exclaimed.


    Raegar couldn''t help but laugh at his mother''s enthusiasm when a tall man with blonde hair and green eyes suddenly appeared, greeting them with a warm smile while wearing priest-like robes.


    ''''Ah, my old friend Griffin Vaelthorne, and his family. It''s good to see you all in good health,'''' he said in a friendly voice.


    ''''Edmund,'''' Griffin said with a big smile. ''''Thank you for agreeing to take my grandsons'' Aether Test. I know the southern nobles get feisty this time of year. Luckily, Tyrone told me to come to you.''''


    The man waved his grandfather away. ''''Don''t worry about it, old friend. Big brother is right, we look after our own. I''m guessing this is the genius grandson you told me about?''''


    He stepped forward and introduced himself. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood.''''


    When his grandfather''s friend heard this, his smile grew wider as he replied, ''''Very Good to meet you, little Blackwood. I am Edmund Sunfire. Younger brother to Duke Sunfire. Now let''s get to the test. The officials are about to begin.''''


    Following that, he led them deeper into the temple, where hundreds of people his age mingled about. Seconds later, Griffin spoke in a cheerful tone, ''''I''ll take your mother and little girlfriend to the stands, my boy. I can''t wait to see the reactions of the people when I get back.''''


    Raegar glanced up at the older blonde man and asked, ''''Where are you headed now?''''


    ''''Off to see a man about a monster, you nosy gremlin,'''' Griffin replied with a chuckle, his tone light and teasing. ''''Now go take your test and remember, I want to see several grandbabies from you. So bring home at least two girlfriends.''''


    ''''What?'''' Raegar was surprised and shook his head before pointing at the cat woman standing next to him. ''''Why are you saying get two girlfriends? I have Yuki.''''


    Griffin, Victoria, and Yuki all exchanged amused smiles as the maid chimed in with a mischievous grin. ''''If there were another girl or two, young master, I wouldn''t mind sharing. I would be a poor maid if I neglected your needs.''''


    ''''Huh!'''' he responded while feeling his cheeks going red at the thought.


    His grandfather started laughing before ruffling his hair. ''''My idiot of a grandson. You really are clueless and must get out of the training mentality and pay attention to the ladies of the world.''''


    They noticed an older lady with bright green hair in a uniform of the temple staff walking past, causing his grandfather to greet the woman with a charming smile before continuing as his mother gave him a knowing look.


    Griffin smiled at Victorie as he continued, ''''You''re a handsome young man that takes after myself so I know you''ll find some lovely ladies to bring home when the academy breaks.''''


    ''''The Drakenwood Academy is the Northwest young master,'''' Yuki informed him. ''''You have to pass through the Vaelthorne lands to get home until you travel east.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding as the group started walking as he asked the cat woman in a quiet voice, ''''You wouldn''t mind me having other women?''''


    When the young woman heard this, she turned to him with a radiant smile and a playful twinkle in her feline eyes. ''''No, young master, I encourage it. You''ll need people you trust to explore dungeons and traverse dangerous lands. And who better to team up with than a couple of lovers that care for you?''''


    ''So she wants me to have a harem?'' he thought, a mix of surprise and curiosity crossing his mind.


    Raegar wasn''t clueless. He knew exactly what it meant, but romance beyond Yuki had never been something he seriously considered, as he only focused on training and growing stronger.


    With a small shrug, he pushed the thought aside, deciding to let the future unfold naturally once he joined the academy. ''''Okay enough of standing around,'''' Griffin''s deep voice broke him out of his thoughts. ''''I''ll take these two to the stands. Now go enjoyed yourself.''''


    Before he could walk away, Victoria stepped forward and wrapped him in a warm embrace. ''''Enjoy yourself, my son. I know you''ll be the best there,'''' she said, her voice filled with unwavering confidence and pride.


    Raegar smiled warmly at his mother''s words, but his expression shifted when Yuki stepped forward, her cheeks flushed red. She wrapped her arms around him in a soft embrace, her voice low, ''''I''m all yours, young master. Now go make me proud,'''' she murmured softly.


    Before he could fully process what happened, she quickly placed a gentle peck on his cheek, leaving his heart racing. As Griffin led them away, Raegar stood frozen for a moment, his eyes fixed on the pink-haired woman until she disappeared into the bustling crowd.


    ''Well, at least I know where I stand with her,'' he thought with a smile. ''Who wouldn''t want a beautiful, mature woman as a wife?''


    Raegar shook his head and made his way into the hall. Inside, groups of young people clustered together, chatting. Some of them turned to look at him as he entered, but his attention was drawn to a group of nobles who were surrounding a lone girl, taunting her.


    She stood there, looking out of place. Her dress and boots were what the village girls near the manor wore. With dark brown skin and sandy blonde hair, her grey eyes were filled with sadness as the nobles hurled insults her way, completely ignoring the pain they caused.


    ''Typical nobility. Always picking on normal people,'' Raegar thought, his irritation growing as he approached the group.


    As he got closer, he overheard one boy sneer, ''''What is a dirty commoner doing here? You should be at the smaller temple built for people like you.''''


    His voice dripped with contempt as he looked down on the quiet girl, his words sharp and mocking. Raegar noticed the blonde started trembling, causing him to remember one of his mother''s lessons.


    ***


    ''''We are nobles Raegar, we do not look down on normal people,'''' Victoria said while pacing in the classroom.


    ''''You mean commoners?'''' he corrected.


    His mother shook her head. ''''No. They are people just like us, darling. Believe it or not, your father came from nothing. He carried buckets of ore in the pits at the age of ten. One day your grandfather Griffin freed them in the eastern war and that''s where Alderic led the survivors to become the renowned Blackwood guards.''''


    She stood up and looked out of the window as she continued, ''''He fought his way to becoming a count in charge of people. We are the highest and they the lowest Raegar. It is our duty to lift them up as high as they will go. Anything less is simply not worthy of our name.''''


    ***


    ''Anything less is simply not worthy of our name,'' he mused with a smile. ''Mother, you belong in the Blackwood Family and with father, it seems.''


    Raegar''s eyes snapped open, locking onto one girl as she raised her hand to strike the blonde. In an instant, he cast Flash Step; the air exploding with a boom echoed throughout the hall, catching everyone''s attention as he appeared before the bullied girl.


    The sheer force of his arrival sent a ripple of shock through the nobles, causing them to stumble back, their arrogance replaced by fear as he spoke with a confident grin, ''''Leave the girl alone. You''re supposed to be nobles after all. Now move along before you get a shock.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 17: Wish Me Luck

    Raegar stared at the pack of nobles and one of them went to step forward, but a girl stopped him with a wary expression. ''''That''s Rhaelor Vaelthorne''s cousin. They have the same white hair which runs in that family, but this one has red eyes instead of blue.''''


    The others, clearly annoyed by this, walked away while he gave them a shit-eating grin as lightning arched across his body, but he was annoyed as people knew who he was. Raegar shook his head before turning to the blonde girl with big grey eyes who was staring at him.


    She had smooth rich chocolate brown skin, sandy blonde hair, and flawless features that any girl on Earth would have love to have. Her eyes sparkled, complemented by a delicate button nose and plump, inviting lips.


    ''Haven''t seen many dark-skinned girls since coming to this word, but she''s gorgeous,'' he thought while noticing her pointed ears, which amazed him. ''She''s a half-elf?''


    ''''Thank you for the help,'''' she muttered in a quiet voice that he barely heard above the surrounding noise. ''''I didn''t know people were so unfriendly to half-elves in the capital.''''


    Raegar smiled before waving her away. ''''It''s okay, no need to thank me. I don''t like the way nobles act. They are so high and mighty, which is annoying after a while.''''


    The girl giggled when hearing that and held out her hand, which he took as she introduced herself. ''''I''m Zahara. I come from a town far to the south called Duskwater Hollow. It''s on a peninsula that is cut off by a dark forest and mountains.''''


    ''''I haven''t heard of it,'''' he answered. ''''But I''m Raegar Blackwood and I live just outside of the trade city, Southwood.''''


    Zahara''s eyes widened before she spoke in an excited voice, ''''I''ve been there with my father, who is the towns traders. That was our first and last journey together until Edmund found me.''''


    ''''He found you?'''' he asked with a raised eyebrow. ''''Are you a cat?''''


    The girl giggled softly while explaining. ''''No, it''s not like that. He visits our town because of his manor on the outskirts. He believes I have a massive Aether Pool and could become a talented mage.''''


    Zahara''s eyes sparkled in excitement as she continued, ''''My father was so thrilled about it that he insisted I accompany him and Edmund on their journey back to the capital. They normally travel together''''


    ''''Oh,'''' Raegar replied, raising an eyebrow. ''''Interesting. Well, I''d better get in line for the test. Looks like it''s getting crowded.''''


    He went to walk off but Zahara grabbed his sleeve while asking in a sweet voice, ''''Can I join you please? Edmund is busy and I have no friends here.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' he answered before grabbing the brown-skinned beauty''s hand and dragged her over to the center of the hall.


    Hundreds of kids were waiting as the temple staff efficiently lined them up. Raegar scanned the room and spotted a nearby line, which they entered. While standing there, he noticed something Zahara''s cheeks were dark because of embarrassment.


    His gaze drifted to their still-joined hands, lingering for a moment before he glanced away while letting go. ''''Sorry about that, but we can wait here until taking our test.''''


    Zahara nodded with a smile as Raegar turned to a boy who was putting his hand on a translucent gem. Seconds later, it glowed a bright blue just as a man announced, ''''Water!''''


    He watched the boy get excited and next was a girl with rabbit ears. Moments later, she had two elements as the gem glowed brown and red, which caused the crowd to murmur as the same staff member exclaimed, ''''Earth and Fire!''''


    This continued until the nobles that were giving Zahara trouble, most had one element while a couple had double which impressed the staff, children and watching adults. When the blonde saw them she grabbed his sleeve causing Raegar to reassure her, ''''Don''t worry about them, they won''t bother now your friends with a Vaelthorne.''''


    The brown-skinned girl looked confused before whispering, ''''You''d be friends with a commoner like me? Despite belonging to a noble family.''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered with a charming smile. ''''I don''t care about status or rank, merit is what''s important to me.''''


    She stared at him as if he were an alien, her expression so bewildered that Raegar couldn''t help but burst into laughter. The tension eased, and they both turned their attention to the other children taking their tests.


    He watched closely, curious about the results. So far, every child tested had been a dual-element wielder, but none had displayed anything more extraordinary. Two hours later, it was finally Zahara''s turn.


    She brushed off her dress, which was clean as they stood in line. Her excitement and nerves were obvious as she turned to him with a radiant smile. ''''Wish me luck,'''' she said, her grey eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    ''''Good luck,'''' Raegar said as she walked to the center where Edmund was waiting.


    The blonde man nodded at him just as Zahara put her hand on the Aether Gem, which lit up. As three colors appeared, the hall went deathly silent as a bright white, blue and brown colors lit up the surroundings.


    ''She''s a Triarch Mage!'' he was internally shocked.


    Raegar caught sight of Edmund''s eyes widening in shock before he quickly ushered Zahara out of the hall, his movements hurried and almost frantic. Zahara glanced back over her shoulder, her brow furrowed in confusion.


    He met her gaze with a charming smile and a casual wave, hoping to ease her worry. She hesitated for a moment before vanishing through the doorway with Edmund. Following that, it was his go, which made his excitement grow.


    The temple staff motioned for him to step forward for his turn. As he approached the stand, he turned to the right and froze for a moment. His mother and Yuki were nearby in the stand watching hie.


    Raegar quickly noticed the cat woman greeted him with a warm smile. Beside her, Victoria silently cheered him on, her hands clasped tightly in encouragement. He felt a surge of determination as he returned their gestures with a small nod.


    ''''What is your name, boy?'''' the official asked.


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he answered.


    The man nodded before informing him, ''''Please place your hands on it and don''t remove them until I say so,'''' the man informed him in a firm tone.


    Raegar nodded and placed his hand on the gem, expecting something to happen, but at first, nothing did. A heavy silence fell over the hall, confusion etched on everyone''s faces. Just as the murmurs began, the hall trembled and suddenly eight brilliant lights burst forth.


    Red, blue, green, white, black, brown, yellow, and purple erupted in dazzling beams. Gasps of shock echoed through the hall as the colors danced across every surface, leaving the gathered crowd frozen in awe.


    He blinked against the intense light, his own heart pounding which excitement as he sucked in so much Aether that it almost overwhelmed it, but he managed to control it while sending the energy into the nine pools.


    While standing there basking in the Aether, Raegar started hearing the whispers and excitement that echoed throughout the hall, ''''A Tetraarch Mage has been born!'''' a man shouted.


    ''''The Blackwood boy can use every element? I feel sorry for him,'''' a girl said.


    Raegar shook his head as the temple official approached him with a respectful look as he spoke, ''''I cannot believe it but you''re a Tetraarch Mage young master. I''m sure the temple leader would like to speak to you.''''


    He was just about to reply but more nobles moved in on him and overwhelmed him with question causing him to get ready to use his magic, but a commanding voice boomed across the temple.


    ''''Leave my grandson alone! If you ignore my warning we can step outside,'''' Griffin warned the crowd while approaching the stage.


    Raegar smiled when seeing his grandfather and the old man winked at him before continuing, ''''Noone is to bother him or they will have an issue with the Vaelthorne Family and you know the empress will want the boy to flourish.''''


    The nobles quickly retreated, their murmurs fading into the background, but Raegar couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched. Three men stood apart from the rest, their predatory gazes fixed on him like wolves sizing up their prey.


    A nervous lump formed in his throat, and he gulped instinctively, as their aura was too much for him. He felt like heavy weights were pressing down on, forcing him to grit his teeth while steeling himself.


    Griffin''s sharp eyes caught the exchange, and his expression darkened with fury. Taking a step forward, he growled, his voice like thunder, ''''Lucius, Charles, Henry, take your eyes off him, or we can dance like we did back in the academy.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 18: Youre Welcome My Boy

    After the speaking the threat hung in the air, heavy with tension was palpable. The three men exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence faltering under Griffin''s piercing glare. They quickly backed off.


    Raegar smiled at his grandfather''s display, but the old man dragged him somewhere quiet as the crowd couldn''t keep their eyes off him and were whispering among themselves while stealing glances at them.


    As soon as they moved away from the crowd, a shimmering bubble formed around them, silencing all external noise. He glanced around in confusion, only to notice the Vaelthorne Guards encircling them.


    ''''The other families now know you are a Tetraarch Mage, which will bring a lot of unwanted attention and distract you from your training. So that''s why me and your mother have decided that you will go to Bloodfang Forest immediately,'''' Griffin revealed with glowing red eyes.


    Raegar nodded in understanding just as the old man continued speaking, ''''You''ll spend a year there and use the Nytherian fortress to restock, rest and sell whatever you collect.''''


    ''''Can I bring some books? And what about the academy?'''' He questioned when hearing his grandfather''s words.


    Griffin nodded while chuckling. ''''Yes, I have some gifts but they will have to wait until we depart for the forest and I will collect you before the test day,'''' he revealed with a big smile.


    Following that, Raegar noticed more people pouring into the temple, but the old man did something so they''d appeared outside their carriage and pushed him inside, ''''Get in and say goodbye to the ladies. Yuki is upset and needs some pampering from her lover.''''


    Raegar was ready to cuss him out for making a scene, but the sight of his mother and Yuki sitting nearby caused him to shut his mouth. He bit his tongue, choosing silence instead as Griffin started laughing.


    Before he could think, Victoria leapt from her seat and wrapped him in a tight, almost crushing hug. Her voice trembled with worry as she muttered, ''''I hope you stay safe out there... and don''t let the monsters get you.''''


    When hearing the concern in her voice, Raegar felt a pang of guilt, but he forced a reassuring smile, patting her back gently. ''''Don''t worry, Mother. You know I''ve been training hard for years.''''


    ''''Yes, you''re talented enough not to be killed by monsters or outlaws,'''' she said with a smile before looking at him. ''''You''ve grown up so much. What you did for that girl would have made your father proud.''''


    Raegar''s cheeks flushed a deep red as his eyes flickered toward the cat woman, who had been watching him with an amused gaze. Before he could say anything, she spoke, her tone light but thoughtful.


    ''''She was a pretty girl,'''' Yuki said, her tail swishing lazily behind her. ''''I admit she seems fragile, sure, but being a Triarch Mage is the complete opposite. She''ll most likely grow into a powerhouse.''''


    ''It doesn''t seem like she''s bothered?'' he mused before quickly hugging her, which the maid happily reciprocated with a tight one of her own.


    As the carriage moved out of the city, Raegar noticed the Vaelthorne Guards forming a protective circle around it. Victoria straightened in her seat and spoke with a firm tone. ''''Now that you''re heading to Bloodfang Forest, you must be cautious of the Devils that may appear. Your grandmother gave you lessons about them, so stay alert and watch yourself.''''


    ''''I know, mother,'''' he replied with a smile, trying to reassure his mother. ''''I''ll be cautious and won''t put myself in dangerous situations.''''


    The carriage went silent after Victoria agreed and minutes later he felt Yuki''s hand slipped into his with a smile as her blue eyes sparkled with affection, but he noticed the concern within them as well.


    Raegar felt embarrassed, but pushed that aside as he turned to the window and watched as the city streets passed by. The two women started chatting about the people they saw in the temple.


    The two women laughed, recognizing some familiar faces among the crowd, while he remained lost in his own thoughts, contemplating the forest and the monsters that prowled within.


    Hours later, as the carriage rolled down the Kingsway, it came to a halt when a Griffin appeared before them. Raegar smiled when seeing the old man and stepped inside while speaking, ''''Hello everyone, sorry I was later. A friend of mine kept me waiting.''''


    ''''Did you get everything you told me about father? It must have been hard to get that certain item,'''' Victoria asked in a curious tone.


    His grandfather nodded with a big smile as he ruffled Raegar''s hair suddenly. ''''Yes, and some extra as Marius helped me find most of it from the market. But as I was leaving, Dunmara was in chaos as they are looking for him.''''


    When his mother heard this, her eyebrows rose before asking, ''''I bet they will try to bribe him with their daughters or gold. Wait until the marriage offers pour in. That''s going to be annoying.''''


    Raegar shifted uncomfortably at the thought of being forced to marry someone he didn''t know. Sensing this, Griffin smirked and reassured him, ''''Relax, you little gremlin. No one''s going to force you into marriage or arrange anything.''''


    Victoria chuckled, adding with a playful tone, ''''That only happened to Jasper.'''' She giggled softly. ''''Not that he minds, he and his fiance?es are madly in love.''''


    Following that, Raegar was relieved, and it showed, but Griffin nudged him with a knowing smile as she spoke. ''''Wait until you see what I''ve got for you. I know you''ll love them and some things are an adventurer''s dream.''''


    ''''Thank you, grandfather. I''m grateful for everything you''ve done for me,'''' he replied in a grateful voice, as the older man had done a lot for him.


    Griffin beamed before he suddenly pulling Raegar into a bear hug. ''''You''re welcome, boy,'''' he said warmly. ''''It''s been an amazing time training you over the years. Most of your cousins don''t even bother with me or your grandmother, but then there''s you.''''


    ''''You and grandmother mean a lot to me,'''' he answered the old man who was brushing his long blonde hair.


    ''''Good, because Elysia loves you dearly and is always talking about little Raegar this, little Raegar that,'''' Griffin said with a chuckle.


    Laughter filled the carriage as everyone chatted animatedly, but Raegar turned his attention to the window, watching the landscape pass by. Dozens of farms dotted the rolling grasslands, their cattle grazing lazily under the open sky.


    ''I can''t wait to explore this world,'' he thought, his glowing red eyes reflecting his excitement. ''It''s so different from Earth, even the animals are bigger.''


    Hours slipped by, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the carriage finally came to a stop beside a gently flowing river, its surface shimmering in the fading light. Griffin stepped outside, followed by the others.


    Raegar was the last out and let out a sigh as the cool air brushed up against his skin, which put a smile on his face. While standing there, his mother and Yuki suddenly hugged him while the old man smiled broadly from the side.


    ''''Say your goodbyes boy,'''' Griffin commented. ''''I''m taking you to Bloodfang Forest now, its best we start sooner rather than later.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied while glancing up. ''''Isn''t the sun setting?''''


    His grandfather nodded before informing him with a gleam in his eyes, ''''Yes. I''ll drop you off in a clearing you''ll be safe in only if you hide in the trees.''''


    Raegar felt a surge of panic rising in his chest, but steeled himself. ''''Okay,'''' he said, taking a deep breath. ''''If you think it''s best I go now, then I will.''''


    He hugged his mother tightly before turning to the beautiful cat woman, who looked upset. Without a word, she pulled him into a warm embrace, her voice soft as she whispered, ''''Take care of yourself, young master. Remember, you cannot leave me alone, you must return.''''


    ''''I will, Yuki,'''' he replied with a confident smile. ''''Like I''d ever fall to a monster or a bandit. You know this, you''re the one who taught me how to use Enhancement magic, remember?''''


    The maid beamed, nodding softly. ''''Yes, young master. I know you''re strong for your age and have spent years training. I just can''t help but worry about you.''''


    Raegar opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, she leaned forward and kissed him quickly, then rushed back to the carriage. Victoria and Griffin watched the scene unfold, and the old man couldn''t resist teasing. ''''Looks like you''re quite the ladies'' man, grandson.''''


    Following that, his grandfather grabbed him by the shoulder and vanished. All Raegar could see was a blur as they traveled across Kaldorra, which made him feel sick until, a while later, the duo came to a stop.


    They were next to a rushing river with a stone bridge crossing it. Griffin looked at it before speaking. ''''This is the border between our empire and the Nytheria Kingdom. The Bloodfang Forest is a few miles south.''''


    [Drop some Power Stones, Reviews, and Comments, as it will help the book grow]

 Chapter 19: The First Tetraarch Mage

    Raegar was staring at endless grasslands that were littered with woodlands. He spotted a town in the far distance, causing Griffin to explain, ''''That''s Nightshade Grove, a small farming settlement that is home to the Nytherian Border Guards. They are strong and can fight Tier Three monsters.''''


    ''''Interesting, can I visit there to trade and buy myself some supplies?'''' he asked the older man.


    Griffin shook his head before answering, ''''No, it''s too far unless you can fly, which won''t happen for a few years.''''


    Raegar looked offended. ''''Why''s that? I have a lot of Aether and big enough pools to try a flying spell,'''' he questioned.


    ''''Yes, you have,'''' the old man replied, turning to face him. ''''But that doesn''t mean you can use every spell ever created.''''


    His grandfather paused, his tone growing more serious. ''''You can handle three for now, but trying to learn more will put a heavy strain on your mind. If I remember correctly, once you become a Tier Two Aether Mage, you''ll be able to learn more. But for now, that''s all you can handle.''''


    ''''So it would knock me out just like when I run out of Aether?'''' he asked.


    Griffin nodded in confirmation, ''''Now let''s get you to the forest, I have some business to attend to in the Nytheria Kingdom.''''


    Following that, the old man grabbed Raegar by the scruff of his neck and continued with his weird teleportation skill, which made him feel sick. By the time they stopped, he was throwing up.


    Minutes later, Raegar calmed down, only to realize he was in a clearing surrounded by primal-looking trees and thick underbrush. The atmosphere gave him the creeps, as it felt like someone was watching him.


    ''Am I in Jumanji? The books didn''t say it looked like this,'' he thought as goosebumps rushed over his body.


    Griffin started laughing before speaking in an amused tone. ''''Welcome to Bloodfang Forest, my boy. The place where hundreds of our relatives have trained and dozens have lost their lives.''''


    Raegar stiffened but quickly steeled himself as the old man pulled out a pile of items, which fell to the ground with a heavy thud. His grandfather leaned over, picking up a wooden case with careful hands.


    ''''These will stay with you for years,'''' he said with an excited voice. ''''They''re Tier Two weapons called the Everfang Daggers, crafted by an old friend of mine many moons ago.''''


    Griffin handed him the case, and Raegar opened it to reveal two long daggers resting inside. What caught his attention, however, was the faint glow of Aether emanating from them. He shook his head in awe before carefully examining the weapons.


    ''What is this? It feels like they are calling to me?'' he pondered.


    The inside of the blades curved upwards and were forged from a beautiful black metal that gleamed under the morning sun. The handles were crafted from black wood, looking both durable and tough, designed for a firm grip.


    ''''What you''re feeling is an enchantment called Return,'''' Griffin revealed with a proud smile. ''''If you lose them during a fight, just send some Aether into the markings and they will return to you.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened, but he asked with a curious voice, ''''Markings?''''


    ''''Yes, they will bind to you once you touch them,'''' the older man said while holding the case. ''''Try them out boy, see if they accept you as their master.''''


    He frowned in confusion, glancing at Griffin with a raised eyebrow. The older man immediately snapped, ''''Don''t give me that look. My friend told me his father crafted them decades ago, but every time someone tries to touch them, they get shocked.''''


    Raegar nodded and reached for one dagger. As his hand closed around the hilt, a shock coursed through his fingers, though it wasn''t as bad as he''d expected. Taking the other dagger, he suddenly felt a sharp burning sensation in his hand.


    He winced as a tiny knife-shaped marking etched itself into his skin. The burning faded after a few seconds. When Griffin saw this, his smile grew wider as he exclaimed, ''''I knew they would accept you! I know they''re not swords, but you''ve trained with daggers in the past.''''


    ''''I know, I''ll get used to them while fighting,'''' he replied to his grandfather.


    The older man nodded before handing him a belt, while grabbing a satchel bag and handed it to him. ''''This is a basic magic bag that I picked up in. It will allow you to carry 500 lbs worth of stuff, but after that you will need to head to the Dreadshade Castle to sell what you''ve collected.''''


    He strapped the belt around his waist and slung the bag over his shoulder. Griffin then handed him a sturdy wooden box. ''''This is a basic survival kit,'''' his grandfather said firmly. ''''It''ll help you in the forest, but ensure to keep it dry.''''


    Taking the box, Raegar opened it to inspect the contents. Inside, he recognized a few key items: an Everlight Lantern, Flamekindle Stones, a waterskin, a jar of Healing Salve, and a small pouch of tea.


    ''''Thank you, grandfather,'''' he said while putting the survival kit away.


    ''''Don''t thank me yet,'''' Griffin replied with a sly smile. ''''Let''s see if you survive the Bloodfang Forest before thanking me.''''


    With a flick of his wrist, he sent a surge of Aether into the small, square package. In an instant, it expanded, and a small tent appeared out of thin air, causing Raegar to jump back in surprise.


    The old man chuckled at his reaction, clearly enjoying the moment. ''''This is a magic tent,'''' he explained, still grinning. ''''If you set it up somewhere out of the way, no one will find you.''''


    ''''Okay, this will be useful at night,'''' Raegar said, nodding as he carefully tucked the tent away. ''''Monsters are more active once the sun goes down.''''


    Once that was done, Griffin''s sudden hug caught him off guard, but the older man said, "Please come back to me, boy. Many of our kin haven''t, and I don''t want to lose you in there."


    When Raegar heard this he returned the hug while reassuring the older man, ''''I''ll be fine, grandfather. I need this to grow stronger so I can become the best Aether Mage in the Dawnfire Empire.''''


    His grandfather bellowed with a hearty laugh, ruffling his hair. ''''Go make me proud, boy! I''ll see you in a year. But in case anything happened and I''m not around, head north, and you''ll find Dunmara City.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding while readying himself as the older man concluded with a chuckle, ''''Your little girlfriend gave me a pile of books you''d like. I put them in the magic bag and added some of my own that you will enjoy.''''


    ''''Thank you, old man,'''' he said while looking into the bag.


    Griffin gave a firm nod, offering his last words before vanishing. ''''Now, grow stronger and slay many monsters.''''


    Raegar stared at the spot his grandfather was just stood and steeled himself before entering the treeline and started traveling through the forest while readying his blade in case he came across any monsters.


    Thanks to his training, he could traverse through the underbrush with ease until coming across a small lake with murky water. The place gave him the creeps, but he scanned his surroundings.


    After he vanished into the trees, Griffin reappeared while watching him vanish as Vlad appeared beside him and spoke in a concerned tone. ''''Do you think the boy can save the village? Those monsters are Tier Three, at least.''''


    ''''Yes, my old friend,'''' he replied, his voice echoing with confidence. ''''My grandson is far stronger than he appears, and will become a legendary warrior, one who will surpass me, his grandmother, and every Vaelthorne that came before him. That is why I spared no expense on the Everfang Daggers. They are worthy of the greatness he will achieve.''''


    Vlad turned to the blonde man, his eyes wide with surprise. ''''I thought you were buying them for Rhaelor? Won''t he be angry?''''


    Griffin''s expression remained unshaken as he responded, his tone firm. ''''I don''t care. That boy''s become cocky of late, and I can''t stand that attitude.'''' He paused, his gaze distant. ''''Raegar is our future. He has the drive and compassion to build a better world from the mess we find ourselves in.''''


    ''''You truly believe in him, don''t you friend?'''' the vampire king questioned. ''''You''re willing to tear apart the Vaelthorne''s for him? A family you''ve been building for the last sixty years.''''


    ''''I am, most of the young men are cocky and bloated on their ignorance while the women are hard to get along with but then comes Raegar Blackwood, a humble but intelligent boy from a count''s family ended up becoming the first Tetraarch Mage in generations and is a Devil Killer.''''


    Vlad''s red eyes widened and slowly nodded. ''''Just know that the Nytheria Kingdom will support the boy from any threat he faces.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 20: Oh No, Where Am I Now?

    As the morning sun beamed down on the Bloodfang Forest, a layer of sweat covered Raegar''s body while dashing through the underbrush while being chased by an enraged massive rhino-like beast that was trying to kill him.


    The oppressive aura radiating from the creature told him it was a Tier Two monster known as a Razorhorn which was the size of a small car, its sheer presence weighing down on his body.


    Yet, thanks to years of training, Raegar pushed through the paralyzing fear. As he ran through the forest, his mind raced, searching desperately for an opening to strike and create an opportunity to escape the nightmare he''d stumbled into.


    But the beast moved relentlessly, denying him a chance. ''How the hell is this thing keeping up with me?'' he thought in annoyance while skidding to a stop and pointed his hand at it.


    Raegar started casting Stormfire Bullets that sliced through the air, lighting up the forest before slamming into the monster. But to his shock and horror, the spells just bounced off it while leaving behind a scorch mark.


    ''''What! How aren''t they slowing it down!'''' he exclaimed with wide eyes as memories started returning to him.


    During his earlier years of studying, he had learned a little about these creatures from the Monster Compendium that the Vaelthorne Family owned. Just like their namesake; its horn was extremely sharp and could slice through trees like it a hot knife through butter.


    One thing that caught his attention was the thick, rugged hide on the monster''s massive frame could withstand most attacks. That''s why his spells did nothing to it. Panic surged through him as the realization hit.


    Neither his magic nor his blades would harm the beast. Desperation clouded his mind as he thought, ''My spells won''t do a damn thing against this thing! Maybe... maybe I can lose it somewhere?''


    When thinking that, he noticed its pitch-black eyes locked onto him, radiating pure hatred as its movements were shaking the ground. Moments later, it started letting out a roar that shook everything around him and nearly forced his body to stop moving.


    Raegar could tell the monster''s fury was genuine and he couldn''t blame it, as there were baby versions of it when he stumbled upon them. ''I fucked up! I shouldn''t have continued down that path,'' he internally panicked.


    Moments later, the beast was uprooting trees and flinging them in his direction. He yelped before using Flash Step to dodge the massive projectile that flew above his head and crashing nearby.


    That''s when he soon realized the monster wasn''t just defending its territory. It wanted him dead for intruding on its home, accident or not. The sheer hatred in its relentless pursuit sent a chill down his spine.


    Realizing he couldn''t overpower it, Raegar stopped attacking and broke into a sprint, weaving through the underbrush. Branches scratched at his skin, but he didn''t stop until he burst through the treeline, only to find himself at the edge of a cliff.


    Below him stretched an endless expanse of forest, the drop steep and unforgiving. Seconds later, the Razorhorn appeared a few meters away from him. With a smug gleam in its eyes, it stopped, knowing he was trapped.


    Time felt like it was slowing down as Raegar''s head snapped to the monster, who was getting ready to charge. He quickly thought as his heart hammered. ''I need to jump and use the blades to slow my fall.''


    The Razorhorn unleashed a deafening roar as it burst forward with terrifying speed. Raegar''s instincts screamed at him, and he leapt to the side, barely avoiding the beast, but slipped off the side.


    ''Oh, fuck!'' he thought while gritting his teeth, steeling his nerves as he drew his daggers and drove them into the stone, sparks flying as they bit into the rock, slowing his descent.


    He gritted his teeth, his breaths ragged as he glanced upward. The Razorhorn stood at the edge of the cliff, its black eyes locked on him with a predatory glare. It let out a huff, as if dismissing him, before turning and vanishing.


    Following that, he continued to fall as the jagged rocks scraped at his boots, every second feeling like a lifetime. The wind howled around him, and he had only a moment to adjust before it leveled out, hurling him into the thick treetops below.


    Raegar crashed through branches; the leaves whipping past him in a blur, until he landed hard on the forest floor, breathless but alive. As he staggered to his feet, he froze. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.


    ''''Oh no! Where am I now?'''' he asked himself in a low voice.


    The air felt heavier, charged with an ominous presence. Glancing around, he realized too late he had stumbled straight into the heart of a monster''s nest. Massive, twisted trees stretched high above him, their trunks gnarled with age.


    In the shadows, he could just make out the glint of eyes watching him. Hundreds of them. Raegar''s muscles tensed as he readied his blades as every instinct screaming in anticipation while the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.


    From the shadows, a massive spider lunged at him, its monstrous fangs gleaming in the dim light as it surged forward with unnatural speed. Without hesitation, Raegar deflected the attack with a sharp metallic clash.


    His muscles strained, causing him to think, ''Fuck! These things are powerful.''


    The spider hissed in fury at its failed attack, but before it could strike again, he unleashed his strongest spell that slammed into the monster, ''''Lightningfire Blast!''''


    A violent explosion of searing flame and crackling lightning erupted from his hands, sending the spider flying across the forest floor, its body crashing through trees and rocks in a whirlwind of destruction.


    But as the creature writhed, chaos erupted around him, other monstrous shapes emerged from the darkness. When Raegar saw this, he gulped, as there were so many, even if they were Tier One monster.


    ''''I need to get out of here,'''' he muttered just as another spider lunged at him.


    Raegar''s body moved quickly as he sidestepped the oncoming arachnid, his daggers flashing in the dim light. With a blur of motion, he slashed the creature a dozen times, his blades cutting through its thick hide, sending its legs scattering in every direction.


    Before he could fully recover, another spider lunged at him, its fangs snapping dangerously close. Without missing a beat, Raegar hurled one of his daggers, sending it flying with deadly precision.


    The blade sank deep into the creature''s face, piercing its monstrous eyes, and it collapsed to the ground with a final, sickening thud. This gave Raegar a chance to rush out of the nest with a trail of monsters chasing him.


    An enormous spider appeared on the path he was taking, forcing him to throw the second dagger into its head just before casting Stormfire Bullets that burned holes through the creature''s carapace.


    His heart pounded as the horde of spiders surged forward, their legs scraping against the ground. The air thickened with the stench of venom and decay, but he wasn''t about to let them close in.


    With a burst of speed, he sprinted through the dense forest, the underbrush tangling at his feet as the monsters continued chasing him. His breath was sharp, his mind focused only on survival.


    ''I need to get to a river or something,'' he thought while casting more spells into the monsters.


    Minutes later, Raegar spun, tossing his daggers into the air, each blade finding its mark in the twisted bodies of the spiders. Their screeches filled the air as they crumpled to the ground, but the horde was endless.


    More kept coming, their eyes burning with bloodlust. He didn''t wait as his daggers flew back into his hands. He cast a quick glance behind, only to yelp as a spider was right there. ''''Oh shit!'''' he exclaimed.


    Without thinking, he cast Lightningfire Blast into the monsters that sent both of them flying in opposite directions. Raegar landed on his feet before using Flash Step to get ahead of the horde.


    Ten minutes later, he felt his Aether running low, which put a strain on his body just as he stopped at the banks of a raging river. He turned around only to see the treetops shaking because of the numbers of monsters.


    Raegar''s heart raced as he activated Flash Step, vanishing just as a massive spider slammed into the spot he''d just abandoned. He reappeared on the opposite bank, but the momentum sent him crashing against the muddy slope.


    His feet slipped beneath him, and the slippery mud threatened to drag him back into the river. Desperation fueled him. With his fingers digging into the wet earth, he clawed his way up the bank, every movement a battle against gravity.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 21: Thats Where The Best Meat Is

    The spiders let out an enraged screech from the other side, its eyes gleaming with hunger, but Raegar pushed on, driven by the raw need to survive. Finally, he hauled himself over the edge and collapsed onto his side, gasping for breath.


    His body burned with exhaustion, but for a moment, the only sound was the river rushing beside him. While lying there, he summoned his daggers that appeared in his hands, causing him to smile.


    ''''At least I can''t lose these,'''' Raegar muttered with a tired smile. ''''The enchantment is worth the gold.''''


    Ten minutes later, he climbed to his feet before scanning his surroundings and noticed it was just more forest. ''It''s like something out of the dinosaur books back on Earth.''


    But that''s when his eyes landed on a massive tree with thick branches, causing him to climb up to one of them. Once he was off the ground, he noticed there was ample space between the branches to set up his tent.


    ''I''ll rest here for now and gather Aether after I''ve eaten,'' he thought while staring at it.


    A few moments later, Raegar grabbed several large stones and stuffed them into his magic bag before climbing the tree, ascending until he reached a branch at least twenty meters above the ground.


    Once he reached it, he set up the tent Griffin had given him. ''This is big enough for one person,'' he thought with a smile. ''Now, to collect some wood.''


    Raegar spent some time gathering sticks before returning to the tent. He arranged the stones into a ring, then stacked the wood in the center. Using the remaining Aether, he ignited the pile and slumped down in front of the growing fire, letting its warmth wash over him.


    Ten minutes later, he sat up, pulled out a smaller bag, and began rummaging through it. To his delight, he found the bag filled with food. Raegar chose a loaf of bread that smelled heavenly and eagerly ate, savoring each bite.


    As he ate, Raegar gazed out over the forest, his ears catching the distant echoes of monster noises that reverberated through the trees. A primal feeling stirred within him as he savored the sweetness of the bread, his mind wandering.


    ''I wonder what creatures are nearby,'' he thought, the sounds heightening his curiosity.


    Following that, Raegar put more wood in the fire before pulling out the Monster Compendium and went to the southern part, where he searched for the spiders he fought. A while later, he found out they were Forest Widows and the nests were full of thousands of angry monsters.


    This caused him to gulp when finding that out. ''At least I got out of there in one piece.''


    Raegar continued reading until the fire died out, forcing him to crawl into the tent with a cup of tea he made. He set up the Everlight Lantern and had it dimmed so he could sleep while hidden.


    The following morning, he woke up to a loud roar shaking the tree he was in. Raegar crawled out only to see an Allosaurus-looking monsters passing by, ''There''s a dinosaur! This is awesome!'' he internally celebrated.


    After that, he started to gather while falling into deep meditation and filled up his Aether pools before packing up to continue trekking through the forest while fiddling with the gold plate Vlad the vampire king gave him.


    ''Where is this Dreadshade Castle? The old man never told me,'' he pondered, furrowing his brow.


    Moments later, he shrugged, deciding to figure it out as he went. Just then the nearby bushed erupted as Forest Widows lunged out and started attacking Raegar, who yelped. He started dodging their fangs and sharp legs while countering with Lightningfire Blast that incinerated them.


    Once the surprise attack was over, he went to work and started slicing the spiders up with his daggers. The black metal carved through the monster''s carapaces just before he used Flash Step to clear some space.


    Raegar counted ten more than they rushed toward him, but he was quicker. He started jumping around like a rabbit while slicing at the Forest Widows before they all dropped dead when he spammed Stormfire Bullets into their bodies.


    As the battle was finished, he suddenly remembered what he read in the compendium, ''The guild buys the fangs, eyes, and cores while maybe spider silk drops.''


    Raegar moved swiftly, cutting away the materials he needed from the fallen goblins while keeping an eye out for any valuable silk. As he searched, his gaze landed on two crystal-like objects, each about the size of a tennis ball.


    Their shimmering surface reminded him of mana cores from the games he used to play back on Earth. Curious, he picked them up, rolling them in his palm before deciding to store them away for later.


    Turning his attention to the Tier One Monster Core, he recognized its faint brown glow, feeling the energy pulsing within. ''''Earth Aether,'''' he muttered before throwing it into his bag along with the loot. ''''Now let''s continue.''''


    Days passed by as he battled with the Forest Widows and fled from the bigger ones that came. To him, it seemed like the nest now held a grudge against him. By the fifth day, he was growing tired of killing spiders, but they soon stopped chasing.


    He was sitting on a branch overlooking a giant lake in the middle of the forest while eating some smoked meat that Griffin had given him. Raegar felt his Aether Pools were getting full, which forced him to extend them when he got the chance.


    ''Tonight, I need to hunt some monster meat before resting,'' he mused while finishing his snack.


    While sitting there, the water below came to life as a crocodile monster breached the surface and snatched a flying bat. Following that, Raegar jumped up with glowing eyes as the beasts sunk down.


    ''''Swamp Crocodiles,'''' he muttered while being careful not to fall in. ''''The book says they''re Tier Two monsters, but they are too strong for me.''''


    Afterward, Raegar continued traveling through the forest until coming to a clearing where he spotted a monster he knew thanks to his years of studying, ''Bramblehares, this could be an excellent source of food if I can kill enough,'' he internally debated.


    They were larger than ordinary rabbits, their fur a deep brown and their eyes glowing an eerie yellow. Some cautiously scanned their surroundings, while others nibbled on the grass, looking like the perfect targets.


    After a moment of consideration, he decided to use his Stormfire Bullets to take a few down before using his daggers to kill more. A few seconds later, he readied his spell before popping out and casting his spells.


    A dozen reddish bullets sliced through the air and hit a half a dozen Bramblehares just as his blades missed their targets. Raegar got angry but calmed down when seeing the six corpses he ended up gaining.


    ''''Well, that was worth it,'' he muttered before collecting all of them as he remembered a lesson with Saki.


    ***


    ''''Young master! Pay attention now,'''' the older cat woman suddenly said, bringing him back to reality.


    She gestured toward the rabbit''s corpse, carefully explaining which parts were edible and which to discard. Though Raegar felt a bit puzzled, he paid close attention, eager to absorb any knowledge that could prove useful in the future.


    He observed as the maid deftly sliced through the rabbit''s hide, her movements deliberate. ''''We need to skin the creature to access the tender meat underneath,'''' she explained.


    Following that, Saki handed Raegar a sharp knife, guiding his hand to the rabbit''s belly. ''''Start here,'''' she instructed. ''''Make a shallow cut along the stomach. Too deep, and you''ll puncture the organs. We don''t want that.''''


    He nodded, carefully sliding the blade as she directed, causing the cat woman to smile proudly as she spoke. ''''Good. Now, use your fingers to separate the skin from the muscle. It should peel away if you''re gentle but firm. Like this.''''


    She demonstrated on one side, her hands steady, then watched as he mirrored her movements on the other side. ''''Not bad,'''' Saki said, her eyes glinting with approval. ''''You''ve got steady hands. Once the hide is off, we''ll cut away the legs. That''s where the best meat is.''''


    Raegar followed her instructions, the process slow but satisfying. ''''This is harder than it looks,'''' he admitted.


    Saki chuckled softly. ''''It gets easier with practice. Soon you''ll be able to do this in your sleep.''''


    ***


    After storing away the Bramblehare bodies, Raegar resumed his journey through the forest. Along the way, he successfully hunted a few Forest Stags, carefully harvesting their skins, meat, and antlers.


    These resources would fetch a good price at the castle, and he felt a sense of satisfaction at his growing haul as he muttered to himself, ''''It won''t be much, but it''s free coins, so I won''t complain.''''


    Raegar stumbled upon a massive tree perched near a rushing river and made it to his home base while he continued gathering loot. The location offered both a commanding view and a sense of security.


    However, his food supply was dwindling, aside from the monster meat he had been carefully storing in his magic bag for emergencies.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 22: Devils Dont Deserve Mercy

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Raegar sat on the branch, carefully skinning the Bramblehares one by one, as Saki taught him many years ago. The fading light painted the forest in an orange and gold glow.


    Next to him, a small fireplace he''d built in front of his tent crackled softly, its stone ring keeping the flames contained. The warm glow provided just enough light to work by, ensuring the fire wouldn''t spread as he focused.


    ''I can keep the skin, feet, and eyes to sell. The meat is mine, but they are only cheap Tier One monsters. but will get me enough coin to get some food,'' he thought, carefully sorting the items.


    Raegar placed them neatly into boxes that came with his magic bag. An hour later, he had an enormous pile of Bramblehare meat stored away, which would last him for another week, but he needed spices.


    Once that was done, he pulled out the pile of books Yuki sorted for him and soon realized there was one he hadn''t bought. He read the name of the one that caught his eye, ''''Kaldorra''s Bounty: The Forager''s Field Guide? Did she buy it for me?''''


    Following that, he took out his dagger and sharpened a stick to piece a chunk of rabbit meat and hung it over the fire to cook before dousing it in moonlit sage, which would make it taste better.


    He then got comfortable while reading, which taught Raegar about dozens of plants and flowers he could harvest for many things. This caused him to think with sparkling red eyes, ''More coin for me, and these Bay Leaves sound spicy, so I need to get some of them.''


    Raegar kept reading, absorbed in the task, until the mouthwatering aroma of cooked meat reached his nose. Without hesitation, he grabbed the sizzling rabbit meat. He blew gently on it to cool it down, then took a bite, savoring the rich, smoky flavor.


    ''Delicious,'' he thought with a smile.


    Following that, he continued reading while eating the rabbit steak as the moon appeared, causing its light to shine through the canopy. A few hours later, he was done with the book, but quickly noticed several sounds from below.


    Raegar looked over the edge, only to see an army of creepy-looking ant monsters swarmed past the tree while following the river north. This surprised him as he only seen a few creatures, but that''s when his senses came to life, leading to him spinning around.


    As he did that, three ants staring while their mandibles snapped in his direction. He quickly reacted and cast Stormfire Bullets into the monsters skulls, causing them to explode as their exo skeleton splattered everywhere.


    ''Tier One, this will be easy if it''s only these guys,'' he thought while a spark deep inside sparked to life.


    The remaining creature charged at him, its beady black eyes wild with fury. He quickly dodged its lunge, narrowly avoiding its sharp claws. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast.


    He got excited as the reddish-yellow flames engulfed the creature in an instant. Raegar watched as it was consumed by the flames, its form disintegrating into ash, which then floated away on the wind.


    When the fight was over, he spotted three Aether Cores, which he added to the ten Tier Ones he gathered so far. Raegar let out a yawn before returning the tent and crawled into the sheets, only to fall asleep seconds later.


    The following morning, Raegar woke to the rhythmic sound of rain tapping against the tent. He sighed, momentarily frustrated by the wet start to his day, but quickly pushed the feeling aside.


    Determined to make the most of his time, he gathered some Aether and began focusing on expanding his pools, eager to improve his abilities despite the weather. An hour later, he collapsed to the floor of the tent.


    ''I can''t expand them!'' he internally fumed. ''What am I doing wrong? I''m doing one at a time like the instructions said, but it''s useless.''


    Raegar was following the Aether Chronicle guide to Aether Gathering, but he was doing something wrong. ''''Well, they are full at least and I can still use magic,'''' he muttered before eating the last of his sweet bread.


    His mood soured even further, but he pushed the feeling aside and began brewing some tea to calm himself. However, his moment of peace was shattered when an explosion rocked the tree beneath him.


    Rushing outside, he peered across the river and saw a chaotic battle unfolding. A group of three vampires were outnumbered and clearly losing, fought desperately against a group of armoured devils.


    The enemies appeared almost human, but they wouldn''t fool him, with two horns protruding from their foreheads and wings sprouting from their backs. Their assault left the vampires at a severe disadvantage.


    Raegar''s grip tightened around the handles of his daggers as he watched the carnage unfold. ''''I might as well help these people,'''' he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing with determination. ''''Devils don''t deserve mercy.''''


    Without a second thought, Raegar extended his hand toward the branch, unleashing a fierce Lightningfire Blast. The explosion sent him hurtling through the air, crossing the river in an instant.


    As he descended toward the Devils, he braced himself and crashed into their ranks with force, sending them into disarray. Shaking off the impact, Raegar''s body surged with energy as he activated his Enhancement Magic, his movements becoming a blur of speed.


    Each step he took created a sonic boom, the air itself trembling with every strike. His blades tore through the Devils'' armor as if it were paper, their cries of agony drowned out by the chaos he unleashed.


    He was a whirlwind of destruction, moving faster than they could react, leaving nothing but devastation in his wake. In the middle of the forest, Raegar slew the surprised Devils with ease as he surprised them.


    When only a few enemies remained, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets, each one tearing clean through their torsos with precision. Moments later, the lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground.


    Raegar scanned the area for the vampires, but they had vanished without a trace. ''''Where did they go?'''' he muttered before shrugging.


    He continued on through the forest and ended up fighting more Forest Widows that surprised him while thinking, ''Are they tracking me? They''re spiders, though?''


    After dispatching the remaining foes, he moved on, only to encounter the next challenge, creatures that would become a source of frustration. They looked like baboons but were as large as humans, their size and menacing presence enough to test his patience.


    As he continued down the monster trail, Raegar noticed them stalking him from the shadows. They fancied themselves stealthy hunters, but their clumsy attempts at sneaking didn''t escape his keen eyes.


    ''They''re hilarious,'' he mused as the monkeys circled him. ''Let''s see if they can fight.''


    Moments later, the creatures made their move, Raegar sprang into action, unleashing a relentless barrage of Stormfire Bullets. Explosions erupted across the monster trail, echoing like rolling thunder.


    The creature''s pain-filled screeches and howls filled the air just before they launched their attack. They charged at Raegar, their massive forms bounding toward him. One leapt, claws outstretched, but he spun to the side, narrowly dodging.


    As he swiveled, a dagger flew out of his hand, embedding itself in the creature''s throat. Another lunged from behind, but Raegar dropped low as the beast''s claws swiped through empty air.


    Within seconds, he hurled a second dagger; the blade piercing its chest with a sickening thud. The remaining monsters snarled and surrounded him, their eyes gleaming with feral rage.


    Raegar''s movements were quick as he sidestepped their attacks, his daggers finding their marks with deadly accuracy. One by one, the monsters fell, their howls fading into silence as the last one dropped dead.


    He stood on the trail, panting, his chest rising and falling with exertion. With a flick, he summoned his blood-streaked weapons back to him. Taking a moment before crouching beside the creatures and began looting.


    Seconds later, Raegar carefully plucked the Aether Cores, their faint glow pulsing in his hands, and took some of the meat as well. Following that, he continued walking while cleaning off the daggers before checking on his inner pools.


    ''Most are full, expect fire and lightning,'' he mused.


    Raegar climbed across another river, but this one gave him the creeps. When he got close, something launched itself at him. He yelped before using Flash Step to dodge the sudden attack.


    Without hesitation, Raegar unleashed a Stormfire Bullet, the blazing projectile streaking through the air and piercing straight through the creature''s head. It let out a final, guttural groan before slumping lifelessly to the ground.


    Only then did he inspect the attacker, realizing the monster was a massive eel-like creature with sleek, dark blue scales that shimmered.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 23: Fresh Food

    Raegar knew the creature as a River Eel and they were rare in the Dawnfire Empire. He shook his head before mumbling, ''''I know merchants buy the scales. The guild takes the teeth and meat.''''


    With a grunt, he seized the massive eel creature and began hauling it out of the river, its slick, heavy body resisting his efforts. Water cascaded off its dark blue scales as he dragged it onto the shore, his muscles straining against the weight.


    Once the creature was fully out, he wasted no time, drawing his blade and harvesting its valuable materials, from its shimmering scales to the rich Aether Core buried deep within.


    ''Tier One again,'' he pondered with glowing red eyes. ''If I collect enough, I''ll earn a decent amount of coin.''


    Raegar continued his journey, roaming through the wilderness while gathering herbs and flowers he encountered along the way. Days blurred into weeks as he fought savage creatures, harvested their remains, and collected many rare materials.


    Now, he stood perched on a branch high above the forest floor. This place had been his makeshift home ever since his battle with the Devils. The view stretched far and wide, the dense canopy glowing faintly under the moonlight.


    ''''It''s time to travel to Dreadshade Castle to sell my loot,'''' he muttered, his eyes lingering on the bulging magic bag at his feet.


    There were Aether Cores, rare herbs, and other spoils of his relentless efforts. Beside it lay a neatly stacked pile of River Eel skins, fangs, and shimmering scales. He''d taken a liking to hunting the creatures, not just for their valuable parts but also for their meat.


    Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the cooking food nearby. The air was filled with a mouthwatering aroma, spiced to perfection thanks to the seasonings he''d foraged along the way.


    Raegar sat down by the fire, carefully turning the eel meat to ensure it cooked evenly. The golden-brown surface sizzled, its aroma making his stomach rumble. Once the meat was perfect, he extinguished the fire with some water.


    Gathering his magic bag and the rest of his loot, Raegar stood and slung them over his shoulder. With ease, he leaped from the tree, landing on a lower branch. From there, he descended until his boots touched the forest floor.


    ''I have to follow the river south,'' he mused before trekking through the Bloodfang Forest.


    Raegar moved through the forest, his boots barely stirring the soft earth beneath him. With a quiet focus, he called upon his Enhancement magic, and his body shimmered, enveloped in a faint otherworldly glow.


    It took hold, and his steps became lighter, each movement effortless as he pushed forward, leaping over downed trees and bushes. A little while later, he crossed the river and entered a clearing, only to dodge when a wave of shoddy arrows flew in his direction.


    He let out a sharp yelp of surprise, his head snapping toward the source of the threat. To his shock, two dozen goblins emerged from the underbrush. Raegar chuckled, his grin widening as he drew his daggers, ready for the oncoming charge.


    ''Let''s get some more cores,'' he thought with an excited gleam in his eyes.


    Without giving the creatures a chance to react, he surged forward with speed as lightning rushed over his body, leaving the attackers stunned in his wake. His blades sliced through the neck of a creature before he hurled the other at a nearby goblin.


    The blade struck its target, sending the Goblin crumpling to the ground in a single just as he started casting Stormfire Bullet at the remaining monsters, causing the clearing to be lit up as screeches rang out.


    After the fighting stopped, he let out a quiet sigh, his breath steadying as he wiped the blood from his blades. With practiced precision, he turned to the fallen Goblins, moving steadily as he cut out their Aether Cores.


    Raegar knew their ears held value as well, so he harvested those, stowing them carefully in his pack. Satisfied with his work, he set his sights on the path ahead, ready to continue his journey to the castle.


    Hours later, he stepped out of Bloodfang Forest; the beaming sun blinded him, causing him to cover his eyes. ''''Fuck that hurts, the canopy usually blocks this out,'''' he muttered before spotting a road in the distance.


    Without waiting, Raegar headed toward it, only to see merchant caravans passing by. The guards stared at him like he was a weirdo, but he ignored them and started walking until he saw a massive castle in the distance.


    ''Looks like I can buy some fresh food,'' he thought with a smile. ''I need to add something to the meat before I get bored with it.''


    Following that, Raegar approached the river crossing, where he spotted a long queue stretching to a stone bridge that was guarded by Nytherian soldiers. While standing in line, the wind swept through the tall grass, sending ripples across the golden sea.


    ''This place seems peaceful, but it feels off,'' Raegar thought, his gaze drifting toward the distant hills. A subtle unease prickled his senses as the hairs on his neck stood on end. ''It feels like something is watching the fortress.''


    He turned his attention to the Nytherian castle that stood out against the surrounding landscape of rolling hills and lush grasslands. Raegar noticed its wall, stood at thirty feet tall and resembled the fortresses back in the Dawnfire Empire.


    It reminded him of the grand fortresses from medieval Europe, though on a far more grand scale. Its towering walls stretched higher than he''d ever seen, and war machines lined the ramparts, ready for a fight.


    His admiration was short-lived as the line of travelers ahead of him moved. Soldiers, stern and watchful, ushered the procession forward, their eyes scanning the crowd as they pushed them along.


    When it was Raegar''s turn, the Nytherian Commander stepped forward while speaking in a firm tone, ''''What brings you to Dreadshade Castle?''''


    ''''I''m here to sell my loot from Bloodfang Forest,'''' Raegar replied as he reached into his pack, pulling out the gold plate King Vlad had given him.


    ''''Here,'''' he said, handing it over, ''''The King gave me this to show the guards.''''


    The commander''s already pale face grew even whiter as he laid eyes on the plate. Without a word, he motioned sharply to the surrounding soldiers. ''''Secure the bridge,'''' he ordered, his voice tight with urgency. ''''I need to talk to this boy.''''


    Raegar''s confusion deepened, and his hand hovered over the hilt of his blades. The older man quickly reassured him. ''''You''re not in trouble,'''' he said, his tone softer now. ''''If you''re who we think you are, you''ll be fine.''''


    Following that, he was led to a nearby shack and held the door open for him. They stepped inside. ''''Do you want some tea, boy? It looks like you''ve been through hell,'''' the commander said with a chuckle.


    ''''Yes please,'''' Raegar answered, while slumping in a nearby chair.


    While sitting there waiting for the water to boil, the man suddenly turned to him and introduced himself. ''''I''m Cauis Hawke, commander of the Nytherian bridge guards out here in the sticks.''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he replied respectfully as his mother''s lessons kicked in. ''''Nice to meet you, Cauis.''''


    The vampire man smiled, nodding slowly. ''''Ah, so you''re the blonde demon''s grandson. The king mentioned you''re a much more polite human than most of your kind.''''


    ''''Blonde demon?'''' he questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    Cauis nodded with a laugh, ''''Griffin Vaelthorne, he''s helped our kingdom so much that the people refer to him as a demon because when he fights nothing can stop him,'''' he revealed.


    He was surprised, but before he could respond, an alarm rang out. The older man quickly rushed toward the door, speaking over his shoulder. ''''Stay here, young master. I''ll see what''s happening.''''


    Raegar nodded in silence, his attention shifting as he pulled out one of the many cores he collected during his stay in the Bloodfang Forest. He studied it intently, fascinated by the brown glow emanating from within.


    ''Earth Aether,'' he mused, with a gleam of curiosity in his eyes.


    As Raegar examined the Aether Core, a flood of memories surged through his mind. He remembered the cores were for replenishing a mage''s pool, enabling them to restore their energy depending on what tier the monster was.


    He also remembered how people use them to power machines, harnessing the energy for various advancements. Most notably, Aether engines were the heart of the aircraft that the empire used to transport the wealthy.


    ''Should I collect them and sell them when I have thousands?'' Raegar mused before putting the core away.


    Seconds later, Cauis returned with a relieved expression as he got back to preparing tea. He looked at the man and questioned, ''''What happened out there?''''


    ''''Forest Widows tried attacking some merchants on the road,'''' the man revealed. ''''We dealt with them, though.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 24: How Much Can I Get

    When Raegar heard Cauis''s words, he gulped while thinking, ''They''re still following me! What the fuck is it with these creatures? I thought I dealt with them a week ago.''


    The older man handed Leo a steaming cup of tea, his expression calm but his eyes sharp with intent. As he sipped, the man gestured toward him. ''''May I see the gold plate the king gave you?''''


    Raegar handed it over, and after examining it briefly, the man nodded in acknowledgment as he revealed. ''''This is the real deal. I can feel the king''s aura all over it. Some fakes we''ve seen out here would shock you.''''


    Cauis smiled before handing it back before continuing, ''''The royal family has sent us instructions to grant you full access to any of our services. However, I feel obligated to warn you...''''


    His voice lowered slightly as he continued nervously. ''''Devils have been sighted on the northern road and within Bloodfang Forest. Travel with caution, young master. It''s no longer safe to go alone.''''


    ''''Okay, thank you for telling me Cauis,'''' Raegar replied before taking a sip of the tea, which he liked.


    ''''I''m being serious,'''' the older man reiterated with a worried expression. ''''We''ve lost many patrols over the past week and some have been found ripped apart along the border of the forest. Now we''re waiting for the Devil Hunters to arrive from the capital.''''


    He looked at the commander before speaking in a confident tone. ''''I''ve fought and killed several of them already. Grandfather said I was a hunter but have taken no tests until I join an academy when I turn sixteen.''''


    When Cauis heard this his eyebrows rose is shock, ''''You are? That doesn''t surprise me since you''re related to the Blonde Demon.''''


    Raegar started laughing as he offered with a knowing smirk, ''''I can look for your soldiers when I return to the forest, but you''ll have to pay me.''''


    The older man started laughing before answering, ''''I''ll give you two gold coins to bring back anything that helps us solve their disappearance.''''


    ''''Okay deal,'''' he replied while sipping on the tea.


    Following that, the two of them continued talking until another alarm went off causing the commander to jump up and speak in a hurried voice, ''''Try not to cause trouble as it will be on my head and do not get involved with the gangs that infest the city.''''


    ''Gangs? This is a fortress, not a city?'' he pondered with a confused expression.


    Cauis chuckled when seeing his reaction but spoke with a smile, ''''You''ll see what I mean when you cross the bridge, young master.''''


    Moments later, the older man hurried out of the shack while shouting orders to the surrounding soldiers as war machines starting firing, prompting Raegar to step outside and head toward a nearby bridge just a few meters away.


    It led to yet another wall that was heavily guarded by the vampire soldiers. ''''What the hell? Two defensive walls? Is it truly that bad out here?'''' he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.


    A group of guards allowed him to cross when motioning. As Raegar reached the other side, he flashed the gold plate, which surprised the onlookers, but soon enough he stopped in his tracks, stunned by the sight before him.


    It was a bustling, compact city, alive with activity. He glanced around, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. The city resembled a Victorian-era town from Earth''s past. Aether Lamps adorned the fronts of buildings made from dark grey stone.


    ''Why does it remind me of old London?'' he mused.


    Raegar saw all kinds of stores and stalls from blacksmiths, general stores, magic shops which interested him. Moments later, his gaze landed on a building he knew as an Adventurers'' Guild.


    ''Finally, I can sell some of this stuff and free up some space in my bag,'' he thought before approaching it.


    When getting close, he noticed dozens of men and women hanging around the front while sitting at the tables as bar staff brought out drinks while taking the people''s coin as they were slurring their words.


    As he approached the guild, a few people glanced his way, their expressions betraying curiosity or mild amusement. Dressed in basic leather armor with no helmet, he stood out among the more seasoned adventurers clad in elaborate gear.


    ''Grandfather said I don''t need better armor because I''m fast,'' he thought when noticed the gazes the older people were giving him.


    Raegar paid no mind to their looks, brushing off the silent judgment as he stepped through the doors. Inside, his eyes took in the lively atmosphere. The hall buzzed with chatter, the clinking of tankards, and the rustle of paper as people pored over some boards.


    There were several with quests posted on them. On the other side was a counter with six men and women waiting for adventurers to approach. The place looked like any guild from the novels he used to read back on Earth.


    ''Did someone from this world get reincarnated back there? How come it''s all so similar?'' he pondered.


    Raegar approached the reception desk, where a blonde woman sat organizing a stack of papers. Noticing him, she looked up with a friendly smile before greeting him warmly. ''''Hello, young man. I''m Mary. How can I assist you today?''''


    Without hesitation, he replied, ''''Where can I sell monster materials? I have a lot of stuff that won''t fit on the counter.''''


    Mary''s face lit up with a curious expression as she replied in a professional voice, ''''Follow me. There''s a room in the back that the guild uses to appraise everything brought in.''''


    Raegar nodded and started following her after she spoke to another member of staff. Five minutes they stepped into a large room that was free from any furniture and had a few stacks of boxes.


    She turned around and motioned for the floor. ''''Deposit the materials there while I go get the appraiser to check it out.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied before dumping out the eel''s scales, teeth and other stuff alongside the goblin ears and Aether Cores.


    By the time Raegar finished dumping out his magic bag, Mary''s jaw dropped open as she muttered, ''''How did you kill the River Eel? Those monsters are Tier One, but some are as strong as Tier Two creatures.''''


    ''''That thing? It tried to attack me after a group of weird ape-looking monsters,'''' he replied with a sigh. ''''But those Forest Widows hold a grudge which I have to deal with when i return to the forest.''''


    Mary''s eyes widened even more. ''''You''re hunting in the Bloodfang Forest?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Raegar replied before asking, ''''How much can I get for all this?''''


    The young woman gave a nod and pressed a nearby button, her voice calm as she replied, ''''You''ll need to give us a little time. I''ve called for the appraisers. They should arrive shortly. Why don''t you wait in the bar in the meantime?''''


    Raegar nodded silently and exited the room while heading for the bar. Moments later, a man and a woman stepped inside. Mary immediately turned her attention to them and began speaking.


    When stepping into the busy place, he looked for a table and found one in the corner. He sat down and got comfortable while waiting for his coins. While sitting there, an older man approached him.


    ''''Hello there, I''m Marcus. You look like you''ve been in the wild for a while, young man. Would you like a hot meal?'''' the stranger spoke.


    He looked up while answering, ''''I haven''t got a coin to my name. I''m waiting for Mary to finish sorting out my haul with the appraisers.''''


    The older man smiled as he offered, ''''Just give me a silver when she returns.''''


    ''''Thank you Marcus,'''' Raegar replied with a surprised expression.


    Following that, Marcus walked back to the kitchen while he started people watching. He noticed there were several adventurer groups that were Tier Three, while the rest was Tier Two.


    Their aura gave them away as Raegar could sense their strengths. While sitting there, he pulled out the book that his grandmother bought for him called The Last Chronicles: Techniques for controlling Aura.


    ''Maybe I can hide my aura, like she suggested all those years ago? That could fool people and give me the upper hand,'' he mused, with glowing red eyes that sparkled with mischief.


    Raegar began reading while he waited for Marcus to bring the food he had offered. As he did that, he discovered that a person''s aura reflected their overall strength. The more powerful the mage, the greater their aura''s influence.


    After a while, the aura could affect those nearby, forcing the mage to exercise control when around ordinary people to avoid overwhelming them. As Raegar continued reading, he tried to test it out moments later.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 25: Sounds Good To Me

    Raegar closed his and started focusing on the aura radiating from his body, which was on par with the Tier Two Adventurers that littered the guild hall. This surprised him, as he found it easy to control but tiring.


    ''I can keep this up as it drains little Aether and should slowly expand it over time,'' he mused while waiting for his food.


    After some time, he quickly reeled in his aura to make himself appear as a Tier One beginner. While doing that, he remembered something his grandmother said about it during one of his many training sessions.


    ***


    Raegar had just finished a touch training session with Griffin, who pushed him to the limit and didn''t hold back on his attacks, as the old man believed he needed to feel genuine pain to learn how to handle it.


    Covered in lacerations, bruises and broken bones, Elysia crouched down next to him with a sweet smile. ''''Seeing you growing stronger makes this old lady happy, but it''s not enough,'''' she said. ''''You must hide it to fool your enemies into thinking you''re weak.''''


    He grew curious when hearing this and asked while sitting up, ''''Why is that, Grandmother?''''


    ''''There are many powerful people out there who will try to take advantage of you, but if you can get the drop on them by hiding your aura,'''' she stopped speaking and smiled at him full of mischief. ''''Wouldn''t it be fun to surprise the attackers?''''


    Raegar chuckled, ''''Yes it would, but I don''t know who is more of a menace, you or that old man,'''' he said.


    Elysia booped him on the head while giggling, ''''You''re a mouthy gremlin today aren''t you? Let''s just say Griffin was normal when we met and I sort of rubbed off on him over the decades.''''


    ''''You two are silly,'''' he said just as she started healing.


    ''''Now come get some food, I''ve made something delicious for you,'''' Elysia said while walking back to the manor as she explained the basics of aura control, which Raegar intently listened to.


    ***


    Moments later, he returned to reality as Marcus returned and set down a plate piled with succulent boar meat and creamy mash, accompanied by a mug of ale which made his mouth water.


    ''''Here you go, Raegar. Grassland Boar meat with Elvish Mash Potato,'''' he said with a grin.


    His stomach rumbled when the delicious aroma hit his nose, causing him to speak. ''''Thank you, Marcus.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it,'''' the older man replied while dismissing him. ''''Come find me when Mary appears. It''s one silver, remember?''''


    ''''Yes, I won''t forget. There were a lot of monster materials, so it should take some time,'''' he said before trying some of the ale.


    When the sweet liquid rushed down his throat, he felt refreshed, causing him to let out a sigh. ''So good! Better than drinking tea and water constantly,'' he mused while drinking more.


    Following that, Raegar dug in to the juicy meat, the rich flavors hitting a spot he had almost forgotten amidst the bland meals he''d survived on during his time in the forest. As he savored each bite, more adventurers trickled into the guild.


    To his surprise, a few of them made their way straight to his table, causing him to think with a sigh while thinking as he chewed on a piece of meat, ''Here we go. The usual boasting adventurers start on a lone person.''


    Three adventurers approached and took a seat around the table, one man and two women who gave off a sickly aura, which caught his attention. ''Why do they feel like they are deathly sick? Strange,'' he pondered.


    Moments later, Raegar turning to the man who appeared to be in his early thirties, with brown hair and yellow eyes. He waved down a server to some order drinks before turning his attention to Raegar.


    ''''Sorry for bothering you, boy. Did you come from the Bloodfang Forest?'''' the stranger asked, his voice laced with curiosity.


    Raegar raised an eyebrow. ''''How do you know that?'''' he replied cautiously.


    This time, one of the women spoke with a friendly expression that was over the top, which made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. ''''We saw you leave the treeline while camping. As you''re so young, I grew curious as our quest is to take some medicine to the village deep inside the forest.''''


    He grew intrigued but wouldn''t be swayed as the three looked too friendly, which set off his alarm. Raegar looked at the woman who had long blonde hair with big blue eyes, but something was off with her.


    When he didn''t answer, the man spoke again. ''''Would you like to earn three gold coins? We need someone who can handle himself in the forest and it looks like you can by the way you handle yourself.''''


    ''''Why are you approaching a fifteen-year-old?'''' he questioned with a suspicious expression. ''''But I''ll decline your offer. It seems dodgy to me.''''


    The adventurers exchanged offended glances, but before they could speak, Mary reappeared, a pouch in hand. She motioned for him to come over, and he stood up, glancing back at the group as he made his way toward her.


    Raegar could feel the strangers'' eyes trailing him as he made his way to the blonde woman. She handed him a small pouch and said, ''''Four gold and sixty silver for everything.''''


    ''''Thank you, Mary,'''' he said, taking the pouch and slipping it into his magic bag. ''''I''ll be going now. I need to pick up some supplies before heading back to the forest.''''


    Following that, Raegar left the guild behind after giving a silver to Marcus and wanted to buy some food from the general store. He walks through Dreadshade and noticed there were more soldiers patrolling the streets.


    ''What''s going on here?'' he thought while walking toward the general store.


    Stepping inside, the layout of the place surprised Raegar, as it looked like it came straight out of an anime. Shelves lined with all kinds of good, causing him to scan them only to see canned food and other rations.


    While scanning the store''s inventory, Raegar grabbed a selection of spices, some flour, sugar, and other basic ingredients, just what he needed to prepare proper meals back at his camp along with a metal skillet.


    Satisfied, he gathered the items and made his way to the counter, where an older man sat, his grizzled face softened by a warm, if tired, smile. ''''Morning, boy. What can I do for you?'''' the man asked, his voice carrying the weight of years, but in a friendly tone.


    ''''I''d like to buy all these please,'''' Raegar replied while placing it on the side.


    The shop keeper stood up and started going through the things before asking in a curious tone, ''''Camping it seems, if you have the funds I can suggest a few others bits?''''


    ''''Okay, that sounds good to me,'''' he answered while the man started picking up stuff and adding them to the pile.


    Ten minutes later, he stood before a neatly arranged pile of goods as the older man carefully rattled off each item before concluding, ''''That will be thirty silver coins, young man.''''


    Without hesitation, Raegar handed over the coins, the clink of silver marking the exchange. He quickly stored everything in his magic bag and, with a polite nod, turned to leave the shop, ready to continue his journey.


    When stepping outside, he felt the atmosphere had changed, but put it down to being out in the wilderness. Following that, he started exploring Dreadshade until spotting a weapon and armor shop.


    ''Maybe I could buy some better gear?'' Raegar pondered while staring at his stained cloths causing him to nod. ''Forget about the old man. He hasn''t got some angry spider queen chasing after him.''


    Raegar stepped into the shop, the faint hum of conversation filling the air as half a dozen people browsed and made purchases. Weaving his way through the crowd, he approached the armor section.


    While he examined a lightweight chest piece, a girl, a couple of years older than him, approached. She carried herself with a professional air and spoke in a polished tone. ''''I assume you''re a speed fighter. May I suggest the Ashenbound Armor?''''


    ''''Does it offer good protection against fangs and piercing weapons?'''' Raegar questioned.


    The worker nodded, a hint of pride in her tone. ''''Yes, it''s one of the best light armors we have in stock,'''' she revealed.


    Intrigued, Raegar stepped closer to examine the armor. Its design was sleek yet durable, crafted primarily from strong, reinforced leather. Thin metal plates were lined beneath the surface, offering extra protection without sacrificing flexibility.


    He ran his fingers over the stitching and quickly noticed the face covering it came with which he liked the look of. Seconds later, Raegar shook his head before questioning, ''''How much?''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 26: Crazy Idea

    Raegar watched as the young woman checked something on the armor''s stand before replying in a cheerful tone, ''''Four gold.''''


    ''''Okay, I''ll take it,'''' he replied while thinking, ''It may use up most of my coin by those spiders will be an issue.''


    Afterward, she led him to the counter and cut something off it, which caught his attention, causing her to explain while handing him the armor, ''''Mana tags. Dreadshade''s gangs are a pain in the ass and will take anything they can grab.''''


    Raegar nodded, handing over the coins before slipping the item on. It fit perfectly, letting him move with ease. He gave the young woman a grateful smile. ''''Thanks for the help,'''' he said.


    Following that, he left the armor shop and started heading back to the forest while enjoying the sights of the city. Ten minutes later, he arrived at the southern gate and passed through just as an alarm rang out.


    The merchants and other people waiting to enter rushed inside when the guards waved them through, but Raegar ignored the shouts. He started traveling across the grasslands only to see a large horde of Forest Widows and other Tier One monsters rushing toward him.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought as his smile grew.


    His eyes burned with unrelenting focus as he drew his daggers and ignited them in a blaze of Lightning Fire, the flames crackling with raw energy, sending arcs of power surging through the blades.


    The surrounding air shimmered, the daggers vibrating with Aether. Seconds passed and without warning, he hurled the daggers forward; they cut through the air like streaks of lightning.


    Raegar''s red eyes gleamed the moment they struck the monstrous horde. An earth-shattering explosion went off, an inferno of crackling flames and lightning obliterating the first wave.


    The force of the blast sent shockwaves across the grassland, shaking the very ground beneath them. As the last echoes of the explosion faded, Raegar summoned his weapons with a single thought.


    In the blink of an eye, Raegar surged toward the oncoming horde. His body moved like a predator, every ounce of his training put to the test as he dodged the frenzied swipes of the monsters.


    His armor absorbed the blows that slipped through his defenses, the shock reverberating through his bones. The air crackled with tension as more of the grotesque creatures emerged from the shadows.


    He now knew their name, Hollowfang Apes. Fast and deadly, like shadows with fangs. His pulse quickened as one of them vaulted toward him with terrifying speed, claws bared at his throat.


    Without hesitation, Raegar leaned back, the beast''s claws grazing the air where his chest had been only a second before. With a snarl of defiance, he cast Lightningfire Blast, a violent wave of energy crashing into the ape with explosive force.


    ''Oh shit! These things are faster than I remember,'' he thought when feeling the wind hit his face thanks to the blast.


    Raegar watched as the creature screamed as it was blasted backward, but Raegar knew this was more coming. The flames sent the monster flying while he attacked the rest, but soon realized he was being overwhelmed.


    Without giving the horde time, he pointed at the ground and cast Lightningfire Blast that sent him soaring into the sky, ''I should have trained this crazy idea more when I had the chance,'' he thought while flying toward the ground.


    When Raegar got close, he cast Stormfire Bullets and forced them to explode to slow down his descent. It was enough as he crashed into the side of a hill with a sickening thud, causing him to lie there dizzy.


    ''''That was fun, but now my body will ache for days,'''' he muttered while climbing out of the small crater.


    One thing he was grateful for was that the horde was now attacking Dreadshade Castle, causing mana explosions to wipe them out. Raegar sighed when seeing this and headed back to his camp.


    A few hours later, he finally stumbled back to the tree he''d been calling home. Raegar clambered up the trunk, making his way to his usual branch, then nearly jumped out of his skin when he spotted one of the Forest Widows was perched above.


    ''It''s trying to ambush me!'' he internally panicked with wide eyes. ''Are these things intelligent? Must be.''


    He readied himself for a fight and took out one of his daggers before throwing it at the spider. When the blade slammed into the monster, he quickly summoned it and crossed them just as another creature lunged from the shadows.


    This made Raegar let out a yelp as it crashed into his body. The impact threw them from the tree as he protected his head from the spider''s fangs, hitting the forest floor with a thud. The monster became baffled, allowing him to stab it as his heart raced.


    Moments later, the Forest Widow collapsed onto him, and he yanked it off in a huff, muttering angrily, ''''Damn spiders are ambushing me now... I''ll end up hunting their queen down at this rate.''''


    Raegar stood, brushing the grossness off himself with a disgusted grimace before scaling back up to his branch. He tossed the second body aside, then slumped by the fire, using the Flamekindle Stones to spark a blaze that would keep him warm.


    The flames crackled to life, casting a warm glow on the branch. He pulled out his waterskin and took a hearty gulp of cold water, feeling a little more human. Once refreshed, he reached for his rations from the general store, eager for a snack.


    Raegar pulled out flour, sugar, and other ingredients before making some bread dough while admiring the surrounding forest as monster howls echoed out. After that was done, he put the skillet on the fire, along with some oil.


    ''Now to eat some tasty bread,'' he thought while putting the dough on it.


    Following that, he waited for his food to be cooked and while that was happening, he went around setting up Aether traps for the Forest Widows. Afterward, he started eating as the bread was done.


    ''''This is delicious,'''' he muttered while enjoying the fresh bread.


    Days passed like that with him hunting the Forest Widows, Hollowfang Apes, and some River Eels that he tricked out of the water. During Raegar''s hunting, he came across the Razorhorn once again.


    The moment it spotted him, the creature roared and slammed into the tree he was hiding in. Raegar barely escaped, using Flash Step to dart across a ravine. No way was he sticking around for that fight.


    It was way out of his league for now. Following that, the days turned to weeks, which turned to months. By day, he fought off the wild creatures that roamed the land, and by night, he tried to gather Aether and expand his pools... with zero luck.


    Raegar sat outside his tent, lost in the pages of his book, when a disturbance in the air made him pause. His eyes narrowed as he looked up to see a swarm of Forest Widows descending, their bodies shimmering in the fading light.


    ''They think they''re sneaky,'' he thought with a smile.


    With a slow chuckle, he raised his hand and fired a Stormfire Bullet at the trap he''d set, the fiery projectile slammed into it. In an instant, it roared to life, unleashing a torrent of searing flames that ignited the air above him.


    The blast turned the advancing spiders into nothing more than ash and embers. Without missing a beat, Raegar shot into the air, his speed a blur as he slashed through the remaining creatures with.


    Each swing was a deadly arc, leaving a trail of dismembered limbs and spider carcasses in his wake. When the last of the Forest Widows fell, Raegar took a moment to catch his breath. But the reality hit him.


    This was just the beginning, as he knew the spiders would keep coming until he moved. He quickly set to work, collecting every core he could find before packing up his tent with practiced speed.


    He glanced at the horizon before casting Enhancement magic, his body pulsing with Aether. Without hesitation, Raegar leapt off the branch, landing on the lower limbs of the tree. In a blur, he exploded through the forest, leaping from tree to tree with effortless grace.


    His balance was perfect, every jump perfectly timed as he soared through the canopy. A few hours later, he came across the road that led to Dreadshade Castle and further south with a caravan traveling past.


    Raegar came to a stop as he sensed a dozen auras coming from the east.


    ''Bandits maybe? They''re not Devils,'' he mused with glowing red eyes. ''Maybe I can get some experience fighting humanoids?''


    Following that, Raegar traveled in the aura''s direction only to notice half a dozen bandits closing in on the merchant caravan. Perched above the unsuspecting men, he drew his daggers, preparing to attack.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 27: Youre Victorias Son Arent You?

    Raegar watched the scruffy-looking bandits pass under him, causing him to think with a chuckle, ''They look like your standard outlaws. This world is amusing.''


    Following that, he quickly recast Enhancement as he felt it running out and jumped down before creeping up on the last man. While doing that, his mother''s words sounded in his head as the nerves started taking over.


    ''We are the highest and they the lowest. It is our duty to lift them up as high as they will go. Anything less is simply not worthy of our name,'' she said. ''Bandits, outlaws, criminal and monsters deserve no mercy my boy!''


    He steeled his growing nerves when hearing her words, his grip tightening on the daggers as he internally hyped himself up. ''I''ve fought plenty of people before, but never with death this close. This is it, the leap I need to take to become a stronger Aether Mage.''


    His pulse quickened with fear, but also determination. It was do or die, and he wasn''t about to back down. Without waiting, he rushed up and slashed the bandit, which brought him down with a scared yelp.


    This caused the others to spin around and spot him standing there, giving them an eerie smile that made them stop moving. Raegar chuckled when seeing this before ramming his dagger through the man''s skull, only to feel the skin, bone, and brain matter through the blade, which made him wretch.


    ''No time to feel sorry for him. I need to act,'' he thought as the bandits launched their attack, forcing him not to think about his first human kill.


    Raegar moved like a blur, his daggers flashing as he deflected the man''s attack as the enemy thrust a spear at his stomach, but he battered it away only for it to be followed by dozens of attacks with practiced skill.


    Minutes later, they were slow, their strikes almost sluggish compared to his lightning-fast reflexes honed over many years of tough training. Each movement flowed into the next, his speed overwhelming them as he weaved through their attacks with ease.


    A confident smirk tugged at his lips.''Their not as strong as the father or the old man. "This will be easier than fighting that Razorhorn beast,'' he thought, twisting his hand to make one man drop his sword.


    When seeing this, Raegar Flash Stepped close and slashed the shocked bandit across the neck, causing blood to spray all over him. Following that, the others attacked and when their blades connected, sparks exploded as he blocked the attack.


    The force staggered him back under the relentless barrage of strikes, his feet carving deep grooves in the earth. His daggers gripped tightly as he steadied his breath, his heartbeat pounding like a war drum.


    ''Breath like grandfather taught me,'' he thought while blocking the swing of a sword and dodging a beefy axe that passed over his head.


    Then it hit a chilling prickle down his spine. Two more auras, closing in fast from behind, planned to attack him from behind. Danger surged in his mind. Just as their attacks were about to land, he vanished, Flash Step propelling him out of harm''s way in an instant.


    Raegar reappeared in a flash and slashed across the backs of the two men''s legs, sending them crashing to the ground in agony. Wasting no time, he unleashed Stormfire Bullets that ripped through their leather armor, leaving smoking holes in their chests.


    ''Two down. Two left,'' he mused as blood covered his arms and blades.


    He readied himself as the remaining bandits charged him, their screams of rage echoing through the forest. The first swung wildly, but Raegar sidestepped with ease, his blade finding its mark as it drove deep into the man''s chest.


    The bandit coughed up blood while staring into his eyes and muttered before the light faded, ''''You''re a skilled warrior boy.''''


    Without missing a beat, Raegar turned to the last bandit, his free hand crackling with energy. He unleashed a devastating Lightningfire Blast; the spell igniting the bandit in a roaring inferno.


    The crackling flames consumed the bandit''s last screams, leaving Raegar standing in the aftermath of his victory, but his blood covered hands trembled, and his breath came in uneven gasps.


    ''''Fuck, I feel sick,'''' he muttered before doubling over and retching violently, but something deep down woke up.


    He wiped his mouth with a trembling hand, his gaze fixed on the ground. The weight of his actions pressed heavily on him. This felt different from the journey to his grandparents as it was deeply personal because the horrible pain and worry for Yuki wasn''t there.


    ''''I can''t believe I killed someone,'''' he whispered, his voice cracking.


    Then, as if trying to convince himself, he muttered, ''''They were scum who would have hurt the merchants. They didn''t deserve to live, but I ended their lives.''''


    The nausea returned in waves, and he retched again until there was nothing left. Gasping, he pulled out his waterskin and took a long gulp of cold water, hoping to steady himself. But the memory of the man shook him once again.


    Raegar remembered the fear, the desperation, flashed in the man''s eyes, hit him like a dagger to the gut. His stomach twisted, and he bent over once more, consumed by the weight of his first kill.


    ''''It''s not like before when I wasn''t paying attention,'''' he whispered to himself.


    Ten minutes later, he felt better and started looting the bandits of anything valuable, like the loot goblin he had become. A while later, he had found two gold, twelve silver and twenty copper coins, along with some Health and Mana Potions.


    ''This will be useful in the coming weeks,'' he mused.


    Afterward, Raegar sank down, his body heavy with exhaustion. The weight of his first proper fight with humans had drained him more than he expected. He leaned back, his chest rising and falling as he took slow, deep breaths, trying to steady himself.


    While sitting there, catching his breath, he made a silent vow to himself. ''I''ll start working out every morning and night,'' he thought, his mind already set on the goal.


    He spent some time there and ate some monster meat before heading toward the road to see how the caravan was holding up after the attack, where he spotted a few carriages surrounded by adventurers.


    When the men spotted him appearing from the treeline, they pointed their weapons at him until a deep voice rang out. ''''Stop where you are young man,'''' a large man dressed in plate armor said as he stepped out from the crowd. ''''Were you fighting the bandits?''''


    Raegar stopped short when seeing the stranger who had dark skin, orange hair and tiger ears that twitched in all directions. He shook his head as it was the first time he''d met a tiger demi-human and answered, ''''Yes. There were six trying to attack you from this direction. I killed them all a little while ago.''''


    When the tiger man heard this, his green eyes lit up with interest as he questioned, while motioning to some adventurers who rushed into the treeline, ''''What are you doing wandering around in the Bloodfang, young one? It''s dangerous out here.''''


    ''''Training, it''s something the young people do in my family and tell me about it. I''ve been getting chased around by a nest of Forest Widows with a grudge,'''' he answered as the caravan started packing up.


    ''''Family? What''s your name? I''m Ranthar Crowhurst. Captain of the Silverspear Guild,'''' the stranger introduced himself while holding his hand out.


    He returned the gesture with a firm grip. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood.''''


    The tiger man''s eyes widened in shock, then he burst into laughter that echoed across the forest. ''''What a small world we live in, little Blackwood! I''m a friend of your parents. I used to adventure alongside them when we were younger before becoming a caravan guard.''''


    Raegar stood frozen, his mind racing at the situation, as it was weird to him because he didn''t know this man. He hadn''t expected this, didn''t know what to say in response. Before he could gather his thoughts, Ranthar bellowed, ''''Sister! Get your tail over here, now!''''


    Moments later, he spotted a tiger woman in her late twenties approaching them while dressed in leather adventurer''s armor. His breath caught in his throat as he took in her beauty,


    ''Oh wow, her ears look soft,'' he thought.


    Her wild orange hair cascaded around her face like flames, catching the light with every step she took. He found her mesmerizing. Her facial features were flawless, with a small, elegant nose, captivating eyes, and plump lips.


    Raegar couldn''t help but admire the smooth, dark brown skin that glistened in the afternoon sun, glowing like rich bronze. The woman''s tiger ears twitched, and her tail flicked from side to side.


    When her vibrant green eyes met his, they widened in surprise before speaking with a knowing smirk. ''''You''re Victoria''s son, aren''t you? Little Raegar Blackwood.''''


    This caught him and Ranthar off guard, while they were trying to think about where they met. An early memory popped into his mind when he was first born. ''Oh, it''s her!'' he thought with wide eyes.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 28: Why Is it Always Spiders

    For the first year of his life, Raegar was restricted to his crib because he would wander when out of it, forcing his mother and maids to watch him, unable to do much more than crawl because of his legs.


    He spent his days flipping through books he couldn''t read; the pages offering only images and words he couldn''t make sense of. One day, while he sat there, quietly absorbed in his attempt to escape his prison, someone entered the room.


    It was a beautiful young tiger woman he had never seen before, but the stranger''s ears caught his attention, her presence commanding yet warm. She was a close friend of his parents, her green eyes sparkling as she bent down to greet him.


    ''''Hello there, you''re a handsome baby, aren''t you?'''' the woman said with a bright, welcoming smile. ''''You look like a little version of Victoria, with her white hair and big blood-red eyes. It''s so adorable.''''


    With gentle hands, she reached into the crib and lifted him up, cradling him close. Raegar''s eyes widened, unsure of the sudden shift, but there was something soothing in her embrace as he melted into her arms.


    The woman chuckled softly before introducing herself in a bubbly voice. ''''Little Blackwood. I''m Elara Crowhurst, a close friend of your parents. It''s a pleasure to meet you after so long.''''


    He wasn''t listening as his eyes found her twitching ears while becoming fascinated with them, which made Elara giggle before lowering her head, ''''Go on touch them, only you can do this though,'''' she happily said.


    Without hesitation, he reached out and began stroking one of them, drawing a laugh from the woman. Her laughter was infectious, but before he could enjoy it for long, she countered by pouncing on him, her fingers mercilessly tickling his belly.


    ''''Oh no! Why is she doing this!'''' he tried to speak but only baby jabber came out.


    Seconds later, Raegar erupted into uncontrollable laughter, his voice echoing through the air as he squirmed beneath her playful assault. He folded over, wriggling like a trapped worm, desperate to escape her relentless attack.


    Elara finally relented, a triumphant grin on her face, as he gasped for breath, tears of laughter in his eyes. ''''Did you like that little one? I love your smile, its so cute,'''' she said in excitement.


    That memory burned brightly in his mind, a fleeting moment of joy. After that day, he only saw her once more before the years passed by, which was annoying, but thanks to his training, he forgot.


    ***


    Raegar shook his head with a smile, ''''Hello Elara, It''s been years since I''ve seen you and I haven''t forgotten about the tickling I suffered,'''' he said in an amused voice.


    When the tiger woman heard that, her green eyes widened while explaining. ''''You remember that? Wow, your memory is excellent Blackwood!''''


    Following that, Ranthar commented while scanning the treeline, ''''Bring the boy with us sister, we''re headed for Dreadshade Castle before making the long journey to the Dawnfire Empire.''''


    Elara nodded just as the caravan started moving. She turned to him with a smile. ''''Would you like to travel with us?''''


    Raegar agreed, but had to warn her he wasn''t leaving this place. ''''Yes, but I won''t leave the forest as I''m training,'''' he replied before joining her.


    The road cut through Bloodfang Forest and made from cobblestones long ago, its stone surface now cracked and worn by time. The wilderness had slowly crept in, nature reclaiming the Nytheria Kingdom.


    Weeds and vines, like the fingers of the forest itself, reclaimed by pushing through the cracks. As the caravan wound its way through, their wheels crunching over the uneven road, they passed by an abandoned travel station.


    The wooden structure, once bustling with merchants and travelers, now stood silent and decaying. The roof had caved in on one side, leaving a gaping hole through which the sky peeked.


    Rusted metal remnants of old signs hung limp from rotting beams, while the faded remnants of paint told the story of a place once full of life, now consumed by time and neglect.


    ''''Why did they abandon that?'''' he asked Elara.


    She glanced at the buildings before revealing. ''''I believe the Nytherian Royal Family pulled them back to Dreadshade Castle because of the constant attacks.''''


    While walking, he noticed the tiger woman''s tail swaying side to side, which made her laugh as she teased him. ''''I see you''re still obsessed with my ears and tail.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' he answered with a chuckle. ''''Yuki let me stroke her ears years ago, but when I''ve tried recently, she pulled away.''''


    Elara chuckled softly, her eyes dancing with amusement. ''''So, she''s the cat maid who was always hovering around when I was near? Honestly, I could''ve sworn she thought I''d drop you at any moment.''''


    Her grin widened mischievously as she added, ''''But to answer the question, you''re too shy to ask...''''


    Leaning in closer, her voice dropped to a playful murmur, ''''When a demi-human lets someone of the opposite sex touch their ears, it''s their way of saying they''ve accepted them as their lover.''''


    Raegar''s face flushed, and Elara couldn''t resist bursting into laughter at his reaction. ''''Well then,'''' she teased with a sly smile, ''''Still feel like touching my ears?''''


    ''''One day,'''' he muttered, causing the tiger woman to beam.


    ''''I look forward to it, little Blackwood,'''' she replied in a cheery tone. ''''Now, are you joining the academy when you''re sixteen? You know I''m gonna be teaching next year but yet to choose one as I''ve been offered spots at two so far.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened as he nodded, ''''Yes I am. Grandfather is picking me up from here a couple days before the academy tests,'''' he revealed.


    The conversation flowed easily between them until Raegar suddenly recalled her book. His expression turned thoughtful as he asked, ''''I''ve read your book and it was amazing. It helped me with my speed, but no matter how fast I get, I can''t seem to deliver a strong enough blow.''''


    When the topic shifted, it surprised Elara. She nearly stumbled, forcing him to steady her by the waist. His firm grip kept her upright, and for a moment, she froze, her tail flicking slightly before she recovered.


    Regaining her composure, she gave him a sly smile, her golden eyes glinting with amusement. ''''It seems Victoria''s been teaching you some of her charm,'''' she teased.


    The older woman shook her head with a knowing smile before explaining, ''''There are a few ways to improve this. One of them is refining your technique. Work on it consistently, improve bit by bit, and you''ll see results, but it takes time and patience.''''


    Raegar nodded as he absorbed her words. Satisfied with his attentiveness, she continued, ''''Another option is to use the ground. Think of it as a springboard to generate power. It can help you deliver a stronger blow, but it''s risky, especially depending on who you''re up against.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he replied with a nod. ''''I''ll work on it when I fight more monsters.''''


    Afterward, Raegar continued his journey with the caravan, their path winding ever closer to the edge of the Bloodfang Forest where they found a peaceful lake to rest beside. By the time they arrived, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the treetops.


    Ranthar raised a hand, signaling the caravan to halt. ''''Set up camp here,'''' he commanded, his voice boomed.


    The group began unloading supplies, but just as the first tents were being pitched, a series of deep, guttural roars echoed from the forest''s shadowy depths. The sound sent a chill through the group, freezing them in place.


    He instinctively reached for his weapon, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treeline. Even the seasoned guards exchanged uneasy glances, their movements slowing as tension hung thick in the air.


    Elara unsheathed her sword just as a horde of Forest Widows erupted from the underbrush. Their chittering cries filled the air, their many legs skittering toward the caravan like a tide of nightmares.


    Raegar let out an exasperated sigh, his fingers already crackling with energy while muttering as he burst forward. ''''Why is it always spiders?''''


    ''''Stormfire Bullets!'''' he roared, hurling blazing projectiles into the swarm.


    Reddish yellow bolts streaked through the air like falling stars, each one detonating on impact. Explosions lit up the forest, sending scorched spiders tumbling in all directions. With a sharp intake of breath, he vaulted into the chaos, moving with impossible speed.


    Raegar bounded between the creatures like a Bramblehare, his daggers flashing as it carved through chitinous legs and fangs. One spider lunged at him, but he ducked low, driving his blade upward.


    The Forest Widows surged around him, but they couldn''t keep up with his relentless movements. He danced through their ranks, every slash of his weapon accompanied by the sharp hiss of burning magic.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 29: This Is Awesome!

    Raegar started throwing the daggers that hit the spiders just before he used Lightningfire Blast while summoning them back as he struck more of the beasts just as the spells slammed into their targets, burning them to ash.


    Elara, standing back to cover his rear, couldn''t help but smirk as she watched him rush around the battlefield killing dozens of Forest Widows like some speed freak, which she found amusing.


    ''''Show-off,'''' she muttered before stepping forward to join the fray, her own blade sparking to life.


    His breaths came in ragged gasps the longer he fought, sweat dripping down his brow as he felt exhaustion settle over him. His reserves of Aether were almost gone, already strained from the battle with the bandits earlier and hiding his aura.


    Each swing of his daggers felt heavier, his movements just a fraction slower than before. Realizing he was pushing his limits, Raegar leapt back with a sharp pivot, narrowly avoiding the lunge of a spider''s fangs.


    He skidded to a stop just as another wave of the Forest Widows began closing in on him. Seconds later, a loud battle cry rang out when the adventurers surged forward like a tidal wave, their weapons gleaming in the fiery light of the setting sun.


    ''Thank god for them being here or they''d overwhelm me,'' he thought with a relieved sigh.


    Swords, spears, and spells tore into them, scattering the monsters in all directions. One warrior smashed through the line with a thunderous blow from his warhammer, sending chitin flying, while a mage unleashed a torrent of flames that engulfed the creatures.


    Raegar''s gaze locked onto Elara as she faced off against a giant spider, easily twice the size of the others. Its legs sliced through the air, trying to impale her. She sidestepped with a confident smirk and retaliated with an upward slash, severing one of its legs.


    The creature shrieked and stumbled in pain as the tiger woman was too much for it as she was at least a Tier Three Warrior. He watched as she didn''t give it a moment to recover. Elara surged forward, causing the ground below to shatter.


    Moments later, her blade flashing as she took off two more legs in quick succession, leaving the beast writhing helplessly.


    Raegar chuckled as the giant spider rear back in desperation, but it was too late. Elara closed the distance in a single leap, driving her sword straight through its head. The creature let out a final, ear-piercing screech before collapsing into a lifeless heap at her feet.


    The tiger woman gracefully flicked the blood off her blade before putting it back in its sheath. Following that, she turned to Raegar and revealed her sharp canines just as she spoke.


    ''''That,'''' she declared, her voice brimming with pride and a touch of challenge, ''''Is how you use the ground, little Blackwood. Master that technique, refine it, and you''ll be tearing through monsters like never before.''''


    Raegar nodded, a newfound understanding in his eyes. ''''I saw what you did, and it makes a lot more sense now. I''ll practice it in my next fight,'''' he said, a confident smile playing on his lips.


    The tiger woman''s face lit up with a warm grin. ''''Would you like to stay the night? I know you prefer the forest, but we could fit in some extra training if you''re up for it.''''


    Following that, Elara started setting up her tent while Raegar sat down in front of the lake and started gathering Aether. Thanks to the fires, earth, water, and other energy around him, he started filling most of his inner pools.


    ''Red, brown, blue and green are prominent but the other elements are there,'' he pondered while watching all this. ''Theres even chaos there thanks to the battle.''


    An hour later Raegar filled up the fire, earth, water and light pools, causing him to think. ''Maybe I can coat my daggers with Aether to use in a fight?''


    After that thought crossed his mind, he drew his weapons, deciding to start with fire. Taking a steady breath, he closed his eyes and centered himself, focusing on his Aether before sending it into the blade.


    Moments later, he felt his daggers awaken, vibrant red flames curling around the blades and casting a warm, flickering glow over his surroundings. Raegar stood still, the fire slowly dying down as he prepared for the next element.


    With a focused breath, he called upon the water. The surrounding air cooled as his weapons shimmered with a gentle blue aura, droplets of water cascading down the blades. ''Oh wow! This is awesome!'' he thought with glowing red eyes.


    Next, he focused on earth. The daggers hummed, their steel darkening as green energy spiraled around them, cracks of stone appearing beneath his feet. A spark of excitement flashed in his eyes as he turned to lightning.


    His daggers crackled with raw energy, arcs of brilliant lightning leaping between them and filling the air with a sharp, electric crack. Taking a steady breath, Raegar''s thoughts turned to wind Aether, eager to experience its power.


    In an instant, the blades hummed with a soft vibration as a swirling gust of wind whipped around him, causing the daggers to glow with an ethereal light, the air itself seeming to dance in response.


    While doing that he heard someone approaching him, Raegar turned around only to see Elara standing there holding toward bottles. She offered him one with a warm smile, ''''Do you want some Southern Mead?''''


    He nodded while taking it as he thanks the older woman, ''''Thank you.''''


    ''''What were you doing just now? I saw many colors,'''' she asked, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    Raegar didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he raised his hand, and eight small orbs of light appeared, each glowing in the distinct colors of the Aether elements. Elara''s eyes widened in surprise, a stunned expression crossing her face.


    ''''Are you a Triarch mage, Blackwood?'''' she asked in a voice full of disbelief.


    ''''No,'''' he shook his head before answering, ''''I''m a Tetraarch, according to my grandmother.''''


    When Elara heard this, a confused expression appeared as she spoke, ''''Never heard of it, but it sounds mysterious.''''


    Raegar laughed as she challenged him to a fight with an excited gleam in her eyes. ''''Let''s train and you can show me your fighting style.''''


    Following that, the two of them faced each other as the tiger woman commented with a knowing grin, ''''I won''t use Enhancement magic, but you''re free to.''''


    Without a second thought, Raegar drew his daggers and lunged at her, charging forward with a grin. Elara let out a playful giggle, clearly amused, until he vanished. Her eyes went wide with surprise as he used Flash Step.


    ''''Oh, little Blackwood! You''re full of surprises,'''' she exclaimed with an excited smile.


    In an instant, he reappeared behind her, blades raised to strike. But Elara spun with shocking speed, blocking his attack effortlessly, a wide grin on her face. ''''Speedy, huh? But not fast enough!'''' she teased.


    Before Raegar could react, Elara''s leg shot out, landing a powerful kick that sent a jolt of pain racing through his body. He slammed into the ground, stunned for a moment. As he quickly scrambled to recover, he saw her fist coming straight for him.


    With a quick roll to the side, he barely avoided the blow, and without missing a beat, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast right at her feet. The ground erupted in a flash of fire and crackling lightning, sending sparks flying as Elara jumped back with a surprised laugh.


    ''''You''re full of surprises,'''' Elara said with a smirk, her stance shifting as she prepared to attack. ''''Now keep up, Blackwood!''''


    Raegar braced himself for the fight as adrenaline coursing through his veins, just in time to see the tiger woman explode forward. Her sword came crashing down toward him in a deadly arc.


    He reacted swiftly, deflecting the blow with a quick twist of his daggers, sending her blade wide as he shot a Stormfire Bullet straight at her chest. But Elara was faster. She ducked low, avoiding the blast, and in the same motion, her fist slammed into his stomach.


    Pain exploded through Raegar''s core as he dropped to his knees, coughing hard. ''Oh fuck, she got me good,'' he thought, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    Elara stood over him, her smile still playful but knowing. ''''That was a good block, and your instincts with magic are sharp, but you''re not there yet, boy.''''


    She extended a hand, helping him to his feet. ''''I must admit, you''re far more skilled than your parents did at your age.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied while taking her hand and getting lifted to his feet as he continued. ''''Were you there training with them?''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 30: I Miss The Forest

    ''''Yes, me and your father and I were childhood friends in Eryndor City when we were both commoners decades ago,'''' Elara revealed with a smile. ''''You and he are nothing alike. The old fox was more outspoken and would flirt with every woman he saw.''''


    Raegar chuckled, a confident glint in his eye.''''I don''t have time for girls¡ªwell, except for Yuki. But she gets it. She knows I''m focused on getting stronger and mastering my magic,'''' he said, his voice laced with determination.


    The tiger woman started laughing when hearing that, before teasing, ''''Wait until you start an academy. I bet you''ll have a gaggle of girlfriends by the end of the year.''''


    He felt his cheeks go red at the thought of having a girlfriend, let alone more than one, causing him to shake his head before replying, ''''We''ll see what happens. The only person I like is Yuki and haven''t had the chance to meet many girls my age.''''


    ''''That''s understandable,'''' Elara said, stirring the fire as they sat around it, the flames casting a warm glow over them. ''''Your mother told me a few years ago that you love to study and spend most of your time training.''''


    She paused, looking at him thoughtfully. ''''Not much has changed, I assume?''''


    Raegar shook his head, ''''No. I still love it, but come to a roadblock and need to attend an academy to increase my powers,'''' he revealed.


    ''''Well, you could do without going to one, but it will be hard to gain access to the dungeons and Aether Gateways that dot the continent,'''' Elara answered, causing him to contemplate.


    He knew about the dungeons as he read a book about them back at home, but the Gateways caught his interest. Raegar asked in a curious voice, ''''Can you tell me about these?''''


    Elara looked at him with a surprised expression as she giggled, ''''I thought you''d know about it. Most young ones want to join the Gatekeeper''s tournament these days, which is dangerous but also worth it if you can find a rare treasure.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrows shot up at the mention of the tournament. A spark of interest flickered in his eyes. ''''A tournament, huh?'''' he muttered, his mind already racing. ''''I''ll look into it when I get back home,'''' he said, his tone filled with excitement.


    ''''You should,'''' Elara said, her gaze steady as she pulled out some rations. ''''The Gates have birthed many noble families that are still around, though most fade away once the wealth dries up.''''


    She paused, eyeing him with a knowing smile. ''''But I can see the treasure is secondary to you. It''s the fighting that interests you, isn''t it?''''


    Raegar looked at the tiger woman and nodded, ''''Yes, I''ve seen my grandfather''s power and want to grow even stronger so I can finally beat him in a fight.''''


    Elara started laughing when hearing that, which caught him off guard, before she asked in an interested voice, ''''So you just want to beat the Lion of Dawnfire in a fight? What other goals have you got?''''


    He took a moment, his thoughts gathering before he spoke with unwavering determination. ''''Well, I want to explore Kaldorra... maybe even the other continents. And, of course, I plan to become the strongest Aether Mage in Sylvara.''''


    His voice was resolute, the fire of ambition igniting within him, burning brighter with each word. Elara beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with approval. She nodded thoughtfully and reached for her pack, pulling out some salted meat.


    With a smile, the mature woman offered it to him, and Raegar gratefully accepted, ''''Thank you,'''' he thanked her.


    ''''Don''t worry about Raegar,'''' she answered.


    Following that, the two of them continued talking until Elara got tired and said her farewells as she stood up and stretched. ''''Goodnight, make sure you get some rest as I won''t be here to protect you tomorrow.''''


    ''''Shut up,'''' he retorted with a smile while throwing a ball of water at the tiger woman.


    Elara smoothly dodged the attack, a sly smile crossing her face as she stepped inside the tent, leaving him alone. Raegar didn''t hesitate. He quickly retrieved his gear, setting up beside the water''s edge.


    Once his tent was in place, he sat down cross-legged, closing his eyes and entering a deep meditative state. As his breath slowed and his focus sharpened, the peaceful rhythm of the water lapping up against the shore nearby.


    The Aether seemed to aid with his recovery as it seeped into his body before flowing toward his inner pools and started filling them up. Following that, Raegar continued gathering until stopped when he felt tired.


    ''Why can I only do it for an hour before getting tired?'' he pondered while staring at the calm lake as a flock of birds flew above.


    Raegar let out a tired yawn before crawling into his tent, wrapping himself in blankets. Exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he drifted into a deep sleep. The following morning, he stirred with another yawn, blinking awake as the sounds of a bustling camp filled the air.


    Voices, clanking metal, and rustling tents shattered the peaceful silence he was used to. ''''So loud... I miss the forest,'''' he muttered groggily, pushing himself up and stepping out of the tent.


    He shook his head before taking in the scene around him as adventurers and caravan guards went about their business. While standing there, a booming voice rang out, which made him jump out of his skin.


    ''''Morning, my new friend Blackwood!'''' Ranthar greeted him in a cheerful tone.


    Raegar turned around to see the giant tiger man smiling down at him. ''''I see you prefer the quietness of the forest. Are you sure you''re not a demi-human boy?''''


    ''''Nope, I''m human,'''' he replied while scratching his head. ''''You know my parents are as well.''''


    The older man chuckled before giving Raegar a hearty slap on the back. ''''I saw your fight yesterday, and then your spar with my sister,'''' he said with a grin. ''''You move like those leopard tribesmen that roam the southern deserts, always ready to strike at any moment.''''


    He glanced up at the giant man, about to respond, but before he could, Elara''s voice called out from behind them. ''''Morning, you two. Ranthar, can you check the treeline? I thought I heard some Howlers watching us last night.''''


    Raegar''s gaze shifted to his new friend, noticing how Ranthar''s tail stiffened at her words. His expression darkened as he rumbled, ''''They''re here too? I thought we lost them in the woods further south.''''


    ''''Unfortunately they are migrating north for their usual hunting periods,'''' Elara revealed with a worried expression. ''''And you''ve heard the reports of the constant attacks against travelers that the guild master told us back in the last city.''''


    After speaking, Ranthar strode off to scout the perimeter, his heavy steps fading into the distance. Elara turned to him, her expression serious. ''''Do you know what Howlers are? You shouldn''t. They''re beasts the Guilds put bounties on, reserved for only the strongest warriors.''''


    Raegar''s curiosity flared. ''''Are they strong?'''' he asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.


    ''''Tier Twos and Threes,'''' the tiger woman answered, but quickly noticed his excited smile, causing her to continue. ''''Try not to fight them, they can become overwhelming.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied before the caravan started packing up to head for Dreadshade as the tiger woman went to help.


    Half an hour later, Ranthar and Elara returned, their footsteps crunching against the earth. The older woman looked at him with a knowing smile. ''''Are you sure you don''t want to join us? We''re heading toward Southwood City,'''' she offered.


    Raegar shook his head, a confident grin on his face. ''''No, I''m going deeper into Bloodfang. I want to fight more monsters and push myself. I need to expand my Aether Pools.''''


    Ranthar chuckled, his deep voice filled with warmth before he reached out and ruffled Raegar''s hair. ''''Well, Little Blackwood, I hope our paths cross again. It was good meeting you.''''


    ''''I''m sure we will,'''' he replied to the tiger man, who walked off seconds later.


    As the caravan rumbled forward, Elara cast one last smile his way. ''''Take care of yourself, Raegar,'''' she said, her voice carrying both warmth and confidence. ''''I hope we meet again.''''


    ''''I do too,'''' Raegar answered before dashing into the treeline as the caravan vanished.


    Following that, he was rushing through the underbrush and was heading for his previous camp when he had to come to a halt, seeing a swarm of Forest Widows and other creatures were all over the tree.


    He gulped when seeing this while thinking, ''Oh fuck! They have allies and their Tier Two Deathstingers!''


    They were massive scorpions with a dark carapace to help it hide among the underbrush. Raegar knew this monster as he read a lot about it, but that''s when a loud chittering noise echoed out as the scorpions spun to face him with their beady little eyes.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 31: Dont Think. Act!

    Raegar didn''t know what to do as the Tier Two creature could easily kill him thanks to being stronger. Plus, there were too many monsters to fight head-on, as he wasn''t capable enough to do such a thing.


    ''What should I do? Run?'' he wondered, scanning his surroundings. ''That could be an option.''


    As his eyes darted around, he caught sight of a smaller spider hiding inside the bush just as it launched itself toward his thigh. His instincts kicked in, and with a surge of panic, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast at the creature.


    It crackled through the air and slammed into the monster before burning it to ash. The sound was enough to draw the attention of every lurking monster. They spun as one, their eyes locking onto Raeger, their bodies coiling in unison.


    Dozens of excited hisses filled the air when the horde of beasts spotted him. The sound echoed from every shadow, reverberating through the trees and shaking the very ground beneath his feet.


    ''''Oh fuck,'''' he muttered.


    In the blink of an eye, chaos erupted in the forest. Raegar quickly noticed a dozen deadly projectiles whistling through the air toward him. His instincts roared to life as he pulled out his daggers, every ounce of his training kicking in.


    ''''Here we go!'''' he roared while his Aether exploded.


    Raegar slashed and slashed with lightning-fast reflexes, deflecting the Deathstinger barbs mid-flight. Sparks showered the ground around him as steel met poison-tipped spines, his arms burning from the strength of the enemy attack.


    But the danger was far from over for him as even more enemies poured out of the brush. A sudden screech signaled the next wave of monsters. Forest Widows rushed in, their spindly legs skittering across the battlefield.


    They lunged at him, fangs bared and venom dripping, ready to put him down. He barely dodged the attack before retaliating with a slash. His blades carved through chitinous legs, severing limbs as he danced across the battlefield.


    ''''There''s way too many to keep fighting,'''' he muttered while deflecting several attacks.


    Moments later, Raegar realized he was surrounded but steeled himself as he was still undeterred. He gritted his teeth, adrenaline surging through his veins as he continued fighting with the spiders.


    While the monsters encircled him, the Deathstingers joined the battle, forcing him to use Aether on the blades. Flames and lightning crackled along his daggers before he launched himself toward the largest Forest Widow.


    The beast couldn''t see his movements as he closed in on it, causing the beast to panic. At the last second, he dropped low, skidding beneath the creature. With a powerful slash, his blade tore through its exposed underside.


    Summoning every ounce of his strength, Raegar channeled more Aether into his blades. In an instant, a blast of sparks and flames engulfed the scorpion. The beast let out a shriek as its body convulsed in agony before crumbling into a smoldering heap.


    Following that, his heart dropped as a colossal shadow engulfed him, blotting out the light. A chilling presence loomed overhead, crackling with raw power. Raegar gulped when noticing it was a giant scorpion, its pincers slicing through the air, aiming to cleave him in two.


    Reacting in an instant, he thrust out his hand and cast a spell. ''''Stormfire Bullet!''''


    He watched as the blazing projectile sliced through the air and collided with the limb in a crackling explosion that sent it reeling off course and slammed into the ground. The impact sent the beast staggering back, its strike missing him by mere inches.


    ''''So close!'''' he mumbled when feeling the wind pass by him.


    Raegar tensed, ready to leap back into the fight, but before he could react, something slammed into him from above. A razor-sharp pain ripped through his arms as jagged limbs pinned him to the ground.


    In a flash, the monster''s fangs plunged deep into his flesh, injecting a venom that burned like molten lava. A raw scream tore from his throat as blistering pain surged through his veins, scorching him from the inside out.


    It felt like liquid fire seeping into his very soul, every nerve igniting in unbearable agony. Gritting his teeth, he struggled to move, but his limbs refused to obey. His vision blurred from the shock, his breathing ragged.


    Hovering above him with a victorious gleam in its intelligent eyes, a sleek Forest Widow loomed, its beady black eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. The monster had him¡ªtrapped, helpless, and at its mercy.


    Pain from the poison pulsed through his body as warm blood trickled down, but he refused to give in. Gritting his teeth, he locked eyes with the spider, his glare burning with defiance and determination.


    Then, like a spark in the darkness, a memory surfaced, one of his father''s grueling training sessions where he was beaten under the orders of his grandfather, which he hated but finally understood why they did it.


    ''Pain is temporary, but hesitation will kill you, my boy,'' his father''s voice echoed. ''If you ever find yourself outmatched or on the verge of death, don''t think. Act!''''


    In the blink of an eye, the Forest Widow thrust down, its fangs aiming for Raegar''s throat. A wicked smirk curled on his lips. ''''Fusion Overdrive!'''' he roared, his voice resonating with power.


    Suddenly, the Aether surrounding him exploded into chaos. Energy surged like a storm, burning away the poison coursing through his veins and knitting his wounds back together, but also making him tired.


    His senses sharpened, his muscles rippling with newfound strength as the world slowed to a crawl around him. With a primal scream, Raegar unleashed a Fusion Punch at the monster pinning him down, the force of the blow rippling through the air.


    When his fist struck the Forest Widow''s body, the impact echoed like thunder. The creature was launched into the air, crashing through the trees, and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.


    Raegar sprang to his feet, ready to fight, his body brimming with Aether, but before he could fully steady himself, a Deathstinger shot forward, its razor-sharp stinger aimed straight for his chest.


    He quickly sidestepped the sudden attack and struck out with another powerful spell. ''''Fusion Smash!''''


    His fist tore through the air before it collided with the creature''s hide, the force of the blow sending a shockwave rippling through the earth, which sent the giant scorpion crashing through the trees and into the dense underbrush.


    Raegar''s red eyes burned with fury as he watched the spectacle before unleashing a barrage of Stormfire Bullets at a group of spiders that were closing in on him, reducing them to nothing more than ash and splinters.


    Following that, he went to work and started punching any monster that got close while letting out a roar as he cracked exoskeletons with his strength. Raegar was struggling with the Deathstingers, as they were stronger than the spiders.


    ''Now it''s time to go or I''ll grow fatigued in the middle of the swarm,'' he thought while glancing around, but exhaustion suddenly hit him. ''Oh fuck, not now!''


    Seconds later, Raegar spotted an opening and started sprinting through the forest, his feet pounding the earth as he dashed through the trees. He glanced behind him and noticed one of the Forest Widows was right behind him.


    He yelped but quickly threw a dagger into the creature''s face before hitting it with a Lightningfire Blast. Thanks to Fusion Overdrive, Raegar escaped the horde. After some time, it had already taken its toll on his body.


    ''Shit, I need to rest. I feel like I''m going to faint,'' he thought while jumping over a river, only to land on something.


    As his feet hit the opposite side, it gave way. Raegar let out a sharp cry before falling for a few minutes and hitting the ground with a sickening thud. Pain exploded through his body as darkness swallowed him.


    An unknown amount of time passed as afternoon turned to night and the forest above came to life. When he finally stirred, his vision swam before settling on the vast, star-strewn sky above.


    His breath was heavy as he lay there, but something caught his eye, a translucent barrier shimmering overhead, pulsing with an eerie, otherworldly glow. ''Where am I now?'' he thought while sitting up and rubbing his head, but pain shot through his entire body.


    ''''I forgot I used overdrive again and this time the aftereffects are worse. I need to rest before continuing,'''' he muttered.


    Raegar''s gaze darted around, his heart pounding as he took in his surroundings. Before him stretched a dark, foreboding tunnel, its walls rough and ancient, eerily resembling the dungeons he had only read about in books.


    Seconds later, a bell tolled, its ominous chime reverberating through the cavernous space. When controlling the worry, he took out his daggers in a flash, his grip tightening as a sinister, echoing laughter slithered through the tunnel.


    The sound crawled under his skin and making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. While staring into the darkness, several shabby arrows flew out of the shadows, causing him to block the projectiles.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 32: You Better Not Go Inside

    Raegar deflected the arrows just as a group of goblins rushed out of the darkness and charged in his direction while letting out wild screams. This caused him to think while his body screamed in pain, ''Tier One monsters, not too bad, but I need to end it quickly.''


    When one of the green humanoids got close and let out a wail as it went to stab him with a shabby-looking spear, he parried the attack before slipping into the monster''s guard and ramming his blade into its head.


    Seconds later, Raegar hurled the other blade, striking a goblin archer just as it raised its bow to fire. Before he could catch his breath, a horde of creatures swarmed him, their guttural snarls closing in from all sides.


    Gritting his teeth, he unleashed a few Lightningfire Blasts from his depleted Aether Pools, the explosions of crackling energy and searing flames tore through the attackers, sending charred bodies flying.


    As the dust settled, he summoned his daggers. Raegar''s breathing was heavy as his body screamed out for rest, but he pushed himself forward and started attacking the goblins by throwing his blades at them while using Stormfire Bullets.


    He fought relentlessly, his blades slicing through the horde until the last monster fell with a lifeless thud. As the battlefield fell silent, his strength gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, his chest rising and falling in ragged breaths.


    But the growing pain made every movement agonizing. Clenching his teeth, yet the ache refused to be ignored. Soon enough Raegar fell asleep after pulling out a blanket and wrapping it around himself.


    ***


    ''''What do you mean, more dungeons are opening up all over Kaldorra? I''ll fly to the palace to see the empress myself,'''' Griffin demanded as the messenger trembled.


    The man saluted before leaving the Vaelthorne manor, while the older man stared at him before a soft voice reached his ears. ''''Do you have to keep terrorizing Dahlia''s servants? You''re going to stain your reputation more than you already have, you old git.''''


    ''''My dear wife, do you always have to insult me?'''' he teased, turning to the smiling woman with mischief in her eyes.


    She giggled softly, her voice warm with affection. ''''Of course, it''s my way of showing you that I still care,'''' she replied playfully.


    Griffin let out a chuckle before his expression grew more serious. ''''I need to see the empress,'''' he said, his tone shifting. ''''If dungeons are popping up across the continent, it could cause serious problems.''''


    He looked at the blonde woman, concern flickering in his eyes. When Elysia heard this, she questioned with a worried tone, ''''What about Raegar? He''s in Bloodfang Forest. What if one opened there?''''


    ''Oh shit,'' Griffin thought as his mind raced to his grandson. Without hesitation, he responded, ''''I''ll contact Vlad and have him send someone to check on him.''''


    With that settled, the older man turned to his wife, sharing a brief but meaningful glance before bidding her farewell. Then, without another word, he soared into the sky. The wind rushed past him as he made his way toward Dawnfire Palace.


    Half an hour later, Griffin landed in the courtyard when he saw the imperial guard guarding the carriage that had stopped. The door opened, and a woman stood there with a knowing smile as she stepped out.


    ''''What brings the Lion of Dawnfire to the palace? The old man is resting out back with his wives,'''' she said with a giggle.


    ''''It doesn''t surprise me with him,'''' Griffin said with a smile. ''''It''s good to see you, Dahlia. I''ve been hearing about you all across the empire. It seems Alexander''s decision to make you empress over the first prince was the right one.''''


    Dahlia''s face lit up with a radiant smile. ''''Thank you for the kind words, Griff,'''' she said warmly. ''''But tell me, what brings you here?''''


    ''''What''s the plan about the dungeons popping up? And do you know if any have opened in Bloodfang Forest?'''' he questioned, with a concerned glint in his red eyes.


    The empress picked up on his worry and answered honestly, ''''I believe there were half a dozen Rank A and B dungeons that have opened across the Nytheria Kingdom. I''ve sent an army to help them contain the threat.''''


    Griffin''s face paled, ''Raegar! You better not go inside one of them, you little shit. It will kill you,'' he thought.


    Dahlia noticed this, only to remember some news she heard weeks ago. ''''So it''s true, you sent him into Bloodfang,'''' she stated with knowing amber eyes.


    ''''He wanted to go there himself and was even excited about the prospect of fighting monsters all the time. The boy is relentless about growing stronger,'''' he replied with a sigh. ''''I hope he doesn''t enter one because he isn''t ready for it. The monsters there are different compared to the ones outside.''''


    She nodded in agreement before offering, ''''Come help me clear the southern S Rank Dungeons. They are causing many problems for the Duke down there and he won''t stop complaining.''''


    Griffin nodded and joined Dahlia in the carriage as she questioned, ''''So your grandson is the first Tetraarch, which caused waves among the nobility, but his vanishing made them forget, just like the fickle creatures they are.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued talking as the empress said they could go check out Bloodfang Forest as it''s in between the Dawnfire Empire and Nytheria. He was excited to clear the S Rank Dungeon as it''s been years since the last one.


    ***


    In the meantime, Raegar stirred awake, letting out a deep yawn. His body still ached, but the pain was far more manageable than before. ''''At least I can fight more,'''' he mumbled as he pushed the blanket aside.


    Moments later, he rose to his feet, stretching his sore muscles before glancing around, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. ''Where am I?'' he wondered, but shrugged when coming up with nothing.


    Raegar closed his eyes and sensed the pure Aether in the more potent air than the energy outside, causing him to mumble, ''''Am I in a dungeon? It explains where the goblins came from.''''


    He scanned the floor and noticed several Tier One cores scattered around. Bending down, he picked them up, rolling one between his fingers as a thought crossed his mind. ''If I collect enough of these, I can trade them for gold.''


    After that, he quickly gathered the remaining cores before sitting down and closing his eyes. He focused inwardly, drawing in the surrounding Aether. The energy flowed into him like a steady current, replenishing what he had lost.


    Raegar''s body tingled as the power slowly built up, restoring some of his strength, as he couldn''t gather much. Following that, he started walking down the tunnel while readying his daggers and soon came across a chamber with goblins milling about as others ate.


    A smile appeared on his face as he charged one of his blades with the remaining lightning Aether. When the dark metal started vibrating, he threw it into the center of the place and a blinding explosion erupted.


    The monsters recoiled in shock as Raegar dashed forward, his blade slicing through the air. With seamless movements, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets into the horde, each shot erupting in fiery explosions that sent goblins screeching in agony.


    Smoke and embers filled the chamber as he tore through the monsters. Their cries echoed through the chaos, but Raegar remained relentless, cutting down anything that dared to stand in his way.


    Blood drenched the dungeon floor by the time the last goblin collapsed. Raegar took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as the adrenaline slowly faded. Surveying the aftermath, he pieced together the strength of the monsters he had faced.


    ''A Rank E dungeon... just a beginner-level one with Tier One Monsters inside,'' he thought with a sigh of relief.


    While the fight had been intense, Raegar knew he wasn''t up against anything stronger, eased his tension. With that in mind, he straightened up and readied his weapons before looting all the Aether Cores littering the floor.


    By the time he had moved on, he had collected fourteen cores, which made him happy. ''No wonder I used to loot everything when I gamed,'' he mused while holding the feint brown orb.


    Moments later, Raegar absorbed the Tier One Monster Core, curious to see how much Aether it would add to his reserves. As the energy seeped into his body, he frowned. The increase was barely noticeable.


    ''''Not worth it,'''' he muttered, shaking his head while thinking. ''I can gather Aether quickly on my own, but how do I reach Vapour? I need to join Drakenwood to grow stronger and explore gates and dungeons.''


    Following that, he continued traveling through the dungeon while fighting dozens of goblins, and improving his skills.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 33: A Half-Ice Elf, Perhaps

    Raegar continued traveling through the dungeon and only ran into goblins, which were driving him crazy. After an hour of walking, he saw daylight, only to realize he had fallen into ancient ruins.


    ''Thank god for that, I''m not sure if I can fight a boss,'' he mused.


    When stepping out of the cave, the sun blinded him, but the sound of rushing water reached his ears. Raegar smiled before approaching it while muttering. ''''At least I can wash myself now. I feel grimy.''''


    Five minutes later, Atlas reached the river, the sound of rushing water filling the air. He scanned the surroundings, ensuring everything was secure before he removed his armor, piece by piece.


    The weight of the battle and the day''s chaos seemed to lift with each motion. He stepped into the cool water, feeling the refreshing chill wash over him. Slowly, he scrubbed away the dirt and grime of battle, letting the river cleanse both his body and his mind.


    Raegar could feel the tension in his muscles melt away as the water ran clear, and by the time he finished, he felt lighter, invigorated, and fully refreshed, his body renewed. Ten minutes later, he climbed out and started getting ready.


    While doing that, a noise reached his ears, prompting him to spin around, and he noticed it was deeper in the forest. ''It sounds like a battle going on,'' he thought.


    Seconds later, Raegar activated Enhancement magic and started running toward it so he could hunt more monsters. When arriving at the scene, he noticed it was a group of Forest Fire Ants and Forest Widows.


    ''Spiders again! When will I get a break from these things?'' he internally exclaimed while lining his blades with lightning Aether.


    The daggers trembled in anticipation, humming with lethal energy as they prepared to strike. With a primal roar, Raegar lunged forward, explosive and swift, slashing through the air with brutal precision.


    He danced across the battlefield like a Bramblehare, cutting down the monstrous spiders that dared approach him. As the creatures sensed the rising storm of fury, they converged on him with predatory intent, but Raegar was ready.


    With a roar, he leveled his blade toward the horde. ''''Lightningfire Blast!'''' he bellowed, and in that instant, arcs of crackling lightning streaked from his blade, followed by a ferocious wave of flame.


    The explosion and searing fire obliterated the monsters in a violent storm of destruction, leaving nothing but ash and smoldering remnants in their wake. Raegar began collecting the monster cores.


    But then, a sudden shift in the air made his senses flare with warning. His instincts screamed at him to brace, but before he could react, a chilling aura washed over him, heavy with malice, sinking into his chest.


    His heart clenched, fear gnawing at his very core. Spinning around, his eyes locked onto a sight ripped from the darkest nightmares. A spider, towering and grotesque, loomed before him, but this one was different.


    ''''What is this thing?'''' he muttered while readying his blades to attack.


    Its body, twisted and monstrous, was humanoid, its eyes glowing with intelligence. Panic surged through him as he instinctively tried to flee, but the creature was faster. It closed the distance in a heartbeat, its fist crashing into his side.


    Raegar was flung through the air like a rag doll, the impact sending a shockwave of pain through his body. He tumbled across the ground, his vision spinning, struggling to stay conscious as the horrors of the creature''s relentless pursuit loomed closer.


    Just as he came to, he quickly rolled to the side as the spider punched the ground where he was. Raegar yelped before casting Lightningfire Blast at the creature, causing an explosion to ring out.


    He got to his feet and started using Flash Step to get away from the powerful monster, but was running low on Aether. Raegar gritted his teeth just before hearing running water once again.


    While heading toward his only escape, the humanoid spider rushed after him, he thought to himself. ''Must be Tier Three or a Low Four. I''ve not gotten to Vapour, so how can I fight this thing?''


    Raegar staggered back, his breath ragged as he reached the banks of the river, the cold water lapping at his boots. He dared not hesitate for a second. The monstrous creature had caught up.


    He raised his daggers to intercept the swipe of its claws. Steel met claws with a shower of sparks, but the force was overwhelming. Raegar gritted his teeth before moving into the creature''s guard and striking.


    The blades struck true, grazing their target, but the spider reacted instantly, driving a knee into his face. The impact sent him reeling, his head spinning. Before he could recover, the enemy began slashing at his body, forcing him down to one knee with a pained yelp.


    Raegar tried to regain his footing, but the blow sent him crashing into the river with a violent splash. The icy waters only added to his disorientation. His head slammed hard against a jagged rock, and a blinding pain shot through him, followed by darkness.


    The last thing he heard was the furious screech of the spider, its rage filling the air. He slipped into unconsciousness, the world around him fading into oblivion as he was dragged down the river and got caught up in some branches.


    Thanks to it being night, Raegar started growing cold as hypothermia threatened to take hold of him.


    ***


    ''''Mariam! I''m going down to the river to do some fishing,'''' an older orc warrior left his house and started walking down to the local spot.


    ''''Hogar, don''t spend all morning down there! Zorana still remembers your promise,'''' his wife replied from the kitchen window with a big smile.


    He waved her away and continued his walk down the secluded trail he created when they first moved to this village. By the time Hogar reached the banks of the river, something felt awkward.


    ''What''s going on here?'' he thought while scanning his surroundings, only to notice something white floating in the water.


    The massive orc, Hogan, leaped into the scene and waded through the water, only to freeze in shock at what he saw. A human was entrapped in branches, his arm draped lifelessly over a tree trunk as his body floated in the water.


    Without hesitation, Hogan rushed forward, grabbing the boy by the scruff of his neck and lifting him out of the water. He carried him to the bank, dropping him unceremoniously on the ground.


    As he took in the stranger''s appearance, he noticed the unnatural blue tint to his skin, causing him to think. ''Why is this human blue? A half-ice elf, perhaps?''


    Standing over the unconscious boy, Hogan muttered to himself, ''''Should I just toss him back in? It''ll be trouble if the village finds a human here.''''


    ''''No, you will not, father!'''' a voice rang out from behind him.


    Hogan turned around to see his youngest daughter Zorana walking down the path, only to go wide-eyed when seeing the boy. ''''His going to die from the ice sickness, we need to get him to Mother now!'''' she exclaimed.


    Following that, the two orcs rushed back to their home, where they were met by an older orc woman who ushered them inside. Once there, they wrapped the boy in monster skins and threw him in front of the fire.


    When they knew he would be fine, Mariam turned to her husband. ''''Where did this human come from? They usually avoid this part of the forest thanks to the monsters.''''


    Hogan shrugged, ''''He was floating in the water and I pulled him out,'''' he replied.


    Once everyone had finished speaking, Zorana stood up, her expression hardening as she spoke. ''''I believe he was going to throw the human back into the water.''''


    Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out of the room, her mind already on other matters. She had studied to finish preparations for her departure to the Frosthaven Magic Academy in a few months.


    The journey north would be long, but the village was proud of her, and she couldn''t help but feel a surge of determination as she left the room behind. In the meantime, Zorana would watch over the young man her father saved.


    While watching him, she could sense Aether radiating off his body but it seems like he was out of it, causing her to think, ''Was he in a fight?''


    Zorana pulled back the monster skins, only to freeze in horror. The boy''s body was drenched in blood, and her heart raced as she screamed, ''''Mother! The human is bleeding out!''''


    The older orc woman rushed over, shoving her daughter aside with urgency. She began tearing at the boy''s clothes, but recoiled in shock when she saw the gaping lacerations covering his body.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 34: Pay For Getting Rescued

    While Raegar lay unconscious, his mind drifted into the depths of memory, pulling him back to the days of his childhood. A familiar face surfaced in his dreams, one he hadn''t seen in years.


    She was the youngest daughter of Duke Lucas Romanov, who ran the northern province of the empire. Their paths had first crossed at a noblewoman''s gathering, an event where titles and etiquette held more weight than friendships.


    His mother, Victoria, had been given a special invite because of her mastery of magic, a reputation that earned her respect even in the aristocracy of the Empire. That day, among the halls and conversations, he met the only friend he made since coming to this world.


    Raegar was sitting off to the side while his mother mingled with the noble ladies who were happy to see her. He had tried to talk to the other children, but they were in their little groups, which he couldn''t be bothered to deal with.


    While sitting there, a brown-haired little girl appeared beside him with a scowl as her big green eyes gleamed like a star. Soon the stranger had calmed down as she introduced herself in a sweet voice. ''''I''m Bella Romanov. Am I right to assume your parents dragged here you as well?''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he replied with a friendly smile. ''''And yes. My mother brought me here to meet children my age, which is strange because most of them are stuck up.''''


    Bella looked at him with a confused expression, causing him to explain. ''''I prefer studying magic and reading. It''s better than listening to the noble boys talk about them becoming dukes and slaying whole swarms of monsters or claiming a princess. It''s boring.''''


    The little girl giggled before answering. ''''Yes, they can get annoying. My siblings are just like that, so I''ve grown used to it. Do you have any brothers or sisters?''''


    ''''Lucky you,'''' Raegar replied with a nod. ''''Yes, but they are older and rarely visit. Even when they do, they''re always busy, so I tend not to bother them.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued talking as Bella brought up magic and the duo couldn''t stop. While they did that, three women stood off to the side with amused smiles as a brown-haired lady looked at his mother.


    ''''Looks like our children get along well, Vic. It begs a differ to how we became friends,'''' she said with a giggle.


    Victoria laughed along before answering. ''''Not my fault you were a bitch Jess, but yes it''s good to see Raegar talking to someone his age. I''ve been worried that he wouldn''t be able to make friends when he joins the academy.''''


    After speaking, the last woman spoke with a curious expression. ''''Well, Bella is an anti-social girl. It''s good they found each other. Maybe you should arrange a marriage for the two? It would bind your families.''''


    ''''No.'''' Both women replied instantly, causing everyone to laugh.


    Jess was the first to speak in a love-filled voice while looking at her daughter. ''''Unlike my father and mother, I won''t force her to marry anyone she doesn''t want to. Plus, we Romanovs grow stronger when we match well with our husband.''''


    While they were chatting, Raegar and Bella were chatting animatedly before the brown-haired girl grabbed his hand with sparkling eyes. ''''Follow me and I''ll show you something Rae, but you must promise not to tell anyone?''''


    ''''I agree,'''' he answered with an honest smile. ''''I promise.''''


    Bella beamed as she started dragging him to a nearby balcony and the two stepped outside, only to feel the cold air brush against his skin. While the duo stood there, she raised her hands and started muttering.


    Moments later, a phoenix materialized out of nowhere, made of ice, and flew into the air, which shocked him, ''She can use magic as well?'' he thought with glowing red eyes.


    ''''Do you like it?'''' Bella asked with a hopeful expression.


    Raegar turned to the girl and nodded. ''''Yes, it was amazing. I can''t believe you can use magic. How old are you?''''


    ''''Just turned nine,'''' she answered while drinking some orange juice a maid brought to them. ''''What about you Rae?''''


    ''''Eight, I still have a few months before my birthday,'''' he responded just as the ice phoenix flew in their direction and vanished.


    Bella''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she gently took Raegar''s hands in hers, her fingers cool to the touch. ''''Did you know ice magic can remove scars?'''' she asked with a hint of pride in her voice.


    Raegar glanced down at his hands, noticing the faint scars he had earned through years of training. They had never bothered him, but curiosity stirred within him. He lifted his gaze to meet Bella''s and held out his hands.


    ''''Show me,'''' he said, intrigued. ''''This is the first time I''ve seen such magic in action.''''


    When the girl heard this, she happily agreed before placing her hands on his and chanting something. Moments later, Raegar felt a chill run across his body, which woke him up. ''Ahhh,'' he thought as the pain racked his body. ''That damn spider was too strong for me to fight.''


    He glanced around, taking in the cramped room with its simple bed, table, and chair. It all felt so basic apart from the wood burner in the corner, making him wonder, ''Am I in a hunting shack or something?''


    Following that, Raegar leaned up only to wince as pain washed across his body, but it soon faded. Without waiting, he threw back to the covers only to be horrified as horrible scars littered his body.


    He tried to use the ice healing spell but couldn''t remember it, which frustrated him. ''I need to wait until I see grandmother or go to a city to find someone who can heal me.''


    Moments later, the door slammed open and Raegar''s jaw dropped open in shock. ''An orc! But they look like humans.''


    The man watching him stood with his arms crossed, his green eyes narrowing as he spoke with cold indifference. ''''Good, you''re up. At least we don''t have to babysit you anymore and can work out how you''ll pay for our services.''''


    Raegar''s mind was still hazy, but the hostility in the man''s tone was unmistakable. He wasn''t welcome here, causing him to shake his head. ''''What? I have to pay for getting rescued?''''


    ''''Yes, healing you wasn''t easy and my wife is still out cold because of the mana drain caused,'''' the orc man replied before getting to work after filling the fire.


    ''''Okay, I don''t have any gold but I could help with anything,'''' Raegar said while rubbing his head. ''''It''s only fair since I would be dead if it wasn''t for you.''''


    The orc furrowed his brow, momentarily stunned by Raegar''s calm acceptance, but soon gave a firm nod.


    ''''Good. At least you''ve got some sense,'''' he grunted. ''''Name''s Hogar Bloodaxe¡ªyour boss until the debt is paid.''''


    Raegar met his gaze without hesitation and offered a friendly smile. ''''Raegar Blackwood. It''s nice to meet you.''''


    The orc let out a low chuckle, amused by his attitude. ''''We''ll see if you''re still that polite after a hard day''s work, human,'''' he remarked before turning away.


    As he left, his parting words were short but clear, ''''Get some rest. You start in the morning.''''


    Raegar looked around and noticed his magic bag was next to the bed safe, which made him sigh in relief. He summoned his daggers, which appeared seconds later before he stored them away.


    ''Let''s eat and explore as I need to walk,'' he mused while eating some campfire bread he made a while back.


    Following that, Raegar got out of bed while chewing on the delicious food, which filled him up. His legs were weak, but this caused him to take out the only health potion he had, thanks to his grandfather.


    ''''At least the old man had the sense to add this,'''' he muttered before downing it.


    Raegar watched as some of his scars faded, but the deeper ones remained, the jagged one across his chest and another slash across his cheek. He couldn''t wait for the day he''d finally be healed.


    Afterward, he kept eating his bread as he walked outside, taking in the sight of towering trees surrounding him, with a trail veering off to the side. What caught Raegar''s attention was drawn to a massive pile of logs stacked in one corner, larger than the shack.


    ''That''s a lot of firewood but winter is coming,'' he thought while glancing at the grey sky.


    Raegar finished his bread, which made him feel full, then grabbed a few branches and summoned one of his daggers to use it to chop some wood before carrying it back inside to start a fire.


    Once in the shack, he started a fire with the little Aether he had left before sitting down and gathering to recover some.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 35: Mariam Bloodaxe

    Raegar got some sleep and woke up the following morning as Hogar walked into the shack with a big smile. ''''Wake up, human. The first job is that you''re going to chop some firewood for the winter stockpile. It will give you a good workout and put some muscle on that skinny body of yours.''''


    ''''Coming,'''' he replied before climbing out of bed and started putting on his clothes while yawning.


    The orc man grunted, his massive hand gesturing toward a towering pile of wood. ''''Get to work on that,'''' he growled, his voice like a rumble of distant thunder. ''''You owe me three days of work. This should be enough for you.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said while approaching the nearby axe before turning to Hogar. ''''Thank your wife for me, please. I owe her my life.''''


    ''''No, I won''t. You owe me three days of hard labor,'''' the orc said in a firm voice. ''''Now get to work.''''


    Raegar nodded before grabbing the axe, feeling its weight in his hands. To his surprise, it wasn''t as heavy as he had imagined. With a grunt, he set to work, organizing the massive pile of wood into manageable bundles.


    Each swing of the axe echoed in the quiet clearing, splitting logs into smaller pieces. But despite the rhythm, time seemed to stretch on endlessly. Hours passed, and his muscles burned with exhaustion.


    He was barely a quarter of the way through. Sweat poured from him, his body aching from the constant effort. He paused, wiping his brow, and stretched, the tension in his limbs almost unbearable.


    But there was no time for rest. With a grunt, he hauled the chopped wood to the box the orc had pointed out, each load heavier than the last. Slowly, the box filled, piece by piece, until it was full.


    ''''Let''s do some more,'''' he said while stretching his arms. ''''This feels good.''''


    Raegar worked hard through the rest of the day, chopping wood until only half of the pile remained. His muscles screamed in protest, his entire body aching with the weight of the work, but he refused to stop.


    As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, he kept moving. Once the firewood was in piles, he dragged himself to set up a firepit. His hands trembled, but he wanted to make food.


    Raegar dug into the magic bag, pulling out the last of the ingredients he had from the general store. His body ached, but he started making some simple campfire bread he had grown to love.


    He laid out the flour, sugar, and yeast in front of him, his hands working with practiced ease despite the fatigue in his limbs. Following that, Raegar created the dough and let it ferment before putting it on the fire coals.


    Raegar turned his attention to the monster meat he had stashed away, pulling a thick chunk from his pack. His knife cut through the tough flesh with ease, and he sprinkled it generously with spices.


    He placed the meat on a spit above the fire, watching it slowly roast as the flames crackled and danced. The air grew colder as the night deepened, and the moon rose high, casting a silvery glow across the forest.


    The surrounding trees seemed to stretch and twist, their shadows long and eerie. Raegar felt the unease crawl beneath his skin. With a sigh, he summoned his daggers. He didn''t take any chances.


    His fingers curled around the hilts, making sure they were within easy reach. Every crackle of the fire, every rustle in the distance, kept him on edge. While sitting there, he started feeling something was watching.


    Something was waiting for him to let his guard down. ''Why would that orc leave me out here with monsters?'' he thought.


    Afterward, Raegar focused on preparing his meal while resting, and before long, everything was cooked to perfection. He ate eagerly, and once he had finished, he slumped down, settling into a relaxed state.


    It wasn''t long before Hogar emerged from the trail. ''''What are you doing, hum¡ª'''' The orc paused mid-sentence, his gaze landing on the impressive pile of firewood.


    A smile spread across his face. ''''Very good! Looks like you''ve done enough for today. Come on boy, Mariam has some food on the table for you.''''


    Raegar stood up and stretched, feeling his back pop as he followed the orc, who had noticed the daggers. ''''I see you''re a warrior. I assume you rely on speed rather than brute strength, given your build.''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied, ''''But I''ve been working on improving my strength while hunting in the forest.''''


    They continued walking down the trail for ten minutes until reaching a house built into the base of a tree, which surprised him. ''Oh, that is cool. They live inside it and someone seems to enjoy gardening,'' he thought.


    A vibrant garden filled with life stretched outside the entrance, and the house loomed four stories tall. It was simple yet charming, radiating a quiet beauty. Hogar made his way toward the front door, but before he could reach it, a booming woman''s voice stopped him in his tracks.


    ''''Don''t you dare bring mud into this house!'''' she said.


    Raegar watched the giant orc go stiff and glance down at his muddy boots before muttering. ''''How does she always know? This woman is scary.''''


    He chuckled at Hogar''s reaction as he looked scared, but the orc quickly spun on him like the devil and warned in a stern voice. ''''Do not mock me human, or I''ll make your training hard.''''


    ''''What?'''' Raeger was confused. ''''Training?''''


    Before the orc could respond, the door flew open, revealing another large orc this time. A woman. Raegar noticed she had long black hair and was built like a warrior, though her demeanor seemed more relaxed compared to Hogar''s.


    The woman''s stern expression was unmistakable. ''''Are you bullying our guest, husband?'''' she asked, her voice carrying an authority that sent a chill down his spine.


    Raegar watched as Hogar shook his head, nudging him with a grin. ''''No, my love, you''ve got it wrong. I was just saying I''m going to train him in exchange for work on the farm. I think that''s fair, don''t you, human?'''' he said, glancing at him with a pleading look.


    ''''Yes, Mr. Hogar said he would help,'''' he replied, deciding to save the orc man, who smiled in relief.


    The orc woman narrowed her eyes for a moment before stepping forward and offering her hand. ''''I''m Mariam Bloodaxe, this lump''s loving wife,'''' she introduced herself with a hint of pride.


    Hogar chuckled as Raegar took her outstretched hand with a firm shake. ''''Raegar Blackwood. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mariam.''''


    She giggled before questioning with a curious glint in her blue eyes. ''''Are you a noble? The manners caught me off guard.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Yes, but that doesn''t matter to me though as I''m not a fan of nobles,'''' he revealed.


    The two orcs gazed at him with strange expressions as Hogar led them inside while speaking. ''''Unusual, young people think that way nowadays.''''


    ''''It''s just the way I am,'''' he answered honestly.


    Following that, the orc couple led him to the dining table, where he noticed two people sitting. A young orc man that looked to be in his early twenties with long black hair and Hogar''s green eyes.


    Raegar couldn''t help but notice that the stranger was built like a bodybuilder, his muscles clearly defined under his clothes. It made him pause for a moment, thinking, ''Are all orcs like this?''


    The last person to step forward shocked him. She was a beautiful young woman with short black hair and striking blue eyes. Like her mother, she was toned, but with a more curvaceous figure.


    Her presence was captivating, and Raegar found himself momentarily at a loss for words until the two of them looked up. The young man scowled at him, but the woman was different as she spoke in an exotic accent. ''''So you''re awake, human? It''s good to see you alive.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said as Mariam ushered him into the closest seat, which was next to the young woman.


    ''''Zorana and Gruda, this is Raegar Blackwood,'''' the older woman introduced him. ''''He''ll be here for a while as your father is going to help him with his training.''''


    Gruda nodded before getting back to eating, while Zorana''s eyes lit up as she asked. ''''What type of weapons do you use? I''m guessing a short sword?''''


    Raegar shook his head and summoned his dagger. ''''I prefer speed and hitting fast while using my magic.''''


    ''''Ahh, you''re a speedster,'''' Zorana spoke with a smile. ''''I prefer power like father but quickness is also good.''''


    Mariam began bringing out food, and despite having eaten not long ago, the rich aroma made Raegar''s stomach rumble. He tried to ignore it, but the older woman noticed and gave him a welcoming smile.


    ''''Thank you for helping with the firewood,'''' she said warmly.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 36: Damn, These Critters Just Wont Quit

    Raegar looked at the meal Mariam served, which was a lump of delicious-looking monster meat covered in something that smelt like BBQ sauce that surprised him. ''Is that stuff in this world? Strange,'' he pondered.


    The rest of his meal consisted of mashed potatoes and vegetables, which he happily ate. He noticed the Bloodaxe Family was busy talking about their day as he sat there enjoying the food quietly.


    As Raegar was busy eating, Hogar suddenly spoke to him. ''''Human. There''s a Rank F Dungeon nearby. Once you''re done with the firewood, I''ll take you there to see how well you do and how I''ll train you.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied.


    Following that, they all started eating and Raegar enjoyed the meal which he found delicious, and ate everything. By the time everyone was done, Gruda had left the table while Zorana went to train her magic.


    ''''Thanks for the delicious meal, but I''m heading out to gather a bit before turning in,'''' he said with a warm smile.


    Mariam glanced up from the sink, her hands still submerged in soapy water. ''''Be careful on your way back to the shack, dear. Monsters wander near the homestead, but this big brute keeps most of them at bay.''''


    ''''I''ll be fine Mariam,'''' he replied with a smile while stepping outside, only to hear the chirping of birds.


    He began the ten-minute walk back to the shack, the familiar path stretching before him. But as he neared his destination, an eerie silence fell over the surroundings. Raegar swallowed hard, a chill running down his spine as the hairs on his neck stood on end.


    Then, from the darkness, came a low, bone-chilling chuckle. ''Nope!'' he thought before stepping into the clearing where the shack was.


    Moments later, half a dozen eerie figures emerged from the underbrush, their bodies covered in matted fur. They resembled twisted hybrids of wolf and human, and Raegar immediately recognized them.


    ''''Tier One Gibberlings... Bloodfang Forest is their territory,'''' he muttered under his breath while summoning his daggers and readied for battle.


    The Gibberlings lunged with a ferocious snarl, but he was quicker. With lightning speed, he danced around their strikes, his blade flashing as he drove it into their bodies. Their lifeless forms crumpled to the earth, falling like shadows in the moonlight.


    As the battle raged on, Raegar fought like a storm. His every move was deadly. He ducked beneath a sword strike, then drove his blade into one of the monster''s eyes with a sickening twist.


    Without missing a beat, he hurled the second dagger into another''s chest, ending its life. Moments later, he rolled beneath a swipe and rose in a fluid motion, his hand crackling with energy.


    With a fierce roar, Raegar unleashed a Lightningfire Blast. The crackling surge of lightning struck the nearest beast, sending it flying through the air and slamming into a tree. But as the monster fell, more Gibberlings emerged from the shadows, quickly surrounding him.


    Raegar''s breath hitched as they nearly overwhelmed him, but before the creatures could, a hail of Earth Bullets slammed into the monsters at the rear. Zorana appeared from the trees, her blade cutting through the horde.


    Without missing a beat, he joined her, and together, they became an unstoppable force. The two of them cleaved through the ambushers with brutal efficiency, their weapons dancing through the air like extensions of their will.


    Ten minutes later, the ground was littered with the mangled corpses of the Gibberlings, and the once ferocious horde lay defeated. Raegar staggered, the exhaustion weighing heavily on him.


    He was running low on Aether, his body feeling the strain of the battle causing him to think. ''I need to gather once things have calmed down.''


    Raegar caught his breath while brushing the dust off himself as Zorana took down the last of the monsters, then strode toward him with a grin that spoke of both triumph and frustration while scanning the surrounding brush.


    ''''Damn, these critters just won''t quit,'''' she said, wiping blood from her blade. ''''They''ve been attacking the homestead more and more. It feels like a chore to keep killing them.''''


    Raegar chuckled before summoning his daggers while replying. ''''This is the first time encountering them on my end. They appeared out of nowhere. I''ve been fighting those Forest Widows. I''m surprised they haven''t appeared.''''


    Zorana shook her head with a smile. ''''They are to the west Rae. The insect monsters don''t travel this far because of the Nightwalkers.''''


    ''''What are they?'''' he asked as his curiosity surged forth.


    The orc woman ruffled around in a bag she had and took out a book before speaking. ''''This is a monster guide to the eastern part of Bloodfang Forest that one of the original townspeople created.''''


    Raegar was shocked, but with a smile, he spoke. ''''Thank you. I didn''t realize there were two sections.''''


    ''''Well yes, it''s split in two. The western part is full of giant insects and other horrifying monsters while the Nightwalkers and other creatures wander this place,'''' Zorana informed him with a glint in her blue eyes.


    ''''Interesting,'''' he muttered. ''''I have to return there before next winter. I''m joining Drakenwood Academy, but before I get admitted, I''ll have to take a test.''''


    The orc woman nodded. ''''I''ve never understood the interest in going to those places. It''s all competition and who uses magic better. Adventuring is where you grow stronger, always fighting powerful monsters that could kill you at any moment.''''


    Raegar chuckled before retorting. ''''Yes, you''re right but the schools have quests to hunt down monsters or dungeons that students can enter as long as they''re in the right tier.''''


    When Zorana heard this, her eyes widened as she questioned with a big smile. ''''So you''re interested in dungeons? Dangerous places they are, but worth it for the loot you can.''''


    ''''Exactly,'''' he replied with a knowing expression. ''''I won''t be taking any pointless subjects. I''ll challenge myself to get stronger by conquering the dungeons.''''


    Raegar approached the firepit after speaking and started a blazing fire as he continued. ''''Then there are the Gateways that I want to explore, but I have to be a Tier Two Fog Mage before becoming a Gatewalker.''''


    Zorana''s eyebrow rose in fascination. ''''Looks like you have big plans, Rae. I hope you achieve it all.''''


    She stood up and stretched as she finished. ''''But being a Spellblade Mage will help you in more ways than one.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow rose when hearing this, causing him to ask. ''''Why would that help?''''


    The orc woman chuckled before explaining, ''''Guilds that explore the gates are always looking for Spellblades. Their ability to wield both weapons and magic makes them incredibly versatile. Not many choose that path, most stick to one.''''


    Following that, Zorana said her goodbyes and made her way home while Raegar sat in front of the fire while gathering. He could fill up the enormous pool until one quarter was full before the Aether poured into the other eight.


    A few hours later, Raegar opened his eyes and made his way to the shack to get some sleep. The following morning, he woke up as thunder boomed overhead, causing him to sigh before climbing out of bed.


    ''''Let''s cut some wood,'''' he muttered while letting out a yawn.


    Afterward, he put on his clothes and stepped outside, only to shiver when the cold air brushed against his skin as he noticed the monster bodies were now gone and guessed it was Hogar collecting them.


    Raeger approached the pile and started chopping the wood into smaller bits like the day before. By the time the afternoon sun appeared in the sky, he was tired, but Hogar appeared while holding a massive Warhammer.


    He jumped up as the orc man spoke in a cheerful tone. ''''Come on, human. We can head to that dungeon. Zorana told me about your fight, but I want to see it for myself.''''


    Following that, Raeger and Hoger traveled toward the dungeon and, after half an hour, they reached a village deep inside Bloodfang Forest. When passing through, he noticed there were vampires, orcs, demi humans and other races, but no humans.


    While he glanced around, the orc man noticed and explained. ''''We escaped from the Korrveth Kingdom as they treat any other race except demons like second-class citizens, despite being descended from devils.''''


    Raegar''s face twitched when hearing that and his aura changed, which caught Hogar''s attention. ''''I''ve seen you''ve encountered those foul creatures. We have a Devil Hunter stationed in the village, so no need to worry.''''


    He noticed the people staring at him with a mix of fear and concern, but Hogar waved them away before reassuring them. ''''He''s a worker on the homestead who I''m training for a few days.''''


    When they heard the orc, they looked relieved. Moments later, they stepped through the gates and followed a path until reaching a small fortress that was guarded by Nytherian soldiers, which surprised him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 37: Nightwalkers

    Raegar watched as Hogar approached them and started talking, only for the guard to refuse. This frustrated the orc man who turned back to him, but he got a good idea and took out the gold plate Vlad gave him.


    When the vampire saw the markings, his eyes bulged just before he questioned him. ''''How did you get this, boy? You''re aware that it''s a crime to forge them.''''


    ''''It''s real. King Vlad gave it to me when he was meeting my grandfather and told me I could enter Dreadshade Castle to sell my loot while I hunt in the Bloodfang Forest,'''' Raegar answered while taking the plate off guard.


    When the Nytherian heard this, he sighed before speaking. ''''I won''t be taking responsibility for you or Hogar, but the Royal Plate looks legitimate.''''


    ''''I understand,'''' he replied before leading the orc into the dungeon.


    Ten minutes later, the duo was standing on the first floor with a big tunnel before them as their only way forward, but the only problem was the overgrown plants that choked the path forward stopped them in their tracks.


    Hogar looked at him with wide eyes as he spoke. ''''You know the Nytherian King?''''


    Raegar shrugged while answering. ''''He''s a friend of my grandparents'' and I only met him once, but he seemed nice when he helped me.''''


    ''''Good, it''s good to have connections nowadays,'''' the orc said in a concerned voice. ''''Things in the forest have gotten worse. Devil attacks have increased and Mariam thinks we should move to the empire for safety.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued until howls rang out from all around them, causing Hoger to smile. ''''Now show me what you can do, boy. These are Tier One Forest Wolves.''''


    Raegar surged with raw power as he cast Enhancement Magic, his muscles tightening, and his blades gleamed in the dungeon light. The first monster lunged from the underbrush, fangs bared, but he was faster.


    With a thunderous roar, he sidestepped, his blade flashing in an arc that carved deep into the beast''s side. Before its howl could escape, he whipped a dagger through the air and it buried itself cleanly in another wolf''s skull, dropping it instantly.


    A third beast pounced, but Raegar met it head-on. His fist crackled with Aether energy, and when he struck, the impact roared like a cannon blast. He sent the monster hurtling through the trees, its body tearing through trunks like twigs.


    Moments later, he was standing amidst the circling Forest Wolves, his stance loose, his eyes sharp. The air was thick with growls and the scent of damp earth, but he welcomed the challenge.


    ''Here we go, let''s show this or what I can do,'' he thought as he smiled.


    That''s when the first wolf lunged, causing him to move before reappearing behind it as his dagger flashed and slashed the creature''s back. Blood sprayed as the beast collapsed mid-stride.


    Another came from the right. He quickly ducked low, spinning beneath its snapping jaws, slicing through its legs in a single swipe. Before it even hit the ground, he was already moving again.


    A third creature leaped from above. Raegar twisted, kicking off a tree trunk, and flipping over the wolf as his dagger found its throat. He landed in a crouch, barely a breath passing before two more attacked.


    His speed was overwhelming, his blades a whirlwind of silver death. The wolves barely saw him move before they fell, their snarls replaced by silence as the last monster dropped dead after letting a death rattle.


    The bodies vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind the brown Tier One cores littering the ground. Raegar started picking them up while listening to the surrounding treeline for any more monsters.


    Seconda later, clapping, echoed through the forest. ''''Well done, boy. That was an impressive fight,'''' Hoger said with a big smile.


    When the giant orc came close, he slapped him on the back and continued. ''''Your speed is perfect, but the strength behind the strikes is lacking. Am I right to assume you are a Tier One Mage who''s still in the Vapour realm?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Raegar replied with a nod. ''''Grandfather said I could move to the next realm, but it''s risky without the right knowledge that most mages learn from the academies.''''


    Hogar nodded before explaining, ''''He''s right. The previous Grandmasters founded the academies to train young mages, helping them grow stronger and ascend through the ranks so their Aether could strengthen.''''


    ''''I know, that''s why I''m getting collected a day before the Drakenwood tests,'''' Raegar replied as the duo continued into the dungeon.


    While traveling, Hogar started instructing him about how to build up his strength, which the wood chopping helped with. During all this, he discovered that the biggest Aether Pool inside him was getting deeper.


    ''Is it because I''m constantly using magic?'' he mused as the orc collected the furs, bones, and meat but gave him to the cores.


    ''''I''ll keep the loot that drops from the monsters,'''' Hogar said as they continued.


    Raegar nodded, ''''That''s fine, I''ve got loads of loot I need to sell at Dreadshade Castle which I''ll do later,'''' he informed just as he killed two wolves with Stormfire Bullets that tried ambushing him.


    Hours passed and the two of them stepped out of the dungeon as Hogar had a bag loaded with stuff. When the guards saw them, they opened the gate to let the duo out as they headed back to the homestead.


    While walking down the trail, he noticed the sun was setting just as the forest went quiet, which caught Raegar''s attention, causing him to put his hands on his daggers. ''''Something''s out here and watching us,'''' he warned.


    The orc''s head snapped toward the approaching aura. ''''Nightwalkers,'''' he growled. ''''We need to get back to the homestead. We have Runes that will keep them from reaching us.''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement, but his senses remained sharp as he scanned the encroaching darkness. Shadows shifted unnaturally, and a chill ran down his spine while the grip on his weapons tightened.


    ''Luckily, they dropped me off in the west. This place... is a nightmare,'' he thought just as they spotted a fence in the distance.


    The sounds of creatures echoed from around them, causing Hogar to grab Raegar and throw him across the threshold as he activated his powerful aura that sent the Nightwalkers scuttling back into the shadows.


    ''''Why did you throw me?'''' he said while getting to his feet.


    Hogar stepped through the entrance just as eerie howls echoed in the distance. ''''One of them was about to leap at you,'''' he said, his tone grim. ''''Those are Tier Two monsters¡ªthey would''ve overpowered you.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Thank you, but I''m going to make something to eat and get to bed. You know where I''ll be,'''' he said before walking down the trail to the shack.


    As he walked, he pulled out the guide Zorana had given him, flipping through the pages in search of the Nightwalker. His fingers paused on a page, his eyes widening as he stared at the creature depicted in chilling detail.


    His eyes scanned the page, only for his heart to skip a beat as he saw it. The creature in the picture was like nothing he had ever seen, tall, gaunt, with skin stretched thin over its skeletal frame.


    Its massive claws curved like sharpened obsidian, dripping with something dark. The deep red eyes, hollow and endless, seemed to bore into him from the page, glowing with an unnatural hunger.


    Raegar glanced up, his breath catching. A chilly wind swept through the trees, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, he thought he saw the shadow of a monstrous figure lurking in the distance.


    This one was unlike the others. It was muscular, its massive form standing just outside the reach of the torchlight, eyes glowing with murderous intent as it fixed its gaze on Raegar like it was memorizing his face.


    ''What is this thing doing?'' he thought with a raised eyebrow.


    His heart pounded as he shook his head in disbelief, then quickly cast a Stormfire Bullet. The spell whizzed through the air toward the monster. But the creature was faster. It dodged with inhuman agility, vanishing into the shadows without a sound.


    He exhaled sharply, his body tensed as he approached the firepit. With practiced ease, he tossed a bundle of wood into the flames and sparked a fire, watching the embers flicker to life as if seeking comfort in the warmth.


    Raegar set to work, his hands moving swiftly as he kneaded dough and roasted the monster meat. The sizzling aroma filled the air, mingling with the rich scent of warm bread baking over the fire.


    He smiled while drizzling honey looted from a bee monster in the dungeon over the bread, the golden liquid shimmering in the firelight. The first bite was heaven. ''''Mmm, this stuff is delicious,'''' he mused, savoring the perfect blend of flavors.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 38: Damn Widows Are Here

    Raegar felt the bread melt in his mouth, and the monster meat was tender, a stark contrast to the dangers of the night outside. For a moment, the world felt quiet, just the crackle of the fire echoed throughout the clearing.


    While sitting there, something told him to move just as several knives landed in the spot he was just in. He looked around, only to notice Zorana standing there with a big smile on her pretty face.


    ''''Come on Rae. Let''s fight! Father told me you''re skilled and I need to test them,'''' she exclaimed.


    Raegar noticed the short sword and knife she held, causing him to summon his daggers that appeared in his hands as she got into position to fight. ''''Well, I''m always looking to improve my skills, so why not?'''' he answered with a smile.


    With those words, the orc woman exploded forward. He braced himself, but in a blur of speed, she sidestepped at the last moment and struck. Raegar''s blade met hers, the clash sending a shockwave of force through his arms.


    He felt the power behind her blow. It was like stopping a boulder mid-roll. His stance faltered, forcing him to skid backward and barely regain his footing. But the moment he steadied himself, he vanished.


    Raegar dashed forward with such speed that even Zorana, sharp-eyed as she was, didn''t see him coming. He ducked beneath her sudden slash and, before she could react, his fist slammed into her gut, the impact echoing like thunder.


    The orc woman skidded across the ground, dirt, and debris flying as she came to a stop. For a moment, Zorana lifted her head, her eyes glowing an intense blue. ''''He was right! But I won''t take another punch, so prepare yourself, Rae!'''' she declared, her voice crackling with excitement.


    Raegar swallowed hard. Before he could react, she vanished. His instincts screamed, causing him to spin just in time to see her reappearing behind him, her blade already swinging.


    He barely raised his daggers in time, the force of the clash reverberating through his arms. But before he could counter, Zorana hit him with a vicious headbutt, knocking him back with a jolt of pain.


    Stars burst in his vision as he staggered, realizing too late¡ªshe had baited him perfectly and moved like a storm. Her blade flickered in and out of his defenses, forcing him to parry desperately.


    Every strike carried raw strength, each clash sending vibrations through his bones. Then, in a heartbeat, she feinted left. Raegar reacted, shifting to block the attack, but it was already too late as her fist collided with his ribs, a monstrous punch fueled by pure power.


    The impact sent a shockwave through his body, lifting him off his feet before he crashed into the dirt, the world spinning. Zorana loomed over him, smirking. ''''You''re strong, Rae. But you''re not stronger than me yet.''''


    Following that, the two of them chatted for a while with the orc woman telling him about the town in Bloodfang and he found out the vampire kingdom was protecting it from the other realms and monster waves.


    Once it got late Zorana stood up with a smile before asking with a glint in her blue eyes. ''''Why not become an adventurer like me? You can join my guild and we can get to know each other more.''''


    Raegar felt heat rise to his cheeks, but he quickly shook it off and answered with determination. ''''I''m joining the academy. I need to grow stronger, conquer dungeons, and push my limits. Adventuring sounds great, but my goal... is to become the strongest Gatewalker.''''


    The orc woman giggled, then gave a nod of approval. ''''That''s a shame, but I wish you luck and look forward to hearing the tales of the white-haired mage conquering the world and charming all the ladies.''''


    Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she cracked her knuckles. ''''So... want to get in a few more fights before you leave this place?''''


    Raegar chuckled, ''''Yes that sounds good to me, you''re tough but I''ll beat you one day Zorana,'''' he said with a grin.


    Following that, Zorana bid him farewell and strode off to the train, leaving him alone. The moment she disappeared, his stomach let out a loud growl. Sighing, he got to work roasting more meat and baking another round of bread.


    The rich aroma filled the air as he devoured his meal, savoring every bite. Satisfied but exhausted, he stumbled toward the shack, barely making it inside before collapsing onto the bed.


    Raegar curled up under the sheets before falling asleep with a full stomach and when he woke up the following morning, he felt refreshed. He got out of bed only to notice the sun hadn''t risen yet.


    ''I wonder what time it is?'' he mused while stepping outside.


    Weeks passed in a brutal cycle of training, pain, and progress. Hogar pushed Raegar to his limits, crafting a relentless workout regimen that left him sore and exhausted every single day.


    Also, Zorana never let up, constantly dragging him into sparring matches that tested both his endurance and skill. At first, it was grueling, every muscle ached, every breath felt like fire, and covered in bruises.


    But as weeks passed, he adapted to the challenging training, but he enjoyed it. He grew stronger. Faster. Sharper. Now, standing waist-deep in the river, he washed away the sweat and grime of another day''s training.


    ''''I can feel the Aether flowing through him better now,'''' he muttered.


    The water''s surface mirrored Raegar''s transformation, his gaze tracing the powerful contours of his sculpted form. He flexed, a surge of raw energy pulsing through his veins¡ªhis Aether Pools brimming.


    Strength had not come at the cost of his speed; he managed to get a perfect balance of both, a testament to the brutal, unyielding training of the Bloodaxe Family which put him through his paces, but he loved it.


    ''I have to thank the Bloodaxe Family. They''ve been helpful in my training,'' he thought while stretching his arms.


    Raegar started putting his clothes on only for the town''s bell to ring out, which alerted everyone of an incoming Monster Swarm, causing him to rush toward his shack while summoning his weapons and grabbing his magic bag.


    He tore down the path just to reach Hogar and Mariam''s home. Chaos erupted¡ªTier Two Mountain Trolls loomed over them, their monstrous forms poised to strike. With a flash of power, Raegar cast his Enhancement magic.


    The surge was instant. He became faster than the wind, deadlier than a storm. The trolls never saw him coming, only felt the agony as his blade cleaved through their legs, sending them crashing to the ground with earth-shaking force.


    One roared in fury, swinging its massive club in desperation. But Raegar was already airborne. He twisted through the air, his blade a streak of silver, carving deep into the troll''s wrists.


    The beast bellowed as its weapon slipped from its grasp, crashing into the dirt. Raegar landed, his eyes burning with the promise of battle yet to come. He continued attacking and ensuring to keep them distracted.


    Without hesitation, Hogar roared like a battle-hardened beast and launched himself at the second troll. His forehead slammed into the creature''s skull with bone-cracking force, the impact reverberating through the air.


    Seizing the moment, Mariam lunged like a bolt of lightning, her movements swift and precise. Her relentless strikes hammered into the troll''s knee, shattering it with a sickening crack. The beast roared in agony, collapsing under the assault.


    ''These two are something else. I knew Hogar was strong but not Mariam,'' he wondered.


    Raegar blinked in surprise before a grin spread across his face. As the dust settled, the orc woman turned to him, her expression filled with urgency. ''''Can you watch the house while we help the town? The wave is sweeping through the homestead.''''


    He nodded, channeling crackling lightning and searing fire Aether into his weapons. The energy surged through the blades, illuminating the area with a fierce glow. The display left the two orcs momentarily stunned.


    Hogar''s eyes widened in disbelief before he finally spoke. ''''You can use two elements?''''


    Raegar smiled at the couple without answering before they rushed off toward the town as growls and hisses echoed from all around him. He knew that hiss which made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.


    ''Damn widows are here!'' he thought just as a spider lunged from the darkness.


    Without hesitation, Raegar ducked beneath the monster, driving his blade deep into its underside. In an instant, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, the explosive force ripping through the creature''s insides and launching it skyward.


    As more beasts lunged at him, their fangs flashing in the dim light, Raegar met them head-on, deflecting their strikes with practiced precision. But there were too many. The relentless assault pushed him back, his arms growing heavy with strain.


    Each parry and counter took more effort, his muscles burning as the horde pressed in, threatening to overwhelm him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 39: It’ll Have To Be Enough For Now

    Raegar killed dozens of Forest Widows, who were charging out of the shadows surrounding the homestead as they destroyed the outbuildings. He was alone and the explosions coming from the town were getting more intense as the battle went on.


    Thanks to all his training, the Tier One Monsters weren''t a threat to him, but when Tier Two ones appeared, he started growing nervous. Even when using Flash Step, more Deathstingers and Bloodwings attacked from all directions.


    ''Fuck what are these giant flies doing here!'' he thought when ducking under a sudden swoop.


    The creature''s stinger shot toward him, aiming to impale him, but a Lightningfire Blast erupted from his palm, scorching the air and deflecting the deadly strike before it could reach him.


    His eyes flicked around the field he was fighting in, determining the growing threat. More monsters surged at him from every direction, their numbers swelling. Raegar gritted his teeth while thinking. ''If Hogar doesn''t show up soon, I risk being overwhelmed.''


    Following this, he switched to magic as too many Forest Widows, Deathstingers and Bloodwings swarmed him. Stormfire Bullets tore through their exoskeletons while he bounced around the battlefield.


    Thanks to his incredible speed, Raegar evaded most of the incoming attacks, weaving through the chaos like a ghost. But luck wasn''t always on his side¡ªone scorpion landed a grazing hit, its venom-laced stinger slicing across his arm.


    ''''Fuck, that hurt!'''' he hissed.


    Raegar gritted his teeth, ignoring the sharp sting, and activated Flash Step, teleporting away to get some space. But the moment he reappeared, his breath caught in his throat. His face paled while thinking. ''My pools are nearly empty!''


    Panic flared in his mind as he realized the dangerous truth. His Thunder and Fire Aether had been draining energy from his other elements at an alarming rate. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm, but the weight of exhaustion was already settling in.


    Without too much time to think as the horde of monsters converged on him when he stopped using magic, he started fleeing into the forest with the Forest Widows and Bloodwings on his tail.


    While running, Raegar muttered to himself as he got deeper into Bloodfang Forest. ''''I''m sorry Hogar, but I couldn''t hold them back anymore.''''


    ***


    Hogar slammed a hammer down on a Forest Widow just as his wife killed the last troll. The orc man stood there breathing heavily as the remaining townspeople and Devil Hunters killed the last monsters.


    ''''We should head back to the homestead,'''' Mariam said, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Her breathing was heavy, but her gaze remained sharp.


    She glanced toward the battlefield, her expression tinged with concern. ''''Raegar should be dealing with the stragglers.''''


    Hogar agreed with a nod before the couple rushed home and when reaching the trail, they saw dozens of monsters lingering around. His eyes widened, but shook his head and charged the creatures.


    The two of them started butchering the Deathstingers and Bloodwings until they reached the homestead ten minutes later. When the orc man saw the scene in front of him, his blue eyes widened in shock.


    In the meantime, Mariam panicked as she rushed toward the corpses. ''''We need to see if his here or escaped.''''


    Hogar gulped, as there were too many monsters to escape from, but he still followed his wife and started looking for the human they came to enjoy having around. After an hour of searching, the duo stopped.


    While catching his breath, Raegar scanned his surroundings, his sharp gaze locking onto something in the distance. His eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, he pushed himself up and followed it.


    Mariam noticed his sudden movement and quickly trailed behind. Just as she caught up, he spoke, his voice edged with urgency. ''''The boy''s alive, I think¡ªbut he''s headed south, into the swamplands.''''


    At his words, Mariam''s face paled, dread settling over her features. Before she could respond, Zorana emerged from the house, casually wiping blood from her blade, her expression unreadable.


    ''''Have you guys seen Rae?'''' she asked in a cheerful voice. ''''I want to see if he''s okay after the monster wave.''''


    Hogar turned to her with a sigh before revealing. ''''I don''t think he''ll be back. A pack of Forest Widows, Deathstingers, and Bloodwings chased him south. If I know him well enough, he''ll lose them before heading west.''''


    When Zorana heard this, her eyes widened in shock as her head snapped south, but Mariam spoke up. ''''We need you until the vampire reinforcements get here, Rana.''''


    The young orc woman nodded with a sigh and looked into the forest while mumbling. ''''I hope we meet again, Raegar Blackwood.''''


    ***


    Raegar was casting Stormfire Bullets that slammed into a Forest Widow''s torso, causing an explosion to erupt. This gave him enough time to get ahead of the swarm and had to stop when reaching a river.


    The swamp stretched endlessly before him, its murky waters thick and uninviting. Twisted roots jutted out like skeletal fingers, and the surface rippled ominously, hinting at unseen dangers lurking beneath.


    Just then, a massive tree trunk drifted past, carried by the current. Seizing the opportunity, he leaped onto it, only for a Deathstinger to lunge at him, its venomous stinger slicing toward him in a deadly arc.


    Raegar''s eyes widened in shock as the Deathstinger hurtled toward him, its venomous stinger gleaming in the dim light. Instinct took over¡ªhe dropped low, narrowly avoiding the strike, and thrust his palm forward.


    ''''Lightningfire Blast,'''' he cast his strongest spell.


    A surge of crackling energy erupted from his hand, slamming into the creature and sending it skidding backward across the water. The force of the blast sent waves rippling outward, the air thick with the scent of burned chitin.


    Raegar grabbed a branch just as the tree shot past the horde that screeched at him. He slumped down and let out a breath while mumbling. ''''Well, that was close, but I got away for now.''''


    Following that, he traveled down the river while looking for a place to jump off. Soon enough, the landscape changed, and he ended up in swamplands, which made him panic as something exploded from the water.


    He tried to cast Flash Step, but before he could vanish, a monstrous crocodile lunged from the depths, its massive jaws clamping down on his arm with crushing force. A sharp, agonized scream tore from his throat as the beast yanked him beneath the murky water.


    Panic surged through him as his vision blurred, and his lungs burned, but he refused to go down without a fight. Summoning a dagger in desperation, he drove the blade into the creature''s thick hide. Again. And again.


    The water churned violently, stained with swirling ribbons of blood as he fought like a cornered beast, determined to survive. With a final, savage stab, the beast shuddered and loosened its grip.


    Seizing his chance, Raegar ripped free and kicked off the creature''s body, breaking the surface with a desperate gasp. His limbs screamed in protest, but he forced himself forward, clawing his way through the muck toward the shore.


    The moment his feet hit solid ground, he didn''t hesitate and cast Flash Step to reappear high in the trees, his breath ragged, his body dripping with water and blood. Raegar slumped down and started taking off his armor.


    He let it drop onto the branch and tore off his shredded shirt, only to gag at the sight of his injuries. Deep lacerations, nearly an inch deep, crisscrossed his skin, raw and vicious. Blood seeped from the wounds, staining his torso with streaks of crimson.


    Gritting his teeth, he reached into his magic bag, pulling out the medical supplies he had stored. He had some Atherweave Bandages that Hogar gave him and Aethercleanse that his grandfather put in the kit.


    Raegar fumbled with the disinfectant, uncapping it and pouring it over his arm. The instant the liquid made contact, a searing pain shot through him, and he let out a guttural scream, the burn nearly unbearable.


    But after what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided, leaving only the dull throb of his injuries. With a shaky breath, he grabbed a healing pad, covering it in Healing Slav before slapping it onto the worst of the lacerations.


    He secured the pad with Aetherweave. The material slowly seals the injury tightly. As he finished, he glanced down, realizing with a frown that his remaining bandages would only last a few days.


    ''''It''ll have to be enough for now,'''' he muttered to himself, bracing himself for whatever came next.


    The pain still lingered, gnawing at him relentlessly. Raegar''s body trembled with the strain as he fought to steady his breath. ''''Damn it,'''' he muttered, reaching into his pouch.


    His fingers brushed against the small, familiar pill his grandmother had given him, a gift wrapped in stern advice. ''Only take it when things are bad,'' she''d said, her voice stern and unwavering.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 40: Just Like The Lion

    Raegar stared at the small pain pill in his palm, hesitating for only a moment before tossing it into his mouth and swallowing it dry. A faint warmth spread through his body, dulling the sharpest edges of his agony, but the exhaustion still weighed heavily on him.


    Gritting his teeth, Raegar reached into his magic bag, pulling out his tent with unwavering resolve, determined to set up shelter despite his battered condition. Every movement felt like a battle.


    His wounds throbbed painfully with each pull and tie, and his muscles screamed in protest, making every task a struggle. By the time he was done, nearly an hour had passed. His ragged breathing and aching body cried out for rest, but the tent was finally standing.


    ''''Fucking crocodile and its sneak attack,'''' he muttered.


    Raegar looked over the edge only to see a pair of black eyes staring at him with hatred radiating from them. He gulped before muttering. ''''It''s bad enough with the Forest Widows, but now there''s this thing.''''


    Moments later, the monster''s aura hit him, only for his eyes to go wide and forget about the mind-numbing pain. ''A Tier Three creature!'' he internally panicked.


    He backed away from the edge and climbed into the tent to get some sleep, but he started feeling hot and bothered. After an hour of struggling to rest, the pain increased despite the pain pill.


    Raegar pulled out his lantern and pulled away the bandages, only to gag when a nasty smell hit his nose. ''''That smells horrible. Is it infected? But how?'''' he muttered.


    Following that, he pulled out the Monster Compendium and started searching for the crocodile monster that attacked him. Ten minutes later, he found the culprit in the Tier Three section.


    ''''A Venomjaw Crocodile,'''' he muttered when looking at the beast. ''''They say these bites rot adventurers'' limbs and destroy their organs from the inside out. Only a Tier Two Healing Mage can help me.''''


    Frustration simmered within Raegar as the pain from his injuries became too much to bear. Realizing he couldn''t go on in his current state, he decided to head to Dreadshade Castle in the morning.


    He covered himself in blankets before finally falling asleep while cradling his arm. The following morning, a roar woke him up as it shook the tree. Raegar shook his head, but his arm started hurting even more.


    ''Let''s make my way to Dreadshade,'' he thought while climbing out of the tent and putting it away.


    Raegar jumped down from the tree and when hitting the ground, the water exploded, making him yelp. He cast Flash Step only to dodge the crocodile and got away from the creature and started heading toward the city.


    When he reached the road through the forest, sweat-drenched him, and the pain intensified, yet he continued. Raegar didn''t hear or see the approaching caravan. ''''Young man!'''' a woman''s voice reached his ears.


    He turned around, causing the stranger to gasp as she screamed. ''''Jonas! Pick the boy up and take him to the bridge now!''''


    ''''What?'''' he muttered, but something picked him up and started running.


    ''''A monster bite has infected you, boy?'''' a man''s voice sounded. ''''I can see it was an enormous beast. Was it a Greenslade Viper?''''


    ''''Crocodile,'''' Raegar mumbled as the pain started burning and the infection started spreading to his organs.


    It was too much and knocked him out as his Aether tried fighting it, but it overwhelmed his defenses. Jones kept running with the unconscious boy in his arms and only stopped when coming to the Nytherian bridge that guarded the road to the fortress.


    When he got closer to the gate, a vampire soldier stepped out while holding the hilt of his sword while demanding. ''''Why are you running like that and what happened to the boy?''''


    Before Jonas could answer, a booming voice rang out. ''''Bring the boy to Miranda at the temple!''''


    The guards snatched the white-haired boy and rushed toward a carriage that just pulled up. He stood there watching as a Nytherian Commander spoke. ''''Where did you find him adventurer?''''


    Jonas shook his head and looked at the vampire, who was staring at him before he answered. ''''He appeared from the forest and my leader ordered me to bring him here.''''


    ''''Good,'''' the commander said with a concerned expression. ''''That is the grandson of the Dawnfire Lion. Our king ordered us to look after the boy whenever he appeared.''''


    Not long after, the caravan caught up with Jonas, and the Nytherian guards led them through, their presence a welcome relief. The soldiers offered their thanks for the help they''d given to the boy.


    ''''Where are you taking him?'''' Marlene asked when she suddenly appeared beside Jones.


    He shook his head with a smile just as the Nytherian Commander answered. ''''The Blood Temple. The priestesses there are the best healers in the city and some of our best men are guarding it. Follow me and I''ll take you there.''''


    Jonas watched Marlene''s face light up before she told the caravan to rest as they set off into Dreadshade City.


    While Raegar was unconscious, he was reliving one of his fondest moments when he was eight and Yuki was eighteen. He had overdone it with his training and collapsed in the garden because his legs felt like jelly.


    Raegar believed he was alone, but the gentle sound of footsteps approached. He looked up to see the beautiful cat woman, Yuki, crouching in front of him, her blue eyes filled with concern.


    She gave him a sweet smile and softly spoke, ''''Young master, stop pushing yourself so hard. There aren''t any monsters to fight or princesses to save.''''


    Raegar chuckled softly, the tension easing from his shoulders. He shook his head, his gaze softening as he teased, ''''I''d save a maid, not a princess, Yuki.''''


    Yuki burst into laughter, her smile widening as she teased, ''''Such sweet words, young master. But get up and go take a bath, or would you prefer I carry you?''''


    His cheeks burned a deep crimson at the thought, and he forced himself to stand, only for his legs to tremble unsteadily like a newborn fawn taking its first steps. Just as he was about to collapse, Yuki moved, catching him before he could fall.


    Without hesitation, she scooped him into her arms, cradling him against her warmth. Her fingers wove gently through his hair, each stroke melting away his tension, her touch as soothing as a lullaby.


    ''''Just rest, young master,'''' she whispered while tracing his cheek in a tender caress. ''''I''ll take good care of you.''''


    Following that, he felt something wet on his face, causing his eyes to shoot open, which made someone yelp. Raegar''s head started hurting, but he sat up only to see a vampire woman sitting there holding a cloth.


    She had long, silvery-gray hair with blood-red eyes, just like others of her race he''d seen during his trips to Dreadshade City. ''''Where am I?'''' Raegar asked, his voice hoarse and raspy, his throat dry from exhaustion.


    The woman handed him a cup before answering. ''''You''re in the Blood Temple in Dreadshade City, young master.''''


    He furrowed his brow, rubbing his head in confusion while speaking. ''''Isn''t that the Vampire Goddess''s healing house?''''


    ''''Yes, you''re right in one way. It''s also a temple to our goddess that travelers use on their journey,'''' she replied with a calm smile before introducing herself. ''''I''m Head Priestess Rowena. I''ve been caring for you for the last four days while you''ve been unconscious.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened in shock, prompting a soft giggle from Rowena. ''''Yes, the Venomfang Crocodiles are deadly creatures. Honestly, I''m amazed you escaped. If you don''t mind me asking, how did you get away?''''


    He took a sip of the water she handed him before replying, ''''I cast a spell into its eye, which made it let go, and I swam back to shore. After that, I retreated into the trees while it waited for me.''''


    Rowena''s expression shifted from amusement to admiration. ''''That was incredibly brave... and reckless,'''' she mused, shaking her head with a gentle smile.


    ''''Just like the Lion, when he and the king stirred up so much trouble across the kingdom,'''' she continued. ''''Please be more careful out there, young master. Devil sightings are increasing, and the royal family is growing more paranoid by the day.''''


    Hearing this, Raegar gave a solemn nod, understanding the gravity of her words.


    Rowena stood, preparing to leave, but stopped. ''''Stay here for at least a day to recover,'''' she said gently. ''''And... I''m sorry, but the scars will need to be treated by a stronger healer. The infection caused too much damage.''''


    ''''Thank you for your help Rowena,'''' he said in a grateful voice.


    The older woman smiled before waving him away while replying. ''''It''s my job. Just get some rest, young master.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 41: I Prefer To Work Alone

    Raegar spent a few more days in the Blood Temple but planned to leave so he could do more hunting in the forest. He wore his armor and hood, as the weather was getting cold. ''This should keep me warm. I can go sell more of my loot to Mary,'' he thought.


    While standing at the window, Rowena entered the room with a smile. ''''Ready to leave, young master? We normally would have let you stay here, but many of the people have been getting ill because of winter,'''' she said.


    ''''I understand,'''' he replied while putting on his magic bag. ''''The citizens need the temple more than ever, as they''ll get ill during the bitter days. I''ll be leaving shortly, just going to make some bread.''''


    Rowena looked at him and giggled. ''''Come this way. You can use the kitchen, young master,'''' she offered.


    Following that, they walked through the temple''s halls where priestesses tended to their duties. Most greeted him with a smile, while others whispered. The older woman reassured him it was because of his white hair and red eyes.


    The duo stepped into the kitchen, and Raegar wasted no time getting to work. The High Priestess watched in quiet fascination, her eyes following his every movement as he expertly kneaded the dough.


    His hands moved with practiced ease, shaping dozens of perfectly round pieces before swiftly tossing them into the heated pan atop the stove. The scent of fresh bread soon filled the air, warm and inviting, as the golden crust formed.


    As Raegar worked, Rowena couldn''t help but comment, ''''Why does such a simple dish look so delicious?''''


    He chuckled, reaching into his bag and pulling out a jar of honey. With a small flick of his fingers, magic melted it until it flowed like liquid gold. Carefully, he drizzled it over one of the freshly baked pieces of bread before handing it to her.


    ''''Here, try this,'''' he said with a grin. ''''It''s called Honey Bread. I practically live off this stuff in the forest.''''


    Rowena took the offering, eyeing it with curiosity before taking a hesitant bite. The moment the sweet honey blended with the warm, fluffy bread, her eyes widened in surprise as she let out a moan.


    His smile grew wide just as he ate some himself and stored the rest in his bag while speaking. ''''I''m going to head to the guild to sell some stuff before picking up some supplies.''''


    ''''Have you got the medical stuff I gave you?'''' the Head Priestess questioned.


    ''''Yes, it''s packed away,'''' he replied as the older woman led him outside.


    When arriving at the entrance, the rain was battering Dreadshade City, causing Rowena to sigh as she muttered. ''''I hate this time of year. It gets too cold.''''


    Following that, the two of them said their farewells as Raegar started making his way through the quiet streets. Some people were rushing around trying to get out of the rain, but he ignored them and continued toward the guild.


    When the building appeared, adventurers were gathering outside, which caught his attention. ''What''s going on here? Is it a mission?'' he pondered.


    He shrugged and headed inside, only to spot Mary free at the counter. When the young woman spotted him, a smile appeared. ''''Raegar! I''m glad to see you''re okay. I heard from Commander Cauis that you were injured in the forest.''''


    ''''I feel much better thanks to Priestess Rowena. She healed my wounds,'''' he replied before asking. ''''What''s going on outside?''''


    Mary quickly answered as some guild staff rushed outside. ''''A Rank C Dungeon named Greenslade is about to break and we''re gathering people to fight.''''


    Hearing this, Raegar''s mind flickered to the familiar comparisons he had heard among adventurers. ''Tier One mages can handle Rank E dungeons alone, as long as they''re skilled enough. But for Rank C dungeons, they''ll need at least a group of Tier Two adventurers by their side and a Tier Three to stand any real chance.''


    Following that, he nodded before asking. ''''How can I join this job? I want to fight monsters.''''


    Mary smiled at his response and slid a form toward him with a smooth motion. "Fill this out," she said, her voice firm yet professional.


    ''''Since you''re not a registered adventurer, you''ll be a contractor for the guild. Payment of five gold coins will be issued once the Dungeon is stabilized and you successfully emerge from it.''''


    Raegar nodded and filled it out before handing it back. ''''It said the Dungeon is half a day''s journey south of Dreadshade. It borders the Bloodfang Swamp, correct?'''' The young woman nodded.


    ''''Yes, you''re correct. The caravan will depart soon, so go buy some food, water, and other supplies,'''' she suggested.


    ''''Thanks, Mary,'''' he responded before turning around.


    ''''Be careful out there. Dungeon Breaks are dangerous and the monsters can be unpredictable,'''' she warned with a sweet smile.


    Raegar nodded in agreement as he left the guild while heading toward the General Store to pick up some supplies. Half an hour later, he was making his way back to the caravan that groups of adventurers from Dreadshade gathered.


    He pulled out a piece of bread, tearing off a chunk as he watched the guild staff bustle around, loading supplies into a nearby carriage. The clatter of crates filled the air, but everything paused as a giant of a man stepped forward.


    ''Must be the group''s leader,'' he mused while staying out of the way.


    His broad shoulders and towering frame made him impossible to miss, even among the adventurers. Long brown hair cascaded down his back, and his glowing green eyes seemed to pulse with Aether, setting him apart from the rest of the crowd.


    There was a certain intensity in his gaze, a fire that reflected both wisdom and battle-worn experience. Raegar watched as the man scanned the gathered crowd with a stern gaze before his deep voice boomed, cutting through the noise.


    ''''I''m Theodore, the leader of this mission. We''re heading to the Greenslade Dungeon, south of here,'''' he declared, his words carrying the weight of authority. ''''Get ready to move. Let''s hit the road!''''


    With a collective nod, the adventurers gathered their gear, the sound of armor clanking and weapons shifting filling the air. They moved with a silent understanding passing between them as they made their way toward the Southern Gate.


    The anticipation in the air was obvious, each of them mentally preparing for the fight that awaited them beyond the city''s walls. The massive gates creaked open, revealing the wild unknown beyond.


    Raegar hung back, keeping a steady pace behind the caravan, leisurely munching on his bread as the group moved forward. The road was long and dusty, and the steady rhythm of their footsteps created a comforting, almost meditative backdrop.


    But despite the calm, a sharp ache pulsed in his arm, a lingering reminder of the battle he''d fought earlier. He clenched his teeth and ignored it, his mind more focused on the journey ahead.


    With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his daggers. They materialized in his hands with a soft shimmer, though now they were covered with mud from the crocodile attack back in the forest.


    ''''Lucky that old man put the Runes on it,'''' he muttered just before noticing two adventurers approaching him.


    They were wolf demi-humans, their distinct features marking them immediately among the adventurers. The man stood tall and imposing, his dark blue hair slightly unkempt, and his piercing yellow eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence.


    A jagged scar ran down his face, a testament to battles hard-fought. His posture and the way he carried himself spoke of a seasoned warrior, someone accustomed to life on the front lines.


    Beside him, the woman''s chestnut-brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, her ears twitching slightly as her blue eyes sparkled with knowledge. To Raegar, she appeared to be a skilled mage.


    In her hands, a finely crafted staff shimmered, its crystal tip pulsing with Aether. Moments later, the man spoke with a friendly smile. ''''Are you alone, boy? Why aren''t you a part of a party?''''


    ''''I prefer to work alone,'''' he answered.


    The wolfman laughed before extending his hand in introduction. ''''I''m Lycaon Valdyrsson, and this is my wife, Nymeria. We are adventurers in the Iron Fang Guild.''''


    Raegar clasped his hand firmly. ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he replied.


    ''''Why don''t you stick with us? We could use a speedster to help in the dungeon,'''' Lycaon suggested.


    The woman nodded in agreement, causing Raegar to agree. ''''Okay.''''


    Following that, the wolf couple started walking next to him and he noticed Nymeria looking at him, causing him to question. ''''What''s wrong?''''


    She shook her head before answering. ''''It''s not every day you see a white-haired person down south.''''


    Raegar was confused, but shrugged as he responded. ''''It''s a family trait. My mother has white hair while my father has blue.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' Nymeria said with a fascinated expression. ''''Much like our daughter, who has the Valdyrsson''s dark blue hair.''''


    Following that, the three of them continued to speak while they traveled down the southern road that would lead the caravan to the dungeon.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 42: I Need To Get Out Of Here

    Raegar stood by a lake while watching the caravan set up a tent while Theodore spoke to the Nytherian guards who were protecting the dungeon''s entrance. He was eating some bread as Lycaon approached.


    ''''What are you eating?'''' he asked while sniffing the air. ''''It smells divine.''''


    ''''Camping bread,'''' Raegar answered before taking another two out of his magic bag. ''''Try it and give some to Nymeria.''''


    The older man''s smile grew wider as he accepted the food. ''''Thanks, Raegar. I might have to ask for the recipe if we like it.''''


    ''''That''s okay, I don''t mind sharing,'''' he answered before returning to the lake.


    Lycaon walked off after saying goodnight and went to his tent. Following that, Raegar started a fire so he could cook some monster meat. While waiting for it, Nymeria appeared with a sweet smile.


    ''''Do you mind if I join you, young one?'''' she asked.


    Raegar nodded as he offered. ''''Would you like some meat? I believe it comes from a Forest Bull I killed a while ago.''''


    She accepted, and the two started eating before the older woman commented while looking at the night sky. ''''What are you striving for in life? Power? Wealth? A title?''''


    Without turning away from the fire, he spoke. ''''I don''t have a particular goal in mind, but I want to grow stronger and I''m achieving that while being out here.''''


    Nymeria nodded with a smile. ''''That''s understandable, you''re still young. There''re many years to decide on a goal.''''


    As their conversation continued, Raegar was surprised to learn that they hailed from the eastern region of the Dawnfire Empire. The revelation caught him off guard, but before he could dwell on it, the older woman regarded him with a concerned expression.


    ''''Be cautious in Greenslade,'''' she warned, her voice laced with urgency. ''''The monsters there are sudden¡ªalways lurking, always ready to strike.''''


    Raegar nodded before replying. ''''Thanks for the warning Nymeria. I''ll be wary when inside.''''


    Following that, the wolf woman made her way back as it got later. Once he grew tired, he crawled into his tent and quickly fell asleep after avoiding sleeping on his left arm because of the pain.


    The next morning, Raegar woke up to Theodore''s voice. ''''Young one. Can you come out here, please?''''


    Confusion clouded his mind, yet he shook his head, stepped outside rubbing his eyes, and found the leader standing there. The older man smiled before speaking. ''''Lycaon tells me you''re a Spellblade that uses speed?''''


    ''''Yes?'''' he answered.


    Theodore nodded as his smile grew wider. ''''Good, would you be able to enter the dungeon with two of our scouts? You don''t have to fight, just explore the surroundings and if you encounter anything, just run.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow rose before asking. ''''You know I''m a Tier One mage that hasn''t got out of Vapour yet?''''


    The older man narrowed his eyes, studying Raegar intently before speaking. ''''Yes, you may still be Tier One and have yet to reach the second level, but you''re suppressing your aura, something only those a tier above you can do. And you survived Bloodfang Forest... That tells me you''re more skilled than you let on.''''


    Upon hearing the man''s words, he chuckled. "Alright, I''ll do it."Without further hesitation, Theodore led Raegar to the scouts, a man and a woman, who greeted him with friendly smiles as they waited outside the entrance, which was being protected by a small fort.


    That''s when he saw the entrance, which was a blue doorway that was glowing. However, Theodore wasted no time and gave the trio their orders. ''''Move out, all of you. We need to clear this dungeon before it becomes a threat to the city. Report back on the amounts of monsters and what types.''''


    The man and woman stepped forward, vanishing into the darkness as Raegar took a steadying breath. With a flick of his wrists, his daggers materialized in his grasp, their edges gleaming with lethal intent.


    Steeling himself, he followed them through¡ªonly to emerge just behind the pair and appear in a deserted city, which confused him to no end. The moment he took a step forward, a wave of dread crashed over him, cold and suffocating.


    Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. ''''Get out! Now!'''' he barked, his instincts screaming danger.


    Barely a heartbeat later, he raised his blades just in time to block a swipe, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms. The woman reacted swiftly, diving aside, but the man wasn''t fast enough.


    A sickening noise filled the air. His head separated from his body, spinning through the shadows before thudding to the bloodstained ground. When the woman saw this, she screamed. ''''Thorne!''''


    Raegar spun toward the entrance, his sharp eyes narrowing as the portal flickered erratically. A sinking feeling settled in his chest while thinking. ''Fuck It''s closing!


    Wasting no time, he activated Flash Step, his body blurring as he surged toward the exit. But just as he was about to pass through, the portal pulsed¡ªshifting to a deep, ominous red. He slammed into it with force, pain jolting through his body like a shockwave.


    Staggering back, he gritted his teeth and fought as the creatures rushed out of the surrounding streets. They resembled humanoids but weren''t and reminded him of Ghouls from a game back on Earth.


    Raegar used Lightningfire Blast to clear some space so he could get to the woman who was fighting her way to the man''s body. When he got close enough, he asked. ''''What''s going on with the dungeon?''''


    The woman looked at him with pure fear in her green eyes as she revealed, ''''This is a C-Rank dungeon, but it''s overflowing, and the extra mana has raised its rank to B. The entrance won''t open unless we reduce the monster numbers.''''


    He was just about to reply, but a massive snake lunged from the nearby bush and bit her in half, which made him jump back in shock. Raegar quickly cast a dozen Stormfire Bullets that slammed into the monster''s torso.


    To his shock, his attack left nothing but scorch marks on the creature''s scales. It barely even flinched. The beast slowly turned its gaze toward him, its glowing yellow eyes locking onto him like a predator sizing up its next meal.


    Now that he had a clear look, he felt his stomach tighten. It was a massive cobra-like monster, its dark green body coiled with terrifying power. Then it hit him¡ªthis wasn''t just any creature.


    This was a high-end Tier Three beast. Raegar gulped, his survival instincts screaming at him. Without hesitation, he spun on his heels and bolted into the forest, his heart pounding like a war drum.


    ''Oh shit, this is bad!'' he thought while fleeing.


    Behind him, a sickening gulp echoed through the trees as the snake devoured the woman''s body whole before chasing him. Thanks to Flash Step, he got a head start but couldn''t use it as it was draining his Aether.


    He quickly abandoned it, pushing forward with renewed speed. But just as he gained momentum, a pack of Ghouls lunged at him, their jaws snapping. Raegar reacted instantly and vaulted over one, driving his blade through its skull.


    While his other hand unleashed a crackling Lightningfire Blast, incinerating another in a burst of electric flame. The fight was far from over as more Ghouls appeared around him like a swarm.


    Raegar moved like a force of nature, evading every vicious strike while countering with slashes and stabs, but couldn''t dodge every attack as a claw scrapped across his back, causing him to fly forward.


    He landed on his feet with a skid and was getting annoyed by all the monsters that were swarming him and sent a surge of Lightningfire Aether through his daggers, crackling with raw power.


    Moments later, he leaped back into the fray and used everything he learned from the training in his younger years. While fighting, he didn''t see a creature charging at him from behind just as a claw swept through the air, and Raegar ducked just in time, feeling the rush of wind above him.


    Without hesitation, he drove his dagger deep into its heart, the creature''s life snuffed out in a single, flawless thrust. Following that, Raegar stood at the heart of the carnage, his daggers slick with the blood of fallen Ghouls as corpses surrounded him.


    They were relentless, a sea of twisted, snarling faces closing in from all sides. ''I need to get out of here,'' he internally panicked.


    His eyes flashed with worry, and with a roar, he cast Lightningfire, scorching the nearest ghouls into ashes. But for every one that fell, two more took their place. He cut through the masses, slashing, stabbing, his movements a blur of steel and fury.


    Another Ghoul lunged, but Raegar''s blade found its throat before it could even scream. Yet even as they fell, the horde pressed on, growing ever thicker. He continued killing the creatures until his arms grew tired.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 43: That Damn Snake Has Found Me

    Realizing the tide was turning, Raegar''s pulse quickened. He spun around, eyes scanning for an escape. The Ghouls were closing in too fast. With a final, brutal slash, he cleaved through a creature''s skull and sprinted.


    His boots pounded the earth as he bolted into the woods, the relentless horde chasing after him, hungry for more. He rushed through the dungeon while avoiding the monster attacks that threatened to bring him down.


    As he sprinted across a shallow stream, a blur of movement crashed into him, knocking him off balance. Instinct took over, and his blades flashed, stabbing into the creature''s flesh before he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast at point-blank range.


    The explosion sent the beast hurtling backward, but it quickly scrambled to its feet, its hollow eyes locking onto him with predatory hunger. ''''Wendigos. They''re at the peak of Tier One,'''' he muttered, gripping his weapon tighter.


    His heart pounded, but a smirk tugged at his lips. ''''I can take this thing.''''


    Raegar dashed forward as the Wendigo went to swipe at him, but he skidded under the creature''s arm while slicing into its lower leg and brought it to one knee just before he cast Stormfire Bullet at its skull.


    The monster ducked under the spell and lunged at him while trying to bite his arm. He pulled back and kicked at the creature before casting Enhancement. Raegar felt his body strength, but his mind grew tired.


    ''Fuck, I''ve used too much Aether. Only got enough for one more spell,'' he thought just before dodging another claw swipe.


    The Wendigo let out a bloodcurdling screech, its skeletal frame twitching unnaturally as it lunged. Raegar didn''t hesitate. He sidestepped the attack, feeling the rush of cold air as the beast''s claws barely missed his throat.


    With a spin, he drove his blade into its ribcage, twisting it deep before ripping it free in a spray of dark blood. The creature staggered, but it wasn''t done yet. It lunged again, its jagged teeth snapping inches from his face.


    Raegar ducked low, channeling the last slither of Aether into his palms and cast Lightningfire Blast. Moments later, crackling flames and electric fury. The spell struck the Wendigo square in the chest, sending it hurtling backward with a shriek that echoed through the night.


    It writhed on the ground, smoke rising from its charred flesh. Raegar didn''t give it a chance to recover. He dashed forward, his blade arcing through the air before cleaving straight through the Wendigo''s neck.


    The severed head hit the forest floor with a dull thud, its lifeless eyes still locked in an eternal hunger. Breathing heavily, Raegar wiped his blade clean and turned toward the forest. He had no time to linger, more creatures lurking nearby.


    Without another glance at the fallen beast, he sprinted into the shadows, weaving through the towering trees. His body ached, exhaustion creeping in, but he pressed on, scanning for a resting place.


    Finally, he spotted a hollow beneath the roots of an ancient tree, hidden from view. It wasn''t much, but it would do for the night. He collapsed against the trunk, gripping his weapon tightly as his vision blurred with fatigue.


    ''''Just a few hours,'''' he muttered to himself, his breath steadying. ''''Then I move again.''''


    Raegar soon fell asleep as the adventurers outside were panicking.


    ***


    ''''Why hasn''t the portal opened?!'''' Nymeria exclaimed, frustration laced in her voice. ''''The boy is alone. He''ll be slaughtered!''''


    Theodore''s face paled as dread settled in his gut. Clenching his fists, he took a sharp breath before barking out an order. ''''Roger! Bring me his contract¡ªnow!''''


    A man rushed off from the fortress toward the camp as the Nytherian soldiers rushed around in a panic. Nymeria stood by the entrance as Lycaon approached her. ''''Looks like it will be a few days before the dungeon reopens or the boy kills enough monsters,'''' he said while cleaning the blood off his sword.


    ''''I know,'''' she said while noticing Theodore''s became red in the face as he exclaimed. ''''Why would the guild allow him to join us as a guard?''''


    Nymeria and Lycaon grew curious before she asked. ''''What''s wrong?''''


    The older man wiped the sweat off his brow and answered. ''''He''s the grandson of the Dawnfire Lion and guest of the King Vlad Von Carstein.''''


    When the wolf couple heard this, their eyes widened in shock as Lycaon muttered. ''''So he''s a noble? He doesn''t act like one.''''


    ''''It says he''s to be left alone unless it''s an emergency,'''' Theodore revealed before turning to the dungeon gate. ''''Pray that he comes out alive or that demon will kill us all for his death.''''


    ''''My darling,'''' Nymeria said while tugging her husband''s sleeve. ''''We will be the first ones in and you''ll drag him out.''''


    Lycaon nodded. ''''You got it, why the sudden interest in the boy?'''' he asked with a curious expression.''''


    The elements gravitate toward him as if they favor him,'''' she revealed while rubbing her chin. ''''I haven''t seen anything like it.''''


    Following that, the adventurers waited for a few days until the portal started shaking before turning blue once again. Nymeria and Lycaon were the first in, followed by the rest, only to hear explosions followed by rage-filled roars.


    ''''The boy is fighting something stronger,'''' the wolf man commented while sniffing the air. ''''He''s injured and is being beaten in the battle.''''


    When Nymeria heard, she and her husband rushed toward the scene, with the other adventurers following. What they saw shocked them: Raegar was fighting a massive snake.


    ''One day this boy will become the strongest Spellblade on Kaldorra,'' she thought.


    ***


    Raegar woke up hours later and felt slightly better as he checked his Aether Pools which were empty, causing a fatigue to settle across his body. He sat up and shook his head before gathering the surrounding energy.


    Moments later, it poured into her body like a wave, which slowly felt up the bigger pool before it slowly trickled to the smaller ones. An hour later, each one was full up halfway and couldn''t go any higher.


    ''''Good, at least I''ll be able to fight the Wendigo''s, but my arm is still aching,'''' he muttered while stretching his arms.


    Following that, Raegar jumped out of the branch and landed with a thud while summoning his blades just as a nearby bush rattled. He snapped off a Stormfire Bullet into the creature that lunged at him.


    The bullet tore through the Wendigo''s skull, sending the beast collapsing to the ground with a crash. There was no time to bask in victory as shadows surged forward and more monsters poured from the underbrush, their claws slashing toward him in a whirlwind of death.


    Sparks erupted in blinding bursts as Raegar deflected each strike, twisting and weaving through the chaos. After dodging one attack, he drove his blade into the nearest creature''s face, its shriek cut short as it crumbled.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, a blazing inferno of crackling electricity and searing flame that roared through the battlefield, consuming everything in its path.


    Raegar moved like a Bramblehare, leaping from tree to tree with uncanny speed, his blade flashing through the dark like a streak of silver lightning. He twisted midair, severing a monster''s throat before carving through the rest of the attackers in a dance of death.


    Then, a thunderous roar split the dungeon, a sound so deep it rattled his bones, causing him to mutter. ''''That damn snake has found me.''''


    There was no time to hesitate. Power surged through his veins as he cast Enhancement, his body igniting with raw energy. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, just as a colossal beast crashed into the spot where he had stood, its impact splitting the ground like a meteor strike.


    Raegar rushed in while sending fire and lightning to his blades before trying to stab the snake, but he only cracked the scales before using Flash Step to vanish back into the forest just as the snake became enraged.


    He darted through the dense wilderness, his mind racing as he searched for the perfect place to turn the hunt in his favor. The beast was too strong for a head-on fight. Raegar needed strategy and the element of surprise.


    For half an hour, he led it through the twisting forest, weaving between trees and leaping over jagged rocks, until he found the perfect battleground. Now, he crouched high above a ravine, his breath steady, his grip tight on his weapons.


    The monster would have no choice but to pass through this narrow choke point to continue its pursuit. Raegar waited until the ground shook and the snake burst out of the trees and rushed down the ravine.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought while sending fire Aether onto his daggers that burst into flames as the monster passed under him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 44: Damn That Hurt

    Raegar leaped from the branch, descending like a phantom. The wind howled around him as he plummeted toward the monstrous serpent, his eyes locked onto his target. ''''This attack won''t kill the beast, but it should slow down at least,'''' he muttered.


    As he closed the distance, he channeled Wind Aether into his blades, the weapons humming with raw, untamed power. Then his blades pierced deep into the serpent''s hide, and in the same instant, he ignited the Fire Aether.


    The fusion of elements triggered an explosion, a roaring detonation of flame and wind that erupted from the wound like a storm breaking free from its cage. The force sent shockwaves through the ravine, splitting stone as the monster shrieked in agony.


    Raegar quickly Flash Stepped out of the shockwave''s radius, but the blast still sent him flying. The snake let out an earth-shaking roar that nearly paralyzed him. He shook his head before sprinting into the trees while it started searching for him with a massive gash on the side of its body.


    Moments later, he had to jump to the side as the side lunged at him, causing a dust cloud to erupt as it crashed into the ground. Raegar dashed toward a nearby mountain and started using Flash Step to get up the peak.


    When arriving at the top, he spun around and noticed the snake passing him by, which made him sigh in relief. He shook his head and summoned his daggers before putting them away as he scanned his surroundings.


    ''Looks clear, at least I can rest for a while,'' he pondered before starting a fire in a small opening that would keep him warm as the cold weather moved in.


    Raegar sat by the crackling fire, the scent of sizzling monster meat mixing with the warmth of freshly toasted bread. His body ached from the chase, muscles burning from the brutal clash, but he knew he couldn''t afford to let his guard down.


    Tearing off a piece of bread, he muttered to himself while eating, ''''Is that thing the dungeon''s boss? Now it hates me with a passion... and it will find me.''''


    He shook his head and continued eating while waiting for the meat. Moments later, the snake''s roar echoed in the distance, which made him smile as he thought. ''Now I can kill some monsters to open the entrance.''


    Raegar devoured the last of the monster meat and bread, and his hunger finally sated, though the weight of his situation never fully left him. As the night sky descended above, he felt a strange sense of disorientation.


    The stars flickered overhead, almost too perfect, and the cool night air seemed unnervingly real. Confusion clouded his thoughts for a moment, then it hit him. ''''This damn dungeon,'''' he muttered under his breath. ''''It mimics the outside world.''''


    He looked at the sky above, the rustling wind, and the faint sound of nocturnal creatures. It was all an illusion designed to trick the mind. Sighing, he pulled out some blankets from his pack and wrapped himself in them, making his makeshift camp.


    The dungeon did not need sleep, but Raegar knew better than to press on without rest. Even the most relentless mage needed to pause. Soon enough, the exhaustion overtook him and he fell asleep.


    Thanks to the crevice, he found none of the wandering monsters could find him. While sleeping, small amounts of Aether poured into his body and started filling his pools as his body recovered.


    When Raegar woke up the next morning, he felt refreshed before standing up and drinking some water thanks to his dry mouth. He wiped his lips while muttering. ''''Let''s go kill some monsters.''''


    Following that, he traveled around the forest for days, killing any creature he could find and avoiding anything above Tier Two as some of them he could kill, while others were much stronger.


    Raegar would hide when the sun went down and the powerful monsters came out to hunt. During one rough night, he witnessed a Bigfoot-like creature taking on a group of Wendigos and tearing them apart with ease.


    Many creatures were stronger than him, but he would ambush them using fire and wind to injure the monsters until dying. This became the go-to tactic when dealing with Tier Two beasts, which worked well.


    Days blurred together as Raegar stalked through the dungeon, hunting in the shadows, constantly on edge. His latest prey, a pack of Dire Wolves, had barely registered before the ground beneath him trembled.


    ''What is that?'' he thought while looking around.


    Raegar instinctively reached for his weapon as he turned around. The monstrous serpent was lunging at him with a deafening roar, its jaws snapping open. Time seemed to stretch as his heart pounded, but he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast beneath his feet.


    The spell launched him to the side just as the snake''s head collided with the earth in a thunderous impact, sending debris flying in all directions. ''''Fuck! Where did this thing come from?'''' he snarled, barely catching his breath.


    Without hesitation, he snapped his fingers, and a dozen Stormfire Bullets shot from his palms, whistling through the air toward the serpent''s exposed eye. The barrage of crackling energy slammed into the creature.


    The serpent''s pain-filled screech echoed through the forest, but Raegar wasn''t giving it a chance to recover. In an instant, he Flash Stepped behind the creature, ''Now it''s time to show it what I can do,'' he thought with a nervous smile.


    He coated his daggers with a layer of fire and drove them deep in between the scales of the creature. The heat ignited its flesh, causing his smile to grow. Before it could react, he activated Wind Aether.


    This unleashed a devastating explosion that tore through the snake''s body, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground. The beast''s roar of agony was almost deafening, but it wasn''t done.


    With a savage flick of its tail, the serpent swung it with brutal force, catching Raegar square in the chest. The impact sent him flying, cracking his ribs and shattering bones as he crashed through the trees, his limbs rag dolling in the air.


    The world spun around him as the stinging pain of broken ribs rushed through his body, causing him to grit his teeth, but his mind remained focused. He crashed to the ground with a sickening thud.


    ''''Damn that hurt,'''' he muttered before climbing to his feet.


    Raegar''s instincts screamed at him to move, but by the time he reacted, it was too late. The serpent''s colossal head shot toward him like a speeding boulder, its jaws snapping open to swallow him whole.


    He barely had time to brace before the force of its strike slammed into his side, sending him careening through the air. His body twisted uncontrollably, spinning wildly before crashing into a massive tree with a sickening crack.


    The impact knocked the breath from his lungs, and for a moment, all he could hear was the ringing in his ears and the pounding of his heart. His body ached in ways that felt like it would never end, but he fought through the pain, scrambling to his feet.


    ''''I need to get up before it attacks again,'''' he mumbled.


    Just as he stood, the serpent lunged at him again, its maw wide open, ready to swallow him whole. But luck was on his side for the moment. The tree he had crashed into stood like an immovable wall, blocking the serpent''s attack by mere inches.


    Its jaws snapped shut around the trunk, sending splinters flying as the ground trembled beneath them. Raegar smiled when seeing this and quickly stabbed the roof of the mouth of the monster.


    While doing that, he pointed his hand down its throat and cast Lightningfire Blasts inside before using Flash Step to appear on the branch above as the explosion erupted, which sent the snake into a wild fury.


    The serpent''s body writhed in agony, thrashing violently as the pain from Raegar''s attacks overwhelmed it. Its massive form twisted and flailed, uprooting trees and splintering rocks in its fury.


    But then, its eyes, those burning, hate-filled eyes, shifted to Raegar, locking onto him with a murderous focus. ''''Shit!'''' he yelped, barely leaping off the tree as it lunged at him with terrifying speed.


    The serpent''s head hit the trunk, causing the ground to quake and snapping the tree in half as if it were paper. Before he could regain his balance, a massive tail whipped toward him, a crushing force that would splinter his bones.


    His heart raced as he instinctively poured used wind Aether to push himself out of the way and dodged the attack by mere inches. The tail carved through the air where he''d been standing, sending gusts of debris flying.


    But the snake was no fool. It was faster. As Raegar landed, he barely had time to react before its tail whirled back at him again, and this time it came at him even quicker. ''What''s going on?!'' he thought in a panic. ''It''s getting faster!''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 45: Hydra Blades

    Raegar attacked the giant snake with more spells, but it was useless because the monster disregarded its safety. The monster wasn''t stopping until he was dead, which made a chill run down his spine.


    ''I''ll try to run,'' he thought while watching the tail of the monster crushing all kinds of creatures during their fight.


    He avoided most of the attacks because of his size, but the creature''s tail struck him with force, sending him crashing through the forest once again. Intense pain surged through his body as lacerations tore into his skin and broken bones added to the torment.


    Without wasting time, Raegar jumped up while ignoring the agony that plagued his body and started running, but the snake caught up and flung him into the air by crashing into the ground. As he was in the air, a wave of spells slammed against the monster.


    He was stunned by the sight, quickly casting Flash Step to reappear on the ground below. As he regained his footing, he noticed adventurers charging toward him, attacking the snake with spells.


    ''Finally! They''re here,'' he thought with a tired smile. ''I can get out of here.''


    That''s when he noticed Lycaon charging at the monster, greatsword in hand. The wolfman closed the distance quickly, unleashing a flurry of deadly strikes that shattered the snake''s scales as if they were paper.


    Raegar''s eyes widened in disbelief. ''He must be a Tier Six warrior to take down that creature so effortlessly.''


    Following that, a stream of fire flew above him and slammed into the snake, which was curling up thanks to Lycaon''s attack. He sighed when realizing he wouldn''t have to fight it anymore.


    Moments later, Raegar fell to the ground with a thud as the injuries took their toll, but he smiled as he survived a Rank C dungeon. While lying there, Nymeria appeared above him with a joyful expression.


    ''''I knew you''d survive,'''' the wolf woman said before casting healing magic on him.


    He felt the wounds close and bones mend as they snapped back into place, which made Nymeria frown as she spoke. ''''Fighting the Swamp Titan and coming out alive is amazing. Not many mages could do such a thing.''''


    Raegar chuckled, nodding in agreement. ''''I was lucky, but I collected plenty of Aether Cores while I was here. The rest of the loot wasn''t worth hauling around.''''


    The wolf woman heard this and giggled, playfully ruffling his hair. ''''Get some rest while we finish up. Theodore will still pay you. After all, you took down a lot while we were stuck outside.''''


    He was about to reply when he noticed a Tier One Cave Spider was creeping up on them, causing him to throw a dagger into the monster''s face before answering. ''''I''ll stay with you for now. There are thousands of monsters here.''''


    ''''What about the pain?'''' she asked with a concerned expression.


    Raegar waved her off with a confident smile. ''''The injuries only bring aches, but I can still use magic and throw my daggers. It''s no problem.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her blue eyes sparkled, and a warm smile spread across her face. ''''Such a gentleman,'''' she said with a playful glint. ''''I''ll take you up on that offer, so I can keep an eye on you.''''


    The adventurers then cleared out the dungeon, a task that took another full day. When Lycaon saw Raegar, a smile spread across the wolfman''s face as he exclaimed, ''''What did you do to that beast? Your attacks really weakened it.''''


    Raegar was about to respond when Theodore''s booming voice echoed from the entrance. ''''Everyone, gather up! The dungeon is stabilized, and we''re moving south!''''


    ''''South?'''' he asked.


    Nymeria nodded. ''''Yes, we have another job in the Forgotten Wastes. It''s been planned for months now and we''re meeting the rest of our guild down at Zahakar City,'''' she informed him.


    ''''I''ve read about that place,'''' he replied while cleaning his daggers. ''''Endless dunes with ruins of the ancients dotting the land.''''


    The wolf woman smiled when hearing this. ''''Yes, it is, but we''ve been exploring for many years alongside our guild.''''


    After ensuring the area was secure, the Nytherian soldiers escorted them outside, as most of them were exhausted. Once everyone was safely out, Theodore started paying everyone, handing Raegar seven gold coins.


    ''''Here you go, boy,'''' the older man said. ''''There''s two extra for what you went through, but this is where our contract ends.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said, slipping the coins into his bag.


    Afterward, the adventurers were resting at the camp outside the dungeon, planning to head further south the next day. Raegar sat by his tent, gathering his thoughts. He attempted to reach Mist, but his efforts were in vain, stirring frustration within him.


    Still, he pushed it aside as Lycaon and Nymeria approached. The wolfman had a big smile as he asked. ''''What are you planning to do?''''


    ''''Going to keep hunting in Bloodfang Forest and wait for my grandfather to come get me for the academy test,'''' Raegar answered while throwing some wood into the fire. ''''The more I fight, the better I''m becoming, and that''s why I''m out here.''''


    When the couple heard this, they chuckled before Nymeria responded. ''''I can see the fire in your eyes. It''s unusual for a young man to be so determined to grow stronger, most unlock their magic and think attending the academy is enough. Especially nobles.''''


    Raegar chuckled, raising his hand as a fiery dagger materialized, hovering just above his palm. ''''I plan to go even further than the academy can take me,'''' he declared, his voice brimming with confidence. ''''I will conquer the Gateways and become the strongest Spellblade Sylvara has ever known.''''


    Lycaon grinned, his eyes gleaming with approval. ''''And when your light shines, it''s brightest, boy. We will be there to witness it.''''


    ''''That''s if we meet again,'''' he answered the wolfman while stoking the fire.


    Nymeria giggled before ruffling his hair. ''''I have a feeling we will Raegar Blackwood, grandson of the Dawnfire Lion,'''' she said.


    ''''Did Theodore tell you?'''' he replied with a smile. ''''I bet it was Vlad warning Dreadshade City about me being there.''''


    The couple looked at him with wide eyes before Lycaon warned him. ''''Be careful boy, the Nytherians are very uptight about their king and the respect given to the royal family.''''


    Raegar waved him away. ''''They can''t hear, and even if someone did, it doesn''t matter. I''ll just hide in the forest until my grandfather comes for me,'''' he said.


    They looked at him before Nymeria started laughing. ''''We''re going to go get some sleep. I''m tired thanks to using so much Aether, but make sure you stick around in the morning. I want to say goodbye.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' he reassured. ''''I''ll be traveling down to the swamp before making my way north again. I want to collect more monster parts and Aether Cores.''''


    With that, they left him alone, and Raegar wasted no time. The night was still young, and he seized the moment, drawing in Aether with relentless focus. He directed it into the largest pool, watching in awe as it devoured the energy at an astonishing rate.


    It drank in the power like a bottomless abyss. Unexpected, but he wasn''t about to complain. Hours blurred together lost in the intoxicating rush of his gathering. He only snapped back to reality when his senses flared as if something was near.


    Instinct took over. Without hesitation, he unleashed Stormfire Bullet. The spell ripped through the air, a blazing streak of electric flame, and struck true. A piercing screech echoed through the night as the projectile slammed into a lurking Nightcrawler, tearing through the creature.


    He sprang into action, summoning his dagger in a flash of steel. With lightning-fast movements, he dashed into the heart of the monstrous horde, weaving between them like a phantom.


    His blades danced through the air, each slash precise and deadly. In mere seconds, the battle was over. The creatures lay lifeless at his feet, their bodies motionless in the dim light as more appeared from the shadows.


    Once Raegar was done, he exhaled, a triumphant smirk crossing his face. ''I''m faster. Stronger. ''Now to finish the rest of them with something new,'' he mused, with glowing red eyes.


    Dismissing his daggers, Raegar stretched out his hands, channeling Aether as he visualized a weapon from his grandfather''s armory. A surge of wind and earth converged, forging twin chakras.


    Each cross, with four razor-sharp edges, hummed with Aether. ''''Hydra Blades,'''' he named them in an instant, the words ringing in his mind like a prophecy.


    Raegar''s grin widened as he flung them forward, the spinning weapons tearing through the darkness. Without missing a beat, he exploded, his daggers reappearing in his hands. He weaved through the Nightcrawlers like a storm, carving through their ranks.


    Meanwhile, the Hydra Blades danced through the air, slashing and slicing, cutting down the creatures in a symphony of destruction.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 46: Lets Test Out The Aether Cores

    Raegar butchered the closest Nightcrawlers while the Hydra Blades zoomed around the battlefield. He quickly noticed the new spell was quickly burning through his Aether, causing him to grow tired.


    ''I need to reach Mist to increase the size of my pools,'' he thought while his breathing grew heavy.


    He dismissed the Hydra Blades before jumping back and flinging his daggers at the last two monsters'' heads. They dropped dead as he hit the ground not far away. Moments later, Nymeria and some guards appeared with shocked expressions.


    ''''Raegar, what were those weapons you were using?'''' the wolf woman asked as the others went to check the Nightcrawler creatures.


    ''''Huh?'''' he muttered, snapping out of his thoughts while turning to face her. Shaking his head. ''''Just a new spell I came up with... but using it drained me more than I expected.''''


    The older woman looked at him with narrowed eyes before nodding in agreement. ''''You look exhausted. Get some rest. We''re putting more guards on duty.''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement, suppressing a yawn as exhaustion finally caught up with him. He crawled into his tent, slipping beneath the warm blankets, his body sinking into much-needed rest.


    As sleep claimed him thanks to the exhaustion, the adventurers outside remained vigilant, their watchful eyes scanning the surrounding darkness, ready to protect the camp until the first light of dawn.


    When Raegar woke up, he felt much better and got up before packing away the blankets, and then the tent. Once that was done, Lycaon and Nymeria approached him with their bags packed.


    ''''We''re about to leave for Zahakar City,'''' the wolfman commented. ''''If you''re ever in the northern part of the empire, come by the Valdyrsson manor just outside the Everfrost City. You''ll be welcome any time.''''


    Following that, Nymeria gave him a piece of paper. ''''This is our address for your visit and I stay safe out here, Raegar. Bloodfang Forest is dangerous and full of undiscovered dungeons and gateways.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied to the woman, who pulled him into a hug, which surprised him.


    They broke apart as Lycaon ruffled his hair before speaking. ''''Until we meet again, boy.''''


    After that, the adventurers left the campsite and started traveling on the southern road, leaving him alone. Once they were gone, the dungeon commander approached him with a curious expression.


    ''''Young master,'''' the vampire said. ''''Would you like to try the dungeon? We''ve made sure it''s back to normal and with your strength, getting to the lower floors will be easy.''''


    Raegar paused, weighing his options, then gave a firm nod. ''''Yes. I''ll gather before going in. I need to recover what was lost during the fight last night.''''


    The soldier gave a quick nod before heading back to the fortress, leaving him alone. He sat down and started gathering. Moments later, he felt the energy returning to his pools, which made his body feel better.


    ''This feels good,'' he thought with a smile.


    Raegar felt the eight pools filling up from the bigger one as the world Aether poured into his body like a wave. Hours passed by and he jumped up while feeling refreshed. ''''Now it''s time to test out the Rank C Dungeon.''''


    Following that, he approached the gate where he was met by the guards who waved him through. When he stepped into the portal, he felt the Aether in the air was back to normal compared to the first time he was in there.


    He stepped into the treeline only to hear several growls coming from Tier One Sand Wolves, causing him to think. ''There''s a desert around here which is going to be challenging.''


    Raegar took out his daggers just as the first monster lunged at him. He sidestepped the attack and sliced down its side before throwing the other blade at the second wolf, who crashed down.


    More creatures joined the fight, causing him to cast Hydra Blades but mixed fire and lightning this time. The blue projectiles appeared before he sent them flying at the creatures while summoning the other dagger back to him.


    ''I love these Runes,'' he mused with a gleam.


    Raegar started fighting the monsters, blocking their attacks while countering with stabs and slashes. He continued bouncing around like a rabbit, controlling the projectiles to take out the remaining wolves.


    Once the last one dropped dead, he dismissed the Hydra Blades before looting the monster drops. He found Sand Wolf Fangs, Tier One Aether Cores, and some other junk that he left behind.


    ''''Now let''s see what other creatures lurk here,'''' he muttered.


    Raegar cast Enhancement and started sprinting through the forest while hunting Sand Wolves with ease. His daggers tore through their flesh with ease. An hour later, he came across a group of Ghouls.


    ''Let''s test out the Aether Cores,'' he thought with a smile while taking out three of them.


    He absorbed them and felt the big pool fill up as much as an hour''s worth of gathering, which surprised him. Without waiting, Raegar dashed toward the humanoid creatures and skidded under one of their lunges.


    When it passed over him, he stabbed upwards while casting Lightningfire Blast, which turned the foe to ash. Raegar quickly dodged more attacks while countering with slices and stabs that brought down dozens of them.


    ''This is easier than I expected,'' he thought as the last Ghoul dropped dead. ''Let''s head to the second floor.''


    Raegar looted all the cores before heading for the staircase down, but when he got close a horrible aura slammed against his body. His eyes widened while thinking. ''Tier Four! No, thank you.''


    Feeling overwhelmed by the creature''s sheer strength, he retreated to the dungeon''s entrance, accepting that he stood no chance. ''''I''m not foolish enough to fight it,'''' he muttered, sliding his daggers back into their sheathes.


    When he appeared outside, the guards looked shocked when they saw him. The commander came walking up to him and spoke. ''''Young master, didn''t you explore the second floor?''''


    ''''No, there was a Tier Four monster lurking down there and I''m not fighting that thing,'''' he answered before leaving the fortress.


    Raegar bid his farewells to the vampire guards and set off toward Bloodfang Forest, pulling out some camping bread as he followed the path Nymeria and Lycaon had taken south. He continued until he reached the edge of the swamp.


    ''This place looks like it came out of a dinosaur book,'' he thought.


    He was standing at the edge of the swamp, his boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. Before him stretched a vast, untamed wilderness, a primal swamp, teeming with unseen life that he could sense.


    Towering cypress trees, their gnarled roots twisting like the fingers of ancient beasts, rose from the murky waters. Thick mist clung to the surface, shifting with an eerie, ghostlike grace as it wove between the trees.


    The air was thick with the scent of decay and damp earth, a heavy mixture of rotting vegetation and the stench of creatures lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for their meal to pass by.


    Strange calls echoed through the foliage, croaks, growls, and the occasional splash of something large moving through the water. Fireflies flickered like wandering souls, their dim glow reflecting off the stagnant pools scattered throughout the marshland.


    Raegar noticed pathways crossing it, which were a mix of dirt and tree trunks, causing his smile to grow as he started traveling across it by jumping from branch to branch only to notice a group of crocodiles.


    He stopped moving and stared at the creatures and sensed that they were Tier Two, causing him to leave them alone. Raegar continued moving cautiously through the swamp, his boots sinking into the damp, uneven ground with each step.


    The thick mist curled around his legs, and the distant noises of creatures echoed through the twisted trees. Waterlogged roots jutted out like skeletal fingers. As he pressed forward, the surface of a nearby pool rippled.


    Its movement was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Raegar''s instincts flared. In an instant, a massive shape lunged from the murky depths, a colossal frog, its mottled green and brown skin blending seamlessly with the swamp.


    The creature''s wide, bulbous eyes gleamed hungrily as it lashed out its thick, slimy tongue with the force of a whip. He reacted in a flash. With a twist, he spun to the side, narrowly avoiding the appendage as it slammed into the tree behind him, sending bark flying.


    Raegar landed lightly on his feet, his daggers ready to strike. The frog retracted its tongue with a wet snap, its throat bulging as it prepared for another strike. He smirked. ''''You''ll have to be faster than that.''''


    The Tier One Swamp Frog lunged at him, but with a swift Flash Step, Raegar vanished, leaving the creature to crash headfirst into a tree trunk. Before it could recover, a dagger struck true, embedding itself in its eye.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 47: Theyve Taken Many

    Raegar continued fighting with the Swamp Frogs while his daggers plunged into their eyes before being summoned back. He continued jumping across the branches as the monsters tried to chase him.


    With a chuckle, he waved his hand and cast Stormfire Bullets that peppered the beasts just as more creatures ambushed them. When he saw this, his smile grew wider as he noticed the monsters were giant Tier Three insects.


    ''Time to escape and train some more,'' he thought while using Flash Step to get away.


    Months passed by and Raegar continued fighting all across Bloodfang Forest. After a challenging fight with two Cave Bears, he was sitting on a log, catching his breath once he looted the bodies.


    Following that, explosions echoed across the forest causing him to vanish into the treeline but soon come across a village deep in Bloodfang Forest that was being attacked by some Bigfoot-looking monsters.


    When Raegar spotted the creatures, he was crouched on a branch. ''They are big and seem to be in the late stages of Tier Two,'' he thought just as his gaze landed on a group of vampires fighting them.


    He shrugged before leaping off the branch, moving like a spectre as he drew his daggers. In one fluid motion, he hurled a blade toward a lurking Bigfoot that had crept too close to the defenders.


    The weapon struck home, piercing straight through its eye. A pain-filled roar tore from the beast''s throat as it clutched its ruined face, its remaining eye locking onto him with a murderous fury.


    But Raegar was already a step ahead. With a flick of his fingers, his dagger vanished, re-summoned into his grasp. The enraged monster charged, its massive footsteps shaking the ground, but he only grinned, his red eyes gleaming.


    Fire and wind Aether swirled around his blades, the air crackling with lethal energy. With a snap, he launched the first dagger. It whistled through the air before burying itself in the Bigfoot''s knee.


    The force shattering bone and sending the beast crashing down with an agonized howl. Before the others could react, he sent his second dagger hurtling toward a cluster of three more.


    A sudden explosion ripped through them as the combined elements reacted, a violent burst of fire and wind consuming the monsters into ash. When the smoke cleared, four of the powerful creatures lay lifeless on the battlefield.


    For a heartbeat, silence hung in the air, then a thunderous cheer erupted from the defenders. The vampires, once wary, now roared in exhilaration, their morale soaring. Raegar stood there before noticing a few more beasts rushed out of the treeline.


    When he saw this, he cast Hydra Blades, the crimson Aether blades materializing in his grasp before he hurled them forward. They whistled through the air, tearing through the battlefield.


    The first slammed into a Bigfoot''s leg, slicing clean through muscle and bone, sending the massive beast toppling with a crash. Another found its mark, impaling a second monster''s knee and forcing it to the ground with a grunt of pain.


    But the last one, the largest of the trio, bellowed in rage as it plowed into the vampires. Its rampage scattered the defenders, killing some instantly while others escaped, causing him to react.


    Raegar cast Enhancement and felt the boost as he dashed forward like a rocket before moving behind the Bigfoot and sliced through its ankle. Moments later, it tried to crush a woman who let out a terrified scream, but the monster buckled.


    He spun around and hit it with the two Hydra Blades coming from different directions, and overpowered the surprised creatures. The Aether weapons decapitated to creature causing its body to drop to the ground.


    Once the fight was over, Raegar dismissed the spells while letting out a heavy breath because using Hydra Blades still put some strain on him. ''Using that spell uses up too much Aether,'' he pondered while wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    As he did that, a man''s voice sounded from nearby. ''''Thank you for the help, stranger. These things have been attacking us for years, but it''s getting worse.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding before glancing up at the darkening sky. The sun was sinking below the horizon, its last golden rays fading into twilight. A ripple of panic spread through the vampires. Nightfall was upon them.


    A firm grip on his arm snapped his attention back. The man''s expression was grim as he spoke. ''''Get inside the village. They''ll be coming any moment now.''''


    ''''I''ll be fine. I want to loot the monsters,'''' he replied while putting his daggers away.


    Following that, the man didn''t fight and rushed off as he warned. ''''The Dark Ones are fast and deadly. Try to get into the village''s boundary before they get you.''''


    Raegar moved swiftly through the battlefield, his blade flashing as he carved out the Bigfoots'' teeth. The only other valuable the glowing green Aether cores nestled within their massive bodies.


    As he plucked one from a fallen beast, the core pulsed softly in his palm as his body sucked in some of the Aether radiating from. What he notice was that it was casting an eerie emerald glow across his fingers.


    He studied it for a moment, his mind turning. ''So this is a Tier Two Core,'' He rolled it between his fingers, watching the energy swirl inside. ''Interesting how it glows more than the brown ones.''


    Raegar continued looting the Bigfoots while storing the stuff in his magic bag and when reaching the last corpse, something moved behind him. He spun around and threw a dagger, but it hit the ground.


    ''A body is gone!'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    While standing there, a young woman shouted from the village entrance. ''''They''re coming now! Get over here.''''


    Raegar''s instincts screamed at him to move. Without hesitation, he spun on the spot, narrowly avoiding the shadow that lunged at him. In the same motion, he struck back, his dagger tearing through flesh.


    It let out a guttural hiss, recoiling from the attack. Now that he could see it clearly, a shiver ran down his spine. It was a humanoid, with pitch-black eyes that reflected no light, its face twisted into a snarl, revealing a mouth filled with rows of rotting, jagged teeth.


    The stench of decay clung to it, thick and suffocating. Raegar tightened his grip on his blades, eyes narrowing as more of them appeared from the darkness only for him to sense that they were Tier Two creatures.


    ''''They must be the Dark Ones the vampire mentioned,'''' he muttered, readying himself for the next attack.


    Following that, chaos erupted as the creatures lunged at him, forcing Raegar to use Flash Step to dart around the battlefield while slicing, slashing and stabbing the monsters, causing some of them to drop.


    More appeared and tried to surround him, but he used Lightningfire Blast to clear a path to the village as they surged in his direction. Raegar started sprinting while using Flash Step and passed over the village border.


    He whirled around just as the Dark Ones came to a halt, their twisted, hate-filled eyes boring into him with murderous intent. Raegar wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a Hydra Blade.


    The weapon whirling through the air like a storm that shot toward the monsters. Infused with wind and earth Aether, it struck with devastating accuracy, razor-sharp edges cleaving through flesh and bone.


    Several of the creatures collapsed headless, their bodies crumpling before they even realized they were dead. The survivors hissed and snarled, but the sight of their fallen kin sent a ripple of hesitation through their ranks.


    Raegar watched as the Dark Ones vanished into the shadows, their retreating forms disappearing into the night. He let out a quiet breath, his tension easing just slightly as he dismissed the spell, the glowing Hydra Blades vanishing.


    A voice broke the stillness, soft yet relieved. ''''It''s good you survived,'''' the young woman said, her eyes scanning the battlefield with a mournful expression. ''''They''ve taken many villagers.''''


    He turned toward the dark-haired vampire and asked. ''''What are those things and are they in other parts of Bloodfang?''''


    The young woman giggled as she answered. ''''I''m Vesa and those things come from a cave a few miles to the north. Our last scout found their home, but he had to flee.''''


    Raegar looked at her and held out his hand. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood. It''s nice to meet you, Vesa.''''


    She took it with a friendly smile before speaking. ''''Come on. Father told me to bring you home. He said you''d join us.''''


    They made their way through the village, the tension still thick in the air, every step echoing against the silent, abandoned homes. Raegar''s gaze fell upon the largest house in the center, a stone structure that seemed to loom over the rest, its windows dark and unmoving.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 48: Nearly As Fast As Me

    Raegar turned to the young woman by his side, his voice steady as he asked, ''''Is your father the leader?''''


    She glanced at him, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face before she nodded. ''''Yes. He''s the one who makes the decisions around here and keeps us safe.''''


    Following that, Vesa approached the door and entered while shouting before walking up a set of stairs to the left. ''''Papa! I brought the white-haired boy!''''


    Raegar chuckled when hearing that, but stopped when he saw the man that first spoke to him. ''''I can''t believe you''re still alive. Come in and get out of the cold. Winter is hard this year,'''' he said.


    He nodded before closing the front door and a vampire woman appeared. ''''Who''s this, darling?''''


    The man looked at him, and he introduced himself. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood. An adventurer exploring Bloodfang Forest.''''


    ''''Good to meet ya, boy,'''' the woman said cheerfully. ''''I''m Miranda, and this handsome man is Theo, the Chief of Eldergrove Village. But enough of that, I''ve just dished up dinner after tending to this lump.''''


    Raegar bowed his head with a chuckle at her antics. ''''Thank you for the hospitality. It''s appreciated since I''ve been sleeping in a tent.''''


    Theo''s smile grew wider as he waved him away with a thankful expression. ''''You aided the village against the Forest Men, so a meal and warm bed, if the least, we can do.''''


    Following that, they stepped into the dining room, the warmth of the crackling fire offering comfort amidst the storm outside as cold air nosedives causing their breaths to be seen when breathing out.


    The room was simple but homely, which he liked a lot. ''This place is nice. It''s different from the Blackwood Manor,'' he thought with a smile.


    He noticed wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, and the flickering light from the hearth cast long, dancing shadows across the walls. A rustic wooden table stood at the center, covered with rough-hewn chairs that looked worn from years of use.


    ''''Sit down Raegar,'''' Miranda said in a sweet voice. ''''I''ve made some Bramblehare Stew. It''s delicious.''''


    He accepted the gesture and sat down just as she put a bowl in front of him with some bread as Theo finally spoke. ''''I know you''re training in the forest, but don''t you find it dangerous?''''


    ''''Yes, but I wouldn''t get stronger by killing Tier One Monsters,'''' he explained while dipping some bread and eating it, which he found delicious before he continued. ''''So I decided to move on to Tier Two when I came across the Forest Men and found them easy to kill thanks to my speed.''''


    When the vampire couple heard this, their curiosity sharpened. Theo narrowed his eyes, skepticism lacing his voice. ''''How? You are a Tier One Mage at best. How can you possibly survive out there?''''


    Raegar merely smirked, saying nothing as he let his carefully restrained aura unleash. It crashed into the room like a tidal wave of death, suffocating and oppressive, thick with the weight of slain enemies.


    The temperature seemed to drop, and a chill of fear crept up the vampires'' spines. Theo''s confident expression vanished, his face going pale as Miranda took a wary step back. But rather than fear, her eyes glowed with curiosity.


    ''''That''s... not right,'''' she murmured, studying him as if trying to unravel a mystery. Then her gaze sharpened. ''''Just how many monsters have you killed since arriving here to build such an unusual aura?''''


    Raegar''s smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. ''''Enough that I''ve lost count,'''' he said simply.


    As they settled in and began eating, Raegar listened intently to the conversation. Although the food was simple but warm, he didn''t savor it because his mind was elsewhere. From the vampires, he learned Aura wasn''t just about raw power.


    It was forged through experience, battle, and survival. Every fight, every kill, every near-death moment shaped it, making it heavier. But what truly caught his attention was Theo''s remark.


    ''''Your aura... it''s nothing like a normal human''s,'''' he said, studying Raegar with an intrigued expression. ''''If anything, it''s more like the Dark Ones than one of your kind.''''


    Miranda nodded, her eyes flickering with curiosity. ''''It''s unnatural... but not in a bad way. Just different.''''


    Raegar suppressed his aura once more, pulling it back into himself like a beast retreating into its cage. Instantly, the heavy tension in the room lifted, the air returning to normal, almost as if the suffocating presence from moments ago had never existed.


    But before anyone could dwell on it, a loud bell rang out, its sharp toll echoing across the village like a warning cry. Theo shot to his feet, his expression twisting into one of horror. His sharp gaze snapped to his wife.


    ''''Check on Vesa and lock her windows!'''' he ordered, his voice urgent.


    Miranda didn''t hesitate when hearing her husband''s words. She was already moving toward the stairs. Raegar glanced at the older man and questioned. ''''What''s going on now? More Dark Ones?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Theo replied, his expression weary. ''''They''ve broken through the village runes and are roaming the streets, hunting for anyone they can find.''''


    Raegar''s face darkened with concern, but before he could speak, Miranda rushed downstairs, panic flashing in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she blurted out. ''''She''s snuck out!''''


    When Theo heard this, he went to rush out, but the older woman stopped him. ''''We don''t know where she''s gone and I need you here when they finally attack.''''


    He watched the couple panic before shrugging and walking outside while speaking. ''''I''ll go find her. I''m faster and stronger than you both.''''


    Following that, the vampires looked at him like he was crazy, but he waved them away with a confident expression and glowing red eyes. ''''Don''t worry about me. I love fighting creatures like this. Do you know where she might be?''''


    Miranda nodded. ''''With her boyfriend. They should be at his house in the southern part of the village next to the butchers,'''' she revealed.


    As Raegar stepped outside, a Dark One lunged from the nearby shadows and attacked him. He jumped over it and cast a Stormfire Bullet into the back of the skull of the monster, causing it to drop dead.


    ''Easy to kill when I can ambush them, but they''re nearly as fast as me,'' he thought before deflecting several claw swipes.


    Sparks flew everywhere, but Raegar kept dodging attacks while countering with his own as he made his way down the street. He could hear screaming and shouting coming from all around.


    With a big smile, he tore through the village, his blades crackling with fire and lightning Aether as he carved through the monsters. Sparks illuminated the streets with every strike, the air thick with the scent of burning flesh and ozone.


    As he sprinted down the street, a Dark One lunged from the shadows, its twisted form a blur of claws and malice. Raegar dropped low, sliding beneath the creature. Even as he moved, his daggers flashed, wicked arcs of steel slicing clean through its body.


    The beast barely had time to screech before it collapsed in a heap behind him, lifeless. Raegar jumped up and found the house Miranda told him about, but he noticed it was being surrounded by the creatures.


    Without hesitation, Raegar hurled his daggers, the blades whistling through the air before burying themselves deep into the skulls of the nearest Dark Ones, which killed them instantly.


    Before their lifeless bodies hit the ground, he summoned the weapons back to his hands, their hilts snapping into his grip just as the remaining creatures charged, their bloodcurdling screams tearing through the night.


    As the first lunged, he twisted aside with lightning-fast reflexes. In the same motion, his hand shot forward, crackling with raw power. A surge of Lightningfire erupted from his palm, engulfing the creature''s face in a furious blaze.


    It shrieked, writhing as it disintegrated into ash before the wind could carry its last shriek away. The night burned with the clash of steel and claws as Raegar cut his way through the horde of Dark Ones.


    His daggers danced in his hands, flashing like twin streaks of moonlight as they carved through monstrous flesh. Black ichor sprayed with every strike; every movement was a deadly blur.


    A Dark One lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. Raegar twisted, letting its strike barely graze past him before driving his dagger into its side and slicing down the body of the creature.


    He continued attacking the beasts while noticing a group of villagers rushing toward a nearby house. Following that, Raegar spotted the young vampire woman trying to close a door as a Dark One tried to get in.


    The monster slammed against the door, its excitement mounting at the prospect of a fresh meal. But before it could break through, he charged forward, his blades flashing as he tore into the creatures, cutting down anything that dared stand in his way.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 49: Dark Ones

    Raegar relentlessly slashed through the Dark Ones, each strike dropping a creature before he drove his blade through its skull to ensure it was dead as he cleared the house Vesa was hiding inside.


    ''''Now they''re safe, it''s time to cull the numbers,'''' he muttered as more monsters appeared.


    When other monsters lunged at him, he ducked beneath their wild swings, seamlessly unleashing bursts of Stormfire Bullets. His spells slammed into the creature that exploded on contact, allowing him to escape them.


    Chaos engulfed the village as warriors clashed with the monstrous invaders, battling fiercely while the barrier flickered back to life. ''''Drive them out!'''' Theo bellowed, his voice cutting through the turmoil.


    Raegar smiled before rushing around and continued attacking the creatures as they tried to attack him, but he was too fast. An hour of straight fighting caused the Dark Ones to fall without a death.


    He was sitting on a bench while catching his breath before summoning his daggers that were covered in blood. ''''I need a cleaning spell for this shit,'''' he muttered.


    Following that, Raegar started cleaning the blades as Vesa approached him alongside a young man. The duo as she spoke with a smile. ''''Thank you for helping us. Those things surprised us.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it, but your parents will be mad at you,'''' he replied while putting his weapons away.


    When the vampire woman heard that, her face paled, which made him chuckle just as Miranda embraced her. Theo followed behind and nodded at the young man. ''''Glad you''re okay, Jacob. But what were you two doing out last night?''''


    Raegar listened to Jacob explain that he and Vesa were out on a walk when the duo saw a Forest Man destroy the barrier, allowing the Dark Ones inside. When hearing this, he stood up and stretched before speaking. ''''Can you point me toward either monster''s home?''''


    The older man stared at him, eyes wide with concern. ''''You can''t search for them alone. It''s too dangerous, plus they''re devious creatures. They''ll strike before you can even react.''''


    ''''If I don''t deal with them, the village will keep suffering,'''' he countered. ''''Plus, I love fighting in the forest. It helps me grow stronger.''''


    Theo refused to believe him, but over the following days, the vampire chief was proven wrong. The Forest Men bombarded the barrier with boulders and other weapons, eventually shattering its defenses.


    By the time the vampire finally reappeared, desperation lined his face. With a sigh, he offered five gold coins for him to rid them of the monsters. When hearing this, he accepted and was pointed in the direction.


    Following that, Raegar left after Miranda gave him some sandwiches, which was surprising, but he continued until coming across signs of the Dark Ones'' clawed feet on the branches above.


    ''Looks like I''m on the right track,'' he mused before continuing while readying his blades.


    An hour later, he stumbled upon a cave entrance reeking of decay, its mouth littered with bones and tattered remains. Grimacing, Raegar wrapped a cloth around his face to mask the stench before stepping inside, venturing cautiously into the darkness.


    Once inside, the darkness consumed everything, but his eyes adjusted and he started noticing figures moving around. A Dark One lunged out of the shadows and swiped at him. Raegar leaned back just as he struck out while twisting.


    ''That was close,'' he internally panicked.


    His dagger tore through the creature''s flesh and bone just before dropping dead, just as even more monsters appeared from the dark. Raegar skidded to a halt and cast Lightningfire Blast into the crowd.


    Flames engulfed the Dark Ones, reducing them to ash as he darted through the tunnel, striking down monsters with relentless speed. One after another, they fell, until one slipped through his defenses, landing a sharp blow.


    The blow struck his armor with crushing force, sending him hurtling backward. Even as he fell, he hurled his daggers at two approaching creatures, and both collapsed with a heavy thud. Gritting his teeth, he summoned Hydra Blades.


    Two glowing blue projectiles materialized in his grasp. Moments later, he unleashed them on the advancing Dark Ones. Their razor-sharp edges sliced clean through several monsters, severing heads and spraying blood across the tunnel walls.


    Raegar continued attacking the creatures by moving quicker than they could, but thanks to the tunnel getting smaller, it was putting pressure on him, as it was getting harder to block the strikes.


    The Hydra Blades soared past his head and took out dozens of Dark Ones as he added fire Aether to it, causing the weapons to turn into Plasma Blades that sliced around the cave, taking out most of them with ease.


    In a blur of motion, he weaved through the remaining horde, his daggers flashing like streaks of silver lightning and fire. Every slash found its mark. Every strike was fatal. He danced between them, each movement a perfect balance of precision and power.


    The air filled with the wet sounds of bodies falling, the sickly scent of burning flesh. Within moments, the once-crowded tunnel was littered with the corpses of the fallen. Raegar exhaled, the surrounding flames dimming.


    The last Dark One stood trembling, its grotesque form quivering in fear. He stepped forward, eyes blazing as his smile grew wide. ''''You should have run, but it''s too late.''''


    With a single strike, the creature''s head left its shoulders. The silence that followed was deafening. He shook his head before dismissing the Hydra Blabes and searching the cave for any loot and found a bunch of Greens Aether Cores.


    Raegar collected twenty of them and when reaching the main part of the cave, he stepped into a large chamber and quickly noticed the piles of rotten corpses of humanoids and monsters.


    A foul stench seeped through his face protection, hitting him like a wall of rot. His stomach twisted, and before he could stop it, he doubled over, heaving.


    Minutes passed before the nausea finally subsided. Gritting his teeth, he pulled out his waterskin, rinsing the vile taste from his mouth. With a flick of his fingers, he used wind Aether to get rid of the lingering odor.


    ''''That was disgusting,'''' he muttered, shaking his head.


    As Raegar regained his composure, his eyes locked onto something tucked away in the chamber''s shadowy corner. Curiosity flared, and he strode toward it, his steps cautious yet eager.


    Sitting there was an old chest covered in cobwebs. Beside it, several cotton cloth bags lay haphazardly stacked. He brushed them aside, his fingers grazing the rough fabric before turning his attention back to the chest.


    Raegar bashed the lock with the butt of his dagger, causing the lock to fall off, allowing him to open it. Sitting inside were several pouches of gold and silver coins, which made his eyes go wide.


    ''A merchant''s caravan, maybe? It''s the only thing that makes sense,'' he thought while glancing around and noticing humanoid bones lying all over the cave floor.


    Moments later, he took all the coins, then noticed several small boxes full of health, Aether, and stamina potions. Raegar stored everything in his magic bag before getting ready to leave, when a shuffling noise echoed from behind.


    Raegar spun around, senses on high alert, but the chamber was eerily empty. Unease prickled at the back of his neck as he turned to leave. Seconds later, the creepy growls came.


    Dark Ones slithered from the shadows, their hollow eyes gleaming with malice as they encircled him. A chill ran down his spine, but instinct took over. One suddenly lunged while trying to bite him, and quickly he dropped low, sliding beneath its outstretched claws.


    With a burst, he cast Lightningfire Blast at his feet and propelled himself into the air, soaring over the creatures. As he flipped, his blades struck out, carving through flesh before he landed in a crouch.


    Bodies hit the ground with heavy thuds. No time to breathe. He cast Stormfire Bullets that streaked through the air and slammed into the horde like vengeful stars. The cave roared with a series of deafening explosions.


    Thanks to the sudden action, the ground fractured under the sheer force as the floor gave way. Raegar''s heart pounded as the cavern crumbled beneath him, revealing a dark abyss eager to swallow everything whole.


    Panic flashed through him, but he reacted instantly and cast Flash Step. Lightning crackled at his heels as he blinked through space, reappearing just in time to land at the entrance tunnel.


    Behind him, the last remnants of the battlefield collapsed into oblivion, along with the Dark Ones, who howled in rage. He exhaled, steadying himself. ''That was too close,'' he thought while wiping the sweat off his face.


    Following that, Raegar summoned his dagger before leaving the horrifying cave behind as his body ached and Aether was low. By the time he stepped outside, it was early afternoon, causing him to find a place to rest.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 50: The Forest Mens Leader

    Raegar sat on a rocky mountain ledge, gazing down at one of the Forest Men''s camps that was nestled in the valley below, after he was done filling up his Aether Pools before launching his attack.


    The monsters were nowhere in sight, so for now, he waited. There was no need for him to strike until they appeared. Leaning back slightly, he tore off a piece of campfire bread, the warm, crisp crust a slight comfort in this horrifying forest.


    ''''This is the last bit,'''' he muttered. ''''I need to cook some more.''''


    Following that, he waited for another hour and the Bigfoot-like monsters started trickling into their camp, carrying monster bodies, causing him to think. ''Looks like they''ve just gone hunting. Most of them should be tired.''


    Raegar continued to wait and watch as more of the creatures appeared, causing him to stand up and ready his daggers. Once the sun set, he jumped off the ledge before using Flash Step to appear on a branch.


    He smiled and did the same thing while approaching a group of two Forest Men standing guard over a lake. When Raegar got close, he sensed they were on the weaker side of Tier Two, which would allow him to kill them.


    Without wasting time, he leaped down and landed between the two monsters before throwing his daggers into their wide eyes, causing them to drop dead as he vanished into the darkness as more of them appeared.


    A rage-filled roar erupted from the place where the two dead Forest Men lay. Raegar chuckled before summoning his blades while skidding behind another one and slicing through its ankles.


    He came to a stop and aimed his hand at the monster before casting a Stormfire Bullet that pierced through the creature''s skull, blowing its brains all over the ground as it let out a death gasp.


    Following that, he fled into the forest as more of its kind rushed over. When they saw its corpse, they let out roars that caused him to chuckle while crouching on a branch, thinking. ''Should I use my speed against them?''


    Raegar nonchalantly shrugged before he decided to fight them and jumped off the branch. While falling, he summoned two Hydra blades made from earth Aether which he threw toward the monsters.


    They sliced through the air like homing missiles, aimed directly at the leader, who turned to the whooshing noise. Time seemed to slow as the blades cut through the space between them, the hum of magic vibrating the air.


    Moments later, they collided with the Forest Man leader, ripping into his defenses. He staggered back, blood seeping from a shallow wound, but his eyes flared with fury as they locked onto him.


    ''Beginning of Tier Three,'' he mused while gripping his daggers. ''This is going to be a hard fight.''


    Raegar''s heart pounded as the leader snarled, clearly enraged. But before the beast could recover. He slashed the air again with a swift motion, sending the blades darting out like two swift serpents, striking down two Forest Men.


    Their headless bodies dropped to the earth in a lifeless heap, their deaths instant and final, which angered the leader. The massive beast charged toward him while letting out a roar to signal the other monsters.


    Seconds later, the Forest Man charged forward, its massive fist raised high, ready to hammer down on him with brutal force. But he was quicker and slid between the creature''s legs, narrowly dodging the crushing blow.


    In one smooth motion, he slashed at the monster''s ankles with his blades, but the blades only bounced off the thick bone with a sharp ching, as though the creature''s very skeleton was forged from stone.


    Raegar froze for a heartbeat, his heart hammering in his chest. The resistance was unexpected. He had never encountered such resilience before. But there was no time for hesitation.


    He quickly recovered and sent the Hydra blades flying once more, this time aiming for the leader''s ankles. The blades struck again and again, each time with an echoing clang, but they couldn''t pierce the monstrous hide.


    ''This isn''t working,'' he thought, narrowly dodging another wild swing and feeling the rush of wind as it missed him.


    His grin widened despite the challenge. This creature was tough, no doubt. But he could see the leader was slowing down. Then, in a blur of motion, the monster''s arm whipped around before he could react.


    A heavy kick slammed into his side. The force sent him flying backward, crashing into the ground with a brutal thud. His vision swam for a moment as the monster rushed in his direction while letting out a vicious roar, causing him to cast an overcharged Lightningfire Blast at it.


    Raegar''s spells forced the monster to block, allowing him to use Flash Step to get out of the way while he controlled the Hydra Brades to strike the Bigfoot-like creature in the face, but it moved just in time.


    The sharp edges left a slice across its cheek, which just enraged it once again. He quickly moved while covering his daggers in lightning and fire Aether, but controlled it until striking at the monster''s calf.


    It unleashed the combined elements, causing an explosion that brought the beast to its knees, which made him smile. Following that, Raegar used the Hydra Blades to distract the monsters while slashing at its muscles.


    ''''That should slow it down,'''' he muttered with an excited smile.


    Thanks to that, the Forest Man Leader was struggling to stand just as more of its kind rushed out of the underbrush. He chuckled as one rushed in and went to stamp on him, but he spun while slicing through the creature''s leg.


    The sudden attack brought it crashing down, allowing him to stab it through its wide eyes while sending the glowing brown Hydra Blades that decapitated the other Forest Men that tried attack.


    Raegar felt the strain of maintaining the spell, forcing him to dismiss it before hurling a dagger infused with fire and wind Aether at another Forest Men. The weapon struck true, detonating on impact and reducing the creature''s upper half to nothing but mist.


    Before he could catch his breath, the leader charged in, launching a relentless assault. He evaded most of its attacks, but then a strange aura enveloped the creature. Its strikes grew faster, too fast.


    He used Flash Step to appear a few meters away from the Bigfoot-like monster, who looked confused before its deep red eyes landed on him. Raegar smiled and created a giant rod made from the ground using earth Aether.


    While doing this, he felt his pools emptying, but he quickly used wind to send the earth rod into the sky and controlled it using his remaining energy. The Forest Man Leader let out a horrifying roar before charging at him.


    He aimed his hand at the monster and dropped it down while thinking. ''Fuck, here we go, but I need to get out of it.''


    Raegar pivoted on his heel and sprinted through the forest with the Bigfoot-like creature hot on his trail. Just as he heard a sharp whistling noise, an earth rod slammed into the beast. A heartbeat later, a massive kinetic explosion erupted, shattering the ground beneath them.


    The force sent debris flying as the terrain collapsed. He instinctively activated Flash Step to escape, but the shockwave caught him mid-stride, hurling him violently through the air, straight into the side of a mountain.


    Moments later, Raegar shook his head, disoriented, and pulled himself out of the crater left by his spell, Titanfall. The impact had left a massive dent in the landscape, but the cost was steep.


    The overuse of his magic had drained him, leaving his legs trembling beneath him, the Aether still rushing out of his body in waves of exhaustion. He shook his head and started looking for a place to rest.


    ''I need to gather to fill up my pools,'' he mushed while approaching a nearby tree. ''My muscles are aching, but Titanfall will be a useful spell in the future.''


    Raegar carefully climbed to a sturdy branch, his body still aching from the strain. He pulled out a few blankets, wrapping them around himself. As the exhaustion from the battle and overuse of his magic finally caught up to him, his eyelids grew heavy.


    Within moments, he drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep. The following morning, Raegar woke with a yawn, the weariness still lingering in his bones. He reached for his waterskin, taking a long drink that refreshed him and eased some of the stiffness.


    ''''Now let''s grab the loot and make my way back to Theo for the gold coins,'''' he muttered while jumping off the tree.


    Raegar landed with a thud before approaching the crater where the Forest Man Leader was and noticed a beautiful blue glow coming from the bottom.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 51: Too Stupid To Look Up

    Raegar started searching the Forest Men''s camp and collected Green Aether Cores that were littered all over the place, storing them away in his magic bag. While doing this, his senses burst to life, causing him to jump to the side just as a spear pierced the ground.


    ''What the hell!'' he thought.


    Seconds later, a voice full of malice sounded out of the darkness, which caused his hair to rise. ''''What brings a Devil Hunter so far from their little town? Don''t you know it''s dangerous for your kind in the Bloodfang Forest?''''


    A shiver ran down his spine as three auras slammed into his body, causing him to grit his teeth while steeling himself, but it was one of them that was worrying as it was on the stronger side of Tier Two.


    ''It doesn''t matter!'' he internally raged as his instincts told him to run. ''I gotta get stronger!''


    Raegar shook his head while taking out his daggers. ''''I''ve killed enough of your kind to be called that,'''' he taunted with a cocky smile. ''''But I''m not officially one, so it doesn''t matter.''''


    Following that, three tall devils stepped out of the surrounding treeline. The strongest one had four horns and was holding a massive hammer while looking at him like he was prey. He backed off, but another devil wielding a whip appeared with a loud crack.


    The last enemy knocked an arrow, a wicked smirk curling his lips as he aimed at Raeger. But in a heartbeat, the leader exploded into motion, charging at him. When seeing this, he unleashed a roaring Lightningfire Blast that hurtled toward the devil.


    Without pause, he summoned Hydra Blades, twin whirlwinds of jagged earth torn from the ground itself, to face the remaining pair as explosions rang out. He sent the spinning knives flying as they sang through the air, crashing into the devils'' legs with bone-shattering force, hurling them back.


    His eyes blazed as he turned on the leader and launched a dagger in a gleaming arc toward the fiend''s skull. The devil snarled, raising an arm to deflect the strike as he vanished thanks to Flash Step.


    In an instant, he appeared behind the leader, his blade flashing as it sliced through the devil''s ankles. When feeling this, the enemy let out a roar of rage, shaking the battlefield, his massive frame staggering as he swatted the airborne dagger aside.


    Following that, Raegar summoned the dagger just in time to block an arrow from the third devil that sent him skidding back while his arms strained against the power just as the whip lashed his leg and sliced it open.


    ''''Such a scene would disappoint Grandfather and Yuki,'''' he muttered while blocking another projectile as his blood stained the ground. ''''This isn''t enough! I need to become even stronger!''


    Steeling his resolve, he rushed toward the panicking enemy while ignoring the pain, but the second devil cut him off by attacking with the whip, forcing him to throw the daggers as a crack rang out.


    They sliced through the air and one buried itself in the archer''s neck while he used Aether to send the second flying toward the devil, causing the fiend to block the blade that slammed into the handle and sent it crashing across the ground while severing the enemy''s hand.


    Moments later, he summoned the daggers and raised them just as the leader''s hammer slammed into him, causing pain to shoot through his arms before he shot through the trees like a missile.


    ''''Arghh!'''' he moaned while crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.


    While lying there he remembered what Yuki taught him and cast the spell, causing him to blaze with Enhancement magic, a surge of power that coursed through his sinews, steadying his grip as he parried the devil''s crushing blow.


    With a defiant shout, he unleashed a Stormfire Bullet that slammed into the earth. The ground erupted as dust and embers blinded the enemies, cloaking the battlefield as he leaped back to clear enough space to use his next spell.


    He quickly cast Titanfall. At his side, a massive tungsten rod shimmered into existence, then rocketed skyward with blinding speed, leaving the devils blissfully unaware of their impending fate.


    Raegar used wind Aether to guide the spell''s ascent, his gaze fixed intently on the two devils below. The leader looked at him with evil red eyes before it started charging toward him while readying to strike.


    ''''Too bad you''re too stupid to look up,'''' he said while dropping his hand.


    As the devils erupted into mocking laughter as nothing happened, Raegar bolted, his instincts screaming. Moments later, a black dot punctured the sky, and the tungsten rod crashed down, obliterating their leader in an instant.


    The sheer kinetic force unleashed a devastating wave, shredding the surrounding forest into splinters. The shockwave hurled him backward, but a sharp crack split the air as something coiled around his leg.


    He spotted the whip devil, battered and half-dead, emerging from the chaos. Raegar''s eyes widened in shock as he flung his first dagger, followed by a second. When the devil saw this, it smirked, deflecting the initial blade, but the last one struck true, burying itself in its eye.


    With a guttural howl, the whip devil let go, and the shockwave flung him deeper into the forest''s wild embrace. Flying debris battered his body mercilessly, knocking him unconscious mid-flight.


    When he finally stirred awake, he found himself sprawled in a shallow pond, surrounded by uprooted trees and scattered boulders. ''What happened?'' he thought with a groggy mind.


    Raegar sat up while looking around in relief, as there weren''t any more devils. He shook his head and stood up as the aches hit him. ''''Owww!''''


    ''''I need some time to rest,'''' he muttered while summoning his daggers and putting them in his bag.


    Following that, Raegar searched the area he was in and soon realized he was on the shore of the dangerous Siren''s Sea, which he knew lay on Nytheria''s eastern border with the Korrveth Kingdom.


    ''Hopefully, the demons don''t find me,'' he thought while walking toward the beach. ''They will try to arrest me for invading their lands. Stuck up, idiots.''


    Raegar scanned the area and noticed a tree that sat on top of a nearby hill that he could camp under. He headed toward it but soon realized how tired he was as his body ached and his pools screamed out for Aether.


    ''''I can''t keep relying on Titanfall. It''s draining too much energy right now,'''' he muttered under his breath as he trudged up the hill, his body protesting with every step.


    When reaching the top seconds later, Raegar spotted a small cave nestled beneath the roots of a gnarled tree. Without hesitation, he crawled under, brushing aside the ache in his limbs, and began setting up his tent.


    Following that, he started a fire after gathering some firewood and started cooking some meat and bread. While waiting for the food to finish, he took out a health potion and felt the cuts close up.


    ''''That feels better,'''' he mumbled while pulling out his waterskin and downing some of the cold liquid.


    Raegar bided his time, the tantalizing aroma of roasting food filling the cave until it was finally ready. With a restless energy coursing through him, he strode out to stretch his legs, the crisp air hitting his face like a war cry.


    As he emerged from his hideaway, the ground trembled, and his gaze snapped down as a monster breached the surface of the water. His eyes widened in terror as the aura of a Tier Nine beast slammed into him, a force that nearly buckled his knees.


    Before him unfolded an earth-shaking spectacle, a colossal serpent locked in a titanic clash with a savage, armor-clad turtle, its jagged maw snapping with apocalyptic fury. Raegar shook his head and continued watching the fight.


    ''This is insane,'' Raegar murmured, his mind racing. ''I remember tales from an old tome, legends of sea monsters rising from the Siren''s Sea to crush ships in their watery grasp.''


    He sank onto a rocky perch, tearing into the dripping meat and hearty bread, savoring the makeshift meal as he watched the epic clash unfold below. The serpent thrashed while the turtle roared, their battle a symphony of chaos.


    But the skies soon darkened, and a snowstorm descended, the icy wind whipping the world into a frenzy. With a reluctant grunt, Raegar retreated to the sanctuary of his cave, the storm''s howl chasing him back into the shadows.


    The campfire blazed fiercely against the biting cold that clawed its way into the cave, desperate to snuff out the warmth. He stoked the flames, ensuring their crackling vigor held the icy air at bay.


    Satisfied, he slipped into his tent, burrowing beneath layers of sheets that cocooned him in heat, a steadfast shield against the endless night beyond.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 52: Frost Behemoths

    Raegar stayed hidden under the tree for days while only adventuring out to gather wood for the campfire, which was his lifeline in this horrible weather. He had filled up all nine Aether Pools, which made him feel better.


    ''Maybe I can hunt some snow monsters. I still need to fill up the bag before returning to Dreadshade City,'' he thought while wrapping a cloak around him to keep the cold air from touching his skin.


    A few moments later, Raegar rose to his feet, swiftly packed his tent, and approached the entrance, his hands instinctively checking the readiness of his daggers. As he stepped into the biting air, a sharp chill stung his ears, the cold gripping him instantly.


    ''''Damn weather is horrible,'''' he muttered, putting his hood up before walking through the forest.


    Soon enough, Raegar came across a river that was frozen, and while crossing, a few howls echoed out. His head snapped all around, only to see nothing, until a white blur shot toward him.


    He quickly cast Flash step to get out of the way before throwing his blade that struck a white wolf through the skull. The noise when the blade pierced its skull caused him to think. ''Weak Teir Two Snow Wolves, this will be fun.''


    In a heartbeat, he launched his second dagger. The dark metal whistled through the air and buried itself in the skull of the first wolf. When Raegar came to a stop, he cast Enhancement magic to keep up with them.


    ''''This should be enough to kill these things,'''' he muttered before vanishing.


    His supernatural speed outmatched the monstrous pack as he leaped and weaved across the battlefield, untouchable amidst the chaos. Three more wolves barreled toward him, their eyes blazing with hunger.


    Raegar danced backward with breathtaking agility as the first beast hurled itself in his direction, claws slashing through air. In a flash, he summoned his dagger''s back. They sang as he quickly struck.


    A fountain of blood erupted, painting the snow in red. With a roar of defiance, he unleashed a Stormfire Bullet at the second wolf. Blazing projectiles tore through flesh and bone, igniting the air with its thunderous impact.


    The third wolf pounced with terrifying force, slamming him into the frozen earth. Its jaws snapped inches from his throat, hot breath washed against his skin. But Raegar''s will was unbreakable.


    With a primal shout, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, a surge of energy that erupted from him. The wolf disintegrated, reduced to a cloud of ash that rained down as a brown Aether Core clattered onto his chest.


    Raegar climbed to his feet after sighing in relief while thinking. ''Let''s loot all the cores before heading back to Eldergrove Village.''


    After the battle, Raegar pressed onward through the snow, his sharp eyes sweeping over snowdrifts that loomed above him. Hours slipped by in the frozen stillness, his breath misting in the frigid air.


    Then, the earth trembled beneath his boots, a low rumble breaking the silence. He froze, senses flaring as he scanned his surroundings, only to catch the eerie sight of trees swaying, their branches quivering as if stirred by some unseen force.


    Raegar''s gaze darted around before he leapt into the branches, scaling higher to get whatever nightmare was heading in his direction. The trembling intensified, the ground below roaring with fury, and the tree he was in swayed violently.


    His footing faltered, his body lurched, but with a thrust, he drove a dagger deep into the trunk, anchoring himself against the storm. Moments later, Raegar spotted a herd of giant mammoths passing through the forest.


    ''''Tier Four Frost Behemoths! What are they doing this far south?'''' he muttered in shock with wide eyes.


    Raegar knew Frostfall Behemoths were dangerous monsters when attacked as they stood four meters tall and covered in thick, dark fur that protected them from the deathly cold of the far north.


    Their tusks rivaling him in height, gleaming like battering rams as they shredded through trees with terrifying ease, splintering wood as if it were nothing. His throat tightened with a hard swallow, and he recoiled just as one monstrosity tilted its head upward, locking eyes with him.


    A deafening roar erupted from its maw, shaking the air, before it barreled toward the tree with earth-shattering force. The tree shuddered under the assault, then snapped in two with a resounding crack as the massive Frost Behemoths tore it apart.


    Raegar reacted in an instant, invoking Flash Step to rush through the treetops, leaves and branches whipping past him. Behind him, the relentless beasts pursued, uprooting entire trees in a rampage.


    While running, one of them took out the tree he was in, causing him to lose his balance and drop off the branch. As he fell, he threw the daggers at the closet behemoth as one bounced off its thick hide.


    But the seconds found its mark and slammed into its eyes, which only angered it even more just as he landed with a thud. Raegar started sprinting for a nearby river that was still flowing, causing him to fire Lightningfire Blast at the ground.


    The force hurled Raegar through the air, his body tumbling helplessly until he slammed into the snow on the far side with a heavy thud. The Frost Behemoths halted, their massive forms looming as they fixed him with menacing glares.


    A chorus of furious roars split the air, reverberating through the forest, before the creatures abruptly turned and lumbered back into the shadows of the trees, as though the havoc they''d wrought was nothing.


    Raegar lay sprawled in the snow, his chest heaving, sweat soaking his skin despite the biting cold. Splinters from the shattered trees peppered his body, sharp reminders of the chaos he''d endured.


    With a low grunt of pain, he began plucking them from his flesh, each tug drawing a wince. Finally, he pushed himself to his feet, stretching his battered frame with a grimace, the ache of battle lingering in his bones as he steadied himself against the frozen silence.


    ''Let''s get to the village. I need to sleep in a soft bed,'' he thought while summoning his blades with a smirk.


    Following that, he spent a few more days fighting Snow Wolves and other monsters that tried to ambush him. By the time he reached Eldergrove, the arduous trek through the snow had drained his energy.


    Raegar staggered into the tranquil village, his breaths ragged, the falling snow cloaking the surrounding silence. The streets lay eerily deserted, not a soul in sight as flakes drifted lazily from the sky.


    With effort, he trudged toward the chief''s house, his boots crunching against the fresh powder, and raised a weary hand to rap on the sturdy wooden door. Moments later, the door swung open as a young woman''s voice complained.


    ''''I told you not to come, Jacob! The weather is bad,'''' Vesa''s voice echoed out without looking at him.


    She turned to him and went wide eyed before muttering. ''''You''re still alive?''''


    Raegar tilted his head. ''''Yes? I was trapped in the forest after attacking the Forest Men. Their raids have stopped, correct?''''


    ''''Huh?!'''' Vesa commented.


    Soon, Theo and Miranda appeared, only to stumble back when seeing him standing there. Raegar laughed at their reaction before speaking to the older man. ''''I told you I would return. Do you mind if I recover in the warm for a little? It''s freezing out here.''''


    When the trio heard this, Miranda suddenly hugged him while speaking in a thankful voice. ''''Thank you for stopping the attacks. We haven''t lost anyone since and more people have arrived at the village to repopulate it thanks to the kingdom.''''


    Raegar smiled before returning the hug as the family ushered him inside as Theo beamed. ''''The people are extremely thankful and want to throw a feast in your honor.''''


    ''''No thank you,'''' he replied to the older man with a regretful look. ''''I''m going to continue training, so save food for the winter. It''s going to be a tough one.''''


    Theo looked at him and nodded before he looked at his wife. ''''I need to tell them to not start the cooking. Raegar is right, we need to conserve the food.''''


    Following that, Miranda steered him inside with a gentle but firm command to sit by the roaring fire. The heat seeped into his chilled bones, thawing the icy grip of the storm as flickers of warmth danced across his skin.


    Beside him, Vesa lounged with an impish grin, her voice cutting through the crackle of the flames. ''''Can I turn you into a vampire?'''' she teased with a sparkle in her eyes. ''''You''d live forever, you know.''''


    ''''And if I become a Tier Five Mage, I''ll live for a thousand years and the stronger I become, the longer I live,'''' he answered.


    The young woman giggled before retorting. ''''But that''s not forever, is it?''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 53: Death Wraith

    Raegar looked at the vampire woman before the cat maid''s smiling face popped into his mind, causing his cheeks to go red. He shook his head and spoke in a determined voice. ''''I''ll grow old, just like her, if she doesn''t become strong enough.''''


    Vesa looked at him with wide eyes, while Miranda commented with a knowing smile. ''''Oh wow. This woman must be special to you.''''


    ''''Yes she is,'''' he answered while taking the tea the older woman offered.


    ''''Who is she?!'''' Vesa suddenly answered, before her mother gave her an annoyed look.


    Raegar let out a soft chuckle as he spoke. ''''Yuki''s more than just my maid. She''s been by my side since the moment I drew my first breath. Together with my parents, they showered me with so much love. I wasn''t neglected or brought up with strict standards like other noble children.''''


    He looked into the flames before continuing. ''''If growing old means I''ll never have to face a day without her presence, then I''d choose that path without a second thought, and I''d walk it with nothing but joy.''''


    ''''Do you love her Raegar?'''' Miranda asked while sitting down.


    ''''Yes, but I''m too young and she won''t accept anything until I turn eighteen,'''' he replied with a frown. ''''Though right now, love isn''t essential to me. I need to become stronger so I can protect the people I care about.''''


    The two women gazed at him, their eyes warm and their smiles wide, prompting Vesa to remark, ''''One day, I''d love to meet the woman who finally tamed the White Devil of Bloodfang Forest.''''


    As the words left her lips, Miranda''s head whipped toward her at the words. ''''We told you not to mention that if he ever came back,'''' she said, letting out a weary sigh.


    Raegar chuckled before asking. ''''How did I earn such a name? And where did it come from?''''


    The older woman turned to him with an apologetic voice. ''''You helped a town a few miles from here. Thanks to you, fighting at the Bloodaxe Homestead allowed the people to escape with help from the Devil Hunters.''''


    His eyes opened wide as he quickly asked. ''''Did they survive? The whole family?''''


    Miranda nodded with a smile. ''''Yes. They cleared a path through the horde as you dealt with the bulk of the monsters,'''' she informed him.


    Raegar sighed in relief. ''''That''s good. I''ve been worried about them, but I had no other choice other than to run. There were too many creatures to deal with.''''


    The vampires agreed before he asked another question. ''''How do you know all this, though?''''


    Vesa giggled. ''''Merchants from Nightshade Village. They love to tell tales on their travels, when father heard about a white-haired human with bright red eyes, who was running around the forest training while killing monsters. That''s the moment he knew it was you,'''' the young woman revealed.


    ''That''s the town I saw with the old man,'' he mused.


    Following that, the three of them started chatting before Miranda went to get food and drinks as the younger woman looked at him with a smile while revealing some news that made her happy. ''''Jacob proposed to me and we''ve planned the ceremony in the summer. Would you like to come? If you didn''t save us from the Dark Ones, there would be no wedding.''''


    Raegar honestly answered. ''''I''ll be back in the empire by then, taking my academy tests. If it can be earlier, I''ll come, but grandfather will drag me back north.''''


    Vesa nodded in understanding before continuing. ''''You''re going to a magic academy? I heard it''s tough to pass the tests there and some are dangerous.''''


    ''''Yes. Drakenwood Magic Academy is just outside Brightwater City,'''' he replied. ''''It''s in the northwest, which is about a year''s journey from here, on foot, but grandfather can fly or use the Empire''s Skyhaven Carriers.''''


    ''''Those are the flying ships that pass over the village sometimes?'''' she asked, in an exciting, just as Miranda entered the room.


    The older woman answered her daughter. ''''Yes, dear. Dawnfire and Nytheria are close allies. So the imperial family lets the Von Carstien Family use them as a gesture of friendship during the peace talks ten years ago.''''


    Following that, Miranda said the food was ready, causing the three of them to walk over to the dining table and start eating. An hour passed by and Theo returned while muttering curses at the cold weather.


    Raegar was sitting on the sofa in front of the fire, falling asleep, causing the older man to speak with a big smile. ''''Vesa! Show him to the bedroom. He needs some sleep, it seems.''''


    ''''Thanks,'''' he mumbled, rising to his feet with a weary yawn as his aching body protested. ''''Yeah, I really need some rest. This cold''s brutal to travel in.''''


    Ten minutes later, Raegar was standing in a small room while looking at a comfortable-looking bed. He took his clothes off along with his magic bag before climbing inside and falling asleep.


    By the time he fell asleep, the weather outside worsened and buried the village in snow, thanks to the typhoon-like winds. Hours later, Raegar woke up as darkness overtook the room and he couldn''t see outside, thanks to the storm.


    ''What''s going on now? Why is it so cold?'' he pondered before getting ready and stepping out of the door.


    Raegar walked downstairs only to see Miranda standing by the window staring, but she turned around with a worried smile. ''''Snow Wraiths are lurking around the village. Theo reckons they''re trying to break into the houses.''''


    He joined her by the window and spotted the creature, which sent a shiver down his spine as they looked like floating humans wrapped in white, but something about their face gave him the creeps.


    ''Only weak Tier Two monsters,'' he mused with an excited expression while summoning his daggers.


    Raegar turned to the older woman and spoke in a confident voice. ''''I''ll go clear them from the village. I haven''t used light Aether yet, so this is my chance.''''


    Following that, he stepped outside after wrapping up as Miranda tried to convince him not to go out, but he didn''t listen. When Raegar''s feet touched the snow outside, it crunched, causing the wraith to spin on him.


    The monster let out a horrible hiss, but he sent light Aether into the blades before throwing them at it. As the daggers closed in, the wraith dodged one, but he controlled the second to pierce its skull.


    Raegar chuckled as the wraith turned into dust and a green core dropped to the ground just as more screeches echoed out across the village. He grinned before picking up the loot, which was a bone.


    ''What the hell?'' he thought while putting them away.


    Moments later, a horde of monstrous fiends surged toward him, their snarls echoing through the air. With a surge of power, he sent fire and light Aether into his blades, their edges igniting with energy.


    He leaned back, narrowly evading a wraith''s vicious swipe, its claws slashing the air where he''d stood. Then, with a thunderous roar, he lunged forward, driving the flaming blade deep into the creature''s skull in a burst of searing brilliance.


    The abomination unleashed an agonized shriek that shattered the silence, its form trembling as he struck again with the light-wreathed blade. In a blinding flash, it eradicated the wraith, banishing it from existence in a whirlwind of ash and embers.


    Raegar smiled as he started fighting the wraiths while deflecting theirs and dodging their wild spells. He used Flash Step to appear above one monster and landed on its chest before driving his daggers into its skull.


    Afterward, he flipped over another that charged at him while throwing the fire-coated blade at the wraith, but it suddenly dodged. He chuckled before dropping his hand and the dagger slammed into the monster.


    Following that, Raegar used his speed to keep out of reach of the monster''s claws while slaying them until a Tier Three Aura bored down on him, forcing him to stop moving as a stronger wraith appeared.


    ''Oh shit! A Death Wraith leads these things!'' he internally panicked.


    Raegar knew these creatures gathered in groups and were led by a stronger one, which he was looking at now. The monster was about to charge, but a female voice reached his ears. ''''Edgeweaving: Dance of a Thousand Slashes.''''


    Moments later something happened but he couldn''t figure it out as the Death Wraith froze, its form quivering before it collapsed in a cascade of fragments, crumbling to the earth. Without warning, a young woman descended between them.


    Raegar''s gaze widened in awe as she stood, unyielding while facing the monsters. ''''Torrent of Relentless Cuts!''''


    In the flicker, she became a hurricane as more wraiths surged forth. Yet she was a storm, her blade a shimmering arc of death that destroys the creatures before he could even register the strikes.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 54: Killed Quite A Few Already

    Raegar watched as one moment the wraiths were there; the next, they were ash. The stranger reappeared before him with a big smile. ''''Who are you, boy? And why does a Tier One Mage believe he can fight that thing?'''' she asked.


    He gazed at the dark-skinned young woman who looked to be his age, clad in leather and metal armor decorated with knives and other weapons, which amazed him, the sturdy plates shielding her vital areas.


    Her short brown hair framed a pair of wide, expressive brown eyes set in a stunning face that could''ve graced a magazine cover. Yet it was her bold, carefree tomboyish charm that stood out, until her smile flashed, bright and unguarded, hitting him like a quiet thunderbolt.


    ''She''s pretty,'' he thought to himself.


    Raegar shook his head and answered. ''''Well, I was fighting with the Tier Two, but then the Death Wraith appeared.''''


    The young woman nodded in understanding. ''''A pack of devils my aunty has been hunting summoned them. We stopped here to buy some food after picking up their scent.''''


    He was just about to reply, but explosions rang out from the opposite side of the village, causing the duo to rush in its direction. While running, he summoned his daggers before casting enhancement magic.


    Once they reached the scene, a group of five Devil Hunters were fighting with a few dozen devils that were playing with them as they circled. Raegar gritted his teeth before diving in and flung his daggers at two enemies that went to jump on an older woman.


    The blades pierced their skulls, ending the fiends'' lives within a second, just as the short-haired tomboy appeared in the center of a pack of devils before speaking. ''''Edgeweaving: Dance of a Thousand Slashes!''''


    Raegar admired her power but realized she was growing tired, causing him to cast Hydra Blades made from fire and lightning, which turned them to plasma thanks to the amount of Aether he poured into the knives.


    Seconds later, he hurled them at the towering devil locked in combat with the strongest hunter. Suddenly the fiend wheeled around, raising its guard to deflect the incoming weapons, but Raegar was quicker.


    With a flick of Aether, he redirected the blades mid-flight, slashing deep into the tendons behind the creature''s legs. Moments later, the Hydra Blades soared free, streaking across the battlefield like fiery comets.


    They tore through weaker foes, leaving a trail of smoldering corpses in their wake. He leaped into the chaos, bounding across the battlefield with the agility of a Bramblehare, his every move a dance of death.


    The battle roared with clashing steel and guttural screams echoing around him. Raegar vaulted skyward, his cloak billowing in the wind. Below him, a hulking devil snarled, its jagged claws raking the air.


    With skill, he landed on its shoulders, boots slamming into its bony spine. The beast thrashed around just before he plunged the twin weapons downward, piercing through the devil''s glowing, hate-filled eyes.


    Blood sprayed like a geyser as the creature howled, its massive frame buckling beneath him. Before the fiend even hit the muck, Raegar''s hand flashed. A dagger spun from his fingers in a perfect arc.


    Across the field, another devil lunged toward a fallen hunter. The blade found its mark, burying itself hilt-deep in the creature''s skull. It gagged, body shuddering, then crumpled in a heap of twitching ruin.


    He kicked off the first devil''s corpse and launched himself into the air once more, twisting mid-flight like a hunting hawk. A third devil loomed ahead, its maw dripping with venomous bile.


    Raeger crashed onto its back, driving his knees into its spine as his remaining dagger sang a vicious arc. The weapon bit deep into the beast''s neck, severing muscle and bone, and causing blood to spray everywhere.


    Without waiting, he yanked the blade free, leaping clear as the devil''s head lolled and its body slumped into the blood-soaked earth. Following that, he noticed three devils targeting the girl he met and sent the Hydra Blades toward them.


    The bright blades sliced through the air and sliced off toward their arms as the third blocked the attack. Raegar hissed before casting Flash Step as the devil swung at her back and deflected the strike while summoning the second dagger.


    Sparks flew everywhere, and he felt his arms buckle as the enemy was at the top end of Tier Two, but he twisted his wrists and sent the creature''s sword into the ground just as he stabbed it in the chest.


    ''''Too slow, hunter!'''' the devil exclaimed.


    Raegar grinned before casting Lightningfire Blast into its body, causing the enemy to explode just as the Hydra Blades finished off the remaining devils as he dismissed them while collapsing on a nearby bench.


    ''''Need to catch my breath and gather some Aether,'''' he muttered while summoning his daggers and storing them away.


    While sitting there, the brown-skinned girl approached with an exhausted smile but still held out her hand to introduce herself. ''''I''m Rhenya Belmont, the up-and-coming strongest Devil Hunter.''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he replied while taking it.


    The young woman collapsed on the bench next to him as she asked, while wiping sweat off her forehead. ''''It seems like your magic is perfect for hunting these horrible creatures.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he started laughing before revealing it. ''''I''ve killed quite a few already. My grandmother said I could take part in the Devil Hunting classes in the academy.''''


    Her eyes widened in surprise but were interrupted by the woman approaching him with a friendly expression. ''''Thank you for the help, young man. We didn''t expect them to be so many. Lucky little Rhen found you in the village.''''


    ''''I was just defending it from the Wraiths,'''' he said, a wry chuckle escaping his lips. ''''But Rhenya bailed me out when the Tier Three showed up. I''m not ready to tangle with those yet, need to climb a few tiers or boost my level to fog first, and that''s still out of reach.''''


    The woman let out a warm laugh, then tousled his hair with a casual grin. ''''Name''s Tanya Belmont, Inquisitor with the Devil Hunter Order. I hear you''re headed to the academy, like Rhenya. Got one in mind yet?''''


    ''''Drakenwood, but I still have to take the entrance test. My grandfather is coming to collect me when it''s time,'''' he answered politely, which made the two smile.


    ''''Are you a noble Raegar?'''' the girl asked while cleaning her sword.


    Before he could answer, Tanya spoke with a knowing smile. ''''The Blackwood Family is a count family in the southern part of the empire, and if I remember correctly, the white hair and red eyes are features from the great Vaelthorne Family, which includes the Lion of Dawnfire.''''


    Raegar''s eyes went wide as his hand dropped to the hilt of his dagger, which made Tanya giggle. ''''Don''t worry boy, I''m a friend of the empire and met many of you Vaelthornes over the years.''''


    He relaxed before changing the subject. ''''Are there still devils in Bloodfang? I killed a group a few weeks ago, but haven''t come across any since.''''


    ''''I believe so,'''' the older woman answered while joining them on the bench. ''''People are reporting sightings of them around Dreadshade City and in several villages near the forest.''''


    Raegar looked concerned, but Rhenya commented in a confident voice. ''''My Edgeweaving will destroy any devil we come across.''''


    ''''Not if it''s a captain Rhen, you must be careful,'''' she warned. ''''They are beings full of evil and would do anything to trick you into not killing them.''''


    ''''Edgeweaving?'''' he questioned in a curious tone.


    The young woman looked at him with a big smile. ''''It''s a Belmont Family skill. It allows me to cut through anything I believe I can, but it takes a toll on my body if I use it too much,'''' she said while yawning, which proved her point.


    ''''By the way Raegar, what were those flying blades you were using?'''' Tanya asked, with sparkling brown eyes.


    ''''A spell of my design, Hydra Blades,'''' he replied, conjuring a shimmering blade of water and wind that split into two, each glistening stream weaving through the air.


    Rhenya watched it with a big smile, but the older woman commented with wide eyes. ''''You''re the Tetraarch Mage that awoke in the southern part of the empire?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered, before dismissing the blade.


    Tanya''s smile grew wide as she ruffled his hair. ''''You caused chaos in the empire but vanished soon after, so everyone forgot about the rarest mage of our time.''''


    Raegar shrugged with a smile. ''''Yes, Grandfather whisked me off before the nobles could swamp me,'''' he revealed.


    ''''That''s a solid piece of work,'''' the older woman remarked, nodding approvingly. ''''By the time you take your entrance test, the surrounding buzz should settle. News from the east is flooding in fast.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 55: Thank You For Helping Us

    Raegar continued to listen to Tanya speak as the other hunters emerged from the shadows. ''''Word is, massive tides of monsters are tearing through the next continent over, and now refugees are washing up on our east coast in droves.''''


    ''''They can''t cross the sea, can they?'''' Rhenya asked with wide eyes.


    The older woman let out a soft giggle, shaking her head. ''''Not unless they figure out how to sail a fleet across, but they''re monsters, not admirals.''''


    Following that, Tanya studied him and warned him. ''''Be careful out here, Raegar. Monsters are lurking in the shadows and others in the treetops above. We''re out here to destroy any devils, but we also have another mission.''''


    She glanced around before continuing. ''''Whisperclaws are roaming in the Bloodfang Forest. The Organisation instructed us to find evidence of their infestation, but we''ve had no luck finding them.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding as he read the tales of entire villages and homesteads vanishing. ''''I''ve fought the Nightwalkers and Dark Ones, but the latter is gone now. I wiped out their nest before returning to the village.''''


    Tanya looked at him with deep brown eyes before suddenly handing him an artifact. ''''Take this for helping with the devils, it''s called a Hunter''s Shield. It will keep the Whisperclaws away from you at night, but they will still terrorize you if the chance appears.''''


    He studied the compact metal orb with a single button crowning its surface. Curiosity piqued, he pressed it, and a shimmering barrier flared to life around them, encasing the space in a protective glow.


    The older woman went on, unfazed. ''''It generates a force field to repel monsters,'''' she explained, ''''But it''ll need recharging to keep working.''''


    Raegar was amazed but thanked her. ''''Thank you for this. How come you''re giving it to me, though? I''m sure these things are expensive. ''''Yes, it may be expensive, but what''s that compared to having a Tetraarch Devil Hunter as a friend?''''


    Tanya laughed while standing up and noticing the other hunters were ready and waiting for her and Rhenya. She looked at him with a knowing smile. ''''Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Raegar Blackwood, but I have to get back to the hunt. I look forward to seeing you again.''''


    He watched as the older woman moved confidently toward her comrades, his eyes drawn to her commanding presence. She was a captivating Devil Hunter¡ªdark brown skin and soft dark hair cascading around her attractive face.


    ''She''s gorgeous,'' he thought.


    The snug, well-crafted armor that clung to her curves emphasized her hourglass figure. Raegar caught himself staring and shook his head, only to hear Rhenya''s voice pipe up with a playful jab.


    ''''Oh-ho! Looks like someone''s got a thing for the mature ladies. Guess a spry young maiden like me doesn''t stand a chance!'''' she teased with sparkling brown eyes.


    Raegar''s cheeks flared up as he spun to face the short-haired gremlin grinning at him. Desperate to recover, he blurted, ''''You''re pretty too!''''


    Her grin stretched so wide it threatened to split her face. ''''Just pretty?'''' she prodded, leaning in with mock offense. ''''Not beautiful?''''


    ''''I don''t call a woman beautiful unless I truly mean it and it comes from the heart,'''' Raegar answered with an honest smile.


    Following that, Rhenya stood up and he followed suit just before the pretty brown-skinned girl hugged him with a big smile just as Tanya shouted for her to come. ''''Thank you for helping up Blackwood. I look forward to the day we meet again.''''


    ''''See you soon Rhen,'''' he replied, causing the tomboy to giggle as she rushed off.


    Raegar stood watch as the Devil Hunters departed the village, their figures fading into the distance now that the guards had fully recovered. Moments after their exit, Theo and Miranda emerged, their faces etched with worry.


    The older man''s voice broke the silence. ''''Is everything all right? Are they gone?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered before wrapping another cloak around him and lifting the hood before continuing. ''''I''m going to head out. I''ll check up on the village every few days, but I will gather more monster materials to take to Dreadshade City.''''


    When the couple heard him, Miranda asked in a hopeful voice. ''''If that''s the case, the village women planned to go trade there in a month or two. Would you mind guarding us with some of the other boys? It would make us feel better?''''


    Raegar let out a quiet sigh and gave a small nod, prompting a radiant smile from the older woman. She flung her arms around him in a sudden embrace. ''''Thank you, young man! I''ll curse anyone who dares say all humans are rotten now!''''


    He managed a light chuckle, brushing off the moment as he turned toward the forest. But before he could take a step, Vesa and Jacob appeared. The young vampire woman didn''t hesitate, wrapping him in a hug of her own.


    ''Oh god not again,'' he thought while internally sighing.


    The barrage of uninvited touches was getting on his nerves, though Vesa''s warm voice cut through the unease. ''''Thank you for helping us and the village. Please come back to visit. I''d love to see you again. You''re my first friend from beyond these trees.''''


    Raegar nodded just as Jacob stepped forward and held out his hand, which he took as the young man spoke with a respectful voice. ''''It would be good to see you again. We don''t want you dying out there, my friend.''''


    ''''I won''t,'''' he answered Jacob with a confident smile and vanished into the forest.


    As he journeyed through the southern reaches of Bloodfang Forest, he carved a path through any monster that crossed his path. He effortlessly killed the Tier One Forest Wolves and relied on speed to outmaneuver the Tier Two Blood Monkeys in combat.


    Silently perched on a branch, Raegar gazed down at a clearing where a pack of Wendigo-like creatures clustered around a hole in the earth. A grin spread across his face as he noticed something fiercely battling them from within.


    ''''I wonder what monster is in there?'''' he muttered to himself while taking out his daggers and sending fire Aether to them.


    They burst to life, causing Raegar to jump off the branch before throwing the weapons that sliced through the air and buried themselves in the skulls of two Wendigo, which made the group go silent.


    He landed with a thud just as the creatures rushed toward him while letting out horrifying screams and other noises that sent a chill down his spine. Raegar ignored that and summoned his weapons, only to block the first swipe.


    Sparks erupted in all directions as he whirled, driving his blade through the Wendigo''s skull in a single fluid motion. Simultaneously, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets, forcing the others to leap back in retreat.


    Raegar surged forward, his blade flashing as he hacked at the creatures, sending blood spraying in all directions. He deftly evaded most of their strikes, but a stray claw raked across his chest, leaving a shallow gash.


    Hissing through the pain, he retaliated with a thrust, piercing the Wendigo''s skull. With heavy breaths, he pressed on, cutting down the last of the monsters until none remained. Moments later, he noticed something lunge out of the hole.


    ''Oh shit! This is bad!'' he thought as a massive tiger flew at him.


    Raegar quickly cast Lightningfire Blast into the monster''s face, which caused it to yelp before dodging the paw wipe as it rushed into the surrounding trees, causing him to collect the brown Aether Cores.


    As he finished, Raegar scanned the clearing, noting the sudden stillness that had settled over it. With a quick Flash Step, he reappeared on a branch overhead and pressed deeper into the forest, resuming his hunt and gathering materials from the fallen monsters.


    Weeks slipped by in this relentless rhythm, Raegar relentlessly stalking and slaying creatures throughout the harsh winter months. His magic bag was now brimming with spoils, urging him toward Dreadshade City to unload his haul.


    Relaxing in a camp he''d fashioned on a strong branch high above the forest floor, he tossed more wood into the crackling fire. Its warmth held the biting cold at bay, though a shiver still crept through him as he huddled closer to the flames.


    ''''I need to head to the city but the village isn''t traveling there just yet,'''' he muttered while looking at the amount of Aether Cores he collected.


    He shrugged, a flicker of resolve crossing his face as he decided. ''''I''ll head to Dreadshade City and gather more materials before Miranda and Vesa arrive,'''' he muttered to himself.


    Raegar rose to his feet, shrugging on his layers and pulling a hood low over his face to shield it from view. He hefted the heavy magic bag onto his shoulder, a wry thought crossing his mind.


    ''Damn, I''ve collected so much crap,'' with a grunt, he leaped off the branch, landing lightly below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 56: I Enjoy Hunting Monsters

    Raegar traveled through the forest for hours using the branches above and avoided fighting any more monsters as they were driving him mad. ''Damn things keep ambushing me,'' he thought.


    Soon after, his eyes caught sight of the road winding toward the Nytheria Bridge, the path that would carry him to Dreadshade City. In an instant, he appeared on it, his boots striking the ground as he began the trek toward civilization.


    While traveling, he spotted a merchant caravan up ahead surrounded by adventurers who were nervously watching their surroundings. Without bothering with the people, he traveled past them while ignoring the looks he was receiving.


    An hour later, Raegar stepped out of the forest and spotted the bridge in the distance. ''Now I can get some ingredients for camp bread while emptying this bag,'' he thought.


    Not long later, the guards stopped him, only for them to be waved away when Cauis Hawke, the bridge commander, appeared. The older man had a big smile as he patted him on the shoulder.


    ''''Blackwood! We were wondering when you would reappear. Has the forest been keeping you busy?'''' he said in a welcoming tone.


    ''''Yes monsters were attacking the villages which I helped defend,'''' Raegar replied before tapping his bag. ''''Now I need to sell the materials I gathered and pick up some supplies.''''


    Following that, as the merchants complained about his line-jumping, Cauis joined him on his walk back to the city, but he ignored them. While walking, the older vampire turned to him with a concerned expression.


    ''''We have a contingent of Devil Hunters from the empire here because of the devil''s attacks,'''' he revealed with anger boiling over. ''''The attacks are getting too much for us city guards to handle. Dozens are dead, with no signs of the beasts that did it.''''


    Raegar paused, uncertain how to respond, but steadied himself and addressed the commander with unwavering confidence. ''''If I''m here when those devils strike, they''re as good as dead. They''re nothing to me.''''


    Caius grinned down at him, reaching out to tousle his hair. ''''Thanks, lad. I reckon those beasts didn''t faze the White Devil of Bloodfang Forest,'''' he said, his smile broad and warm.


    His eyes widened in surprise, prompting a knowing nod from the older man. ''''Aye, word''s spread far, my boy. We''ve all heard how you saved Eldergrove and Redwood Village. Rumors say King Vlad''s mighty impressed.''''


    ''''If I remember correctly, those places churn out rare plants and materials vital to the kingdom''s trade with the empire,'''' he revealed.


    Following that, the two of them made it to the city and were let in by the city guard, who welcomed him. Once inside, Raegar said farewell to Cauis, who went to report to the governor about the devil attacks.


    As he made his way toward the guild, Raegar noticed the streets buzzing with more life than he''d ever seen before. He wove through the crowd, sidestepping people as they hurried past in a chaotic rush.


    ''Why is it so busy? Are the surrounding towns and villages taking shelter here?'' he pondered while dodging a family.


    After ten minutes of this nightmare, he made it to the guild that was heavily guarded by Nytherian soldiers who were stopping people as they entered. Raegar approached and showed them the gold plate Vlad gave him.


    When the commander saw this, his eyes went wild, but they soon let him through after scanning it with a device. Once inside, Raegar approached the counter where he couldn''t see Mary.


    ''Damn. I''ll have to go with someone else,'' he reflected while getting in the queue.


    Half an hour later, he fell into a bored daze just as a sweet voice reached his ears, causing him to see Mary standing there with a smile. ''''Would you prefer to use a private room, Raegar?''''


    He nodded before following the young woman, while the other adventurers watched with narrowed eyes. A few moments later, they stepped into the room only for him to see an older, dark elf woman.


    She had light blonde hair with grey eyes and he couldn''t figure out her age, but she looked to be in her late twenties. Raegar stopped walking as the stranger smiled before introducing herself while offering her hand.


    ''''Hello, little Blackwood. I''m Lisara Draveth, the head of the Guild in the Nytheria Kingdom. It''s good to meet the White Devil of Bloodfang,'''' she spoke with a warm smile.


    ''''Nice to meet you Lisara,'''' he replied while taking her hand. ''''But why did you want to meet me?''''


    The dark elf woman flashed a sly smile as she unveiled the real reason for their encounter. ''''We need you to join a Strike Squad and aid us in clearing out the dungeon overrun by devils inside the city. I offer twenty gold coins, and once it''s done, I''ll grant you Rank D adventurer.''''


    Raegar hesitated for a moment before raising an eyebrow. ''''You realize I''m just a Tier One Mage, right?''''


    Lisara burst into laughter, pulling out an Aether Disc. With a flick, a shimmering screen sprang to life, replaying his fierce clashes against wraiths and devils alongside the hunters. The older woman''s grin widened.


    ''''Oh, we know you''re a lower-tiered warrior, but you fight like a Tier Two Spellblade. Besides, you came highly recommended by Tanya and Rhenya Belmont,'''' she revealed with a knowing smile.


    His eyes widened as she pressed on. ''''They couldn''t stop singing your praises and insisted we reach out to you.''''


    Raegar thought for a second before speaking. ''''Will you give me a good price on the loot I have now?''''


    Lisara''s eyebrow rose as a giggle left her lips as she nodded. ''''Yes. Bring out what you have and I''ll get Mary to sort it out straight away.''''


    Upon hearing her words, Raegar upended his magic bag, spilling out a cascade of hundreds of Aether Cores, monster parts, and other odds and ends he figured might hold value, including wolf''s fangs.


    Five minutes later, he looked up at the two women, their eyes still bulging in disbelief at the sprawling hoard of loot. The dark elf woman rose to her feet, shaking her head in awe. ''''How many blasted monsters have you taken down? This haul''s bigger than what most adventurers scrape together in an entire month!''''


    Raegar chuckled before answering. ''''I enjoy hunting monsters and this isn''t all of it. There''s another mountain of stuff back at my camp. This is all I could carry.''''


    Lisara shook her head and looked at Mary. ''''Go get some help and make this a priority.''''


    ''''Yes Guild Master,'''' the young woman said as she rushed out of the room.


    Once she was gone, the dark elf motioned toward the chair with a smile. ''''Sit down. Would you like some tea? It should give you a decent energy boost.''''


    Raegar nodded while getting comfortable as he sunk into the soft cushions and gave his answer to the Strike Squad. ''''How long will I be gone?''''


    The older woman turned around while pouring the water. ''''A few days at most. All we expect is you to put the monsters down before a dungeon break happens. The city couldn''t deal with an attack from inside and out.''''


    ''''Okay, I''ll do it,'''' he replied. ''''Where do I have to go?''''


    Lisara''s face lit up with a warm smile as she strolled over, balancing two steaming cups of tea. She set one down in front of him with a gentle clink. ''''I''ll set you up in one of the guild rooms for the night and take you to the dungeon come morning. For now, though, go unwind and enjoy yourself.''''


    Raegar nodded before trying some of the tangy tea, which sent a rush of energy shooting through his body. Ten minutes later, the two of them left the office as the Guild Master led him to a room.


    ''''You''ll stay here for the night,'''' she said with a smile. ''''Normally the staff use them, but I have orders from the governor to make sure you''re okay.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied just as Mary appeared looking exhausted as she handed over a pouch of coins.


    ''''Thirty gold for everything Raegar,'''' the young woman said.


    Raegar''s eyes widened, prompting a soft giggle from Lisara as she playfully nudged him into the room. ''''Get some rest or roam the city, your call. Just watch yourself out there.''''


    Moments later, the two women departed, leaving him to step into the cozy, homely room. He stashed his magic bag out of sight and settled in to unwind. As he sat there, the muffled clamor of combat drifted in from outside, catching his ear.


    He walked over to the window and looked out to see a group of people fighting on the training grounds. Raegar became interested and made his way downstairs, only to be greeted by an older blonde man with a greatsword on his shoulder.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 57: Stop Fighting, Idiot!

    ''''I''m Tarrin Vexblade, leader of the Strike Squad that''s hitting the dungeon. I hear you''re the fifth member,'''' the stranger said with a confident expression. ''''Let''s fight. I want to see what you can do.''''


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed as he questioned. ''''Why?''''


    Tarrin walked over to the middle of the training field and answered with a knowing smile. ''''To see if you''re strong enough to step inside a Rank D Dungeon overrun by devils and all kinds of monsters.''''


    He sighed before nodding just as Lisara appeared and demanded in a stern voice, which surprised the surrounding adventurers. ''''What do you think you''re doing, Tarrin? What if he gets injured just before the dungeon run?''''


    Raegar glanced at the dark elf. ''''I''ll be fine, Guild Master. I recover from fights more than a regular fifteen-year-old,'''' he reassured.


    Moments later, he approached the training field and faced Tarrin while summoning his daggers as he readied to fight. The older man smiled when seeing this before a whistle rang out.


    ''''Here I come, boy,'''' the man shouted.


    Raegar''s watched as the hulking figure loomed closer. With a flick of his wrists, he hurled his daggers at his opponent''s legs. Tarrin reacted swiftly, deflecting the blades, but Raegar was already a step ahead.


    Channeling Aether, he guided the daggers midair to strike from behind just as he surged forward with explosive speed. Closing the distance, Raegar cast Enhancement magic, his movements sharpening as he ducked under Tarrin''s panicked swing.


    He drove a fist into the man''s gut with a resounding boom. The impact rippling through the air as Tarrin staggered, but not before lashing out with a brutal backhand that sent him sprawling to the side.


    Seconds later, the warrior barreled toward him, a juggernaut of fury. He reacted instantly, casting Flash Step to vanish and evade the charge. Reappearing a split second later, he launched his daggers again with a smirk.


    Tarrin parried one blade, but the second, guided by Raegar''s Aether, arced around and buried itself into his back. The older man let out a sharp yelp as the surrounding crowd erupted, their cheers swelling into a deafening roar of excitement.


    Seizing the moment, he unleashed a flurry of Stormfire Bullets, peppering the ground, causing a dust cloud to explode, disorienting the hulking warrior further who barrelled through the smoke.


    Raegar was surprised as Tarrin swung his blade with a snarl etched across his face. He raised his daggers to block, but before the strike could land, a burly man wielding a shield appeared, blocking the attack with a resounding clang.


    The force of the blow sent the newcomer skidding backward, dust kicking up beneath his boots as a loud boom echoed through the air. Steadying himself, the shield-bearer bellowed, ''''Stop fighting, idiot! You''re getting too serious with the young one!''''


    Tarrin''s rage melted away at the words, replaced by a wide, beaming grin. He extended a hand toward Raegar, who hesitated, still surprised by the sudden shift. ''''Good fight, young one,'''' he said, his voice brimming with cheerful pride. ''''If you were a few years older, I''d have been the one eating dirt.''''


    The adventurers encircling them burst into raucous cheers, their enthusiasm shaking the air. Amid the noise, Lisara emerged from the crowd, her grey eyes narrowed in disapproval as she fixed Tarrin with a stern look.


    ''''I told you to be careful,'''' she snapped, her tone sharp.


    Brushing off the dust, Raegar cracked an amused smile as he took in the scene. ''''Thanks for the fight,'''' he said, nodding to Tarrin, ''''But I''ve got to head out and grab some supplies before our mission tomorrow.''''


    He turned on his heel, ready to leave, when Tarrin''s voice halted him mid-step. ''''Raegar, hold up, let me introduce you to the others.''''


    Before he could protest, a broad, bald man stepped forward, a jagged scar running down the side of his weathered face. A pair of bear-like ears twitched atop his head as he gave a curt nod.


    ''''I''m Orin Duskwind,'''' he rumbled, his voice deep and steady. ''''Squad''s defender.''''


    Next, a tall woman with striking blue hair and piercing red eyes approached, her mage robes flowing faintly with an aura of power. She offered Raegar a warm, genuine smile as she sweetly spoke. ''''I''m Elaris Starfall. It''s a pleasure to meet you.''''


    Raegar returned Elaris''s smile before shifting his gaze to the last member of the group. The woman was an elf with flowing blonde hair and soft, light green eyes. Dressed in healer''s robes, she stepped forward, her voice carrying an exotic accent.


    ''''Greetings, youngling,'''' she said warmly. ''''I am Lyra Evergale. I look forward to working with you.''''


    ''''It''s good to meet you all,'''' Raegar said, offering a nod to the seasoned group. ''''I''ll see you in the morning.''''


    With that, he turned and strode away from the training grounds to go get his space bag, leaving the others to watch his retreating figure. Tarrin pivoted to face Lisara, his expression a mix of shock and admiration.


    ''''Where did you find that boy?'''' he asked. ''''Those attacks stung. Without Lyra''s healing, I''d have been in real trouble.''''


    The dark elf woman looked at the white-haired young man before answering. ''''He''s single-handedly kept the monster numbers in check, which has helped the bridge guards with attacks.''''


    Following that, the group got back to training as Raegar was making his way to the General Store to buy some stuff. Ten minutes later, he spotted the place and entered, only to see dozens of people trying to shop.


    ''Why is it so busy?'' he thought with frustration boiling over as people barged into him.


    Moments later, the owner appeared and guided him to the back. ''''This way, young man. Do you want the usual?''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement before thanking the old man. ''''Thank you.''''


    Twenty minutes passed by and he stumbled outside as more people flocked to the General Store. The owner had told him people were stockpiling because of the winter and the risk of caravans not reaching the city.


    Once he got all the supplies, he explored Dreadshade and soon found a weapons shop that caught his eye. Raegar entered the store only to realize that it looked like the ones in the fantasy novels he read back on Earth.


    While scanning the place, he noticed a few guards and adventurers browsing the shelves just as a young man appeared with a friendly smile. ''''Evening, I''m Evan. What can I do for you, sir?''''


    Raegar glanced at the brown-haired man who seemed to be in his early twenties, causing him to answer. ''''What unique weapons do you sell? I don''t need anything for fighting, maybe something to deal with crowds of monsters?''''


    Evan rubbed his chin before his green eyes shone with excitement as he dragged him over to a shelf with seven orbs sitting in boxes of twenty. Raegar looked up and read the signs. ''Aether Bombs. Two gold per box!''


    When seeing this, his excitement peaked, causing him to read what kinds they sold. ''Thunder, fire, frost, light, vine, acid and smoke bombs! So many,'' he thought with a gleam.


    Raegar glanced at Evan and said, ''''I''ll take three boxes of each.''''


    The young man blinked, caught off guard for a moment, before nodding eagerly. ''''Yes, sir! Meet me at the counter, and I''ll get you checked out,'''' he replied with enthusiasm.


    Raegar made his way over and leaned against the counter, waiting as Evan soon returned, hauling twenty-one boxes in tow. Trailing behind him was an older man with a weathered face, his voice rough and gravelly as he eyed Raegar.


    ''''Are you the youngling who''s joined up with the Strike Squad?'''' he asked with a voice laced with curiosity.


    His eyes narrowed, causing him to ask in a careful tone. ''''How do you know that?''''


    The old man laughed before revealing with a knowing smile. ''''News travels in Dreadshade White Devil. We know what you''ve done for local trade by cutting down the monsters'' numbers and now rushing into a Rank D Dungeon to aid the city even though you''re a Tier One Mage.''''


    Raegar watched the man hold his hand out. ''''I''m Monty Goldwater. If you will let me return the favour to prove that Nytherians look after their friends but reward their saviors.''''


    ''''Ok? Thank you,'''' he answered with a confused expression while accepting the gesture and introducing himself. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood.''''


    Monty let out a hearty chuckle before clapping him on the back, a heavy blow for an old man. With that, he shuffled off, leaving Raegar and Evan standing there. The shopkeeper scratched the back of his head and offered a sheepish grin.


    ''''My uncle''s a grumpy old coot who seems angry all the time, but he''s got a good heart, takes care of folks in his own way, as you witnessed yourself,'''' he explained.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 58: The Lost Expedition

    Raegar nodded in understanding as he waited for Monty to bring out whatever he was talking about. He waited for ten minutes and the old man soon reappeared, carrying a large box that he dropped on the counter with a bang.


    Dust flew everywhere as Monty waved his arms away before he finally spoke in a jovial voice. ''''There''s two hundred bombs in here, all the kinds you''ll need for the foreseeable future.''''


    Evan''s jaw dropped, and he was even shocked, causing him to question the old man. ''''How much?''''


    ''''I''ll do them all for Thirty gold but I''ll throw in a bomb pouch to store them in,'''' Monty replied with a big smile.


    Raegar reached for his coin pouch, spilling its contents onto the counter as he tallied his wealth: fifty-two gold, one hundred forty-one silver, and seventy copper. He paused, eyebrows lifting slightly when the thought crossed his mind. ''I didn''t realize I had that much.''


    Monty handed him the stuff, and he clipped the bomb pouch onto his belt before emptying the projectiles into it. They vanished, which amazed him, but the old man soon explained. ''''It''s a space bag specifically made for the bombs.''''


    ''''Well, this will be useful in both the dungeon and forest,'''' Raegar replied before handing over the coins. ''''Thank you for this, Monty. I appreciate it.''''


    The old man waved him away with a smile. ''''Go get some rest. The city is praying that you five return.''''


    Following that, he left the weapons shop and headed toward the guild while Dreadshade City came to life. People were drinking in the taverns as others went about their business, and ten minutes later he arrived.


    Raegar stepped into the building and headed straight for the room Lisara had shown him earlier. Pushing the door open, he slipped inside, shrugging off his bag and setting the coin pouch aside.


    Without another thought, he climbed into bed after taking off his armor, sinking into the mattress as sleep claimed him. The following morning, a banging on the door woke him up as Lisara''s voice echoed out. ''''Get up, boy! The others are waiting for you.''''


    ''''Coming!'''' he replied while standing up.


    Raegar stretched, his joints popping as a yawn escaped him. He shook off the grogginess, pulling on his gear with practiced ease. He double-checked his bomb pouch, clipping it securely to his belt, then slung his space bag over his shoulder.


    Following that, he left the room to see the dark elf woman standing there with a smile as she spoke. ''''What did you get up to last night, sleepy head? Visit the brothels?''''


    When Raegar heard this, he felt his cheeks go red before he shook his head. ''''No, I wouldn''t do that to Yuki.''''


    Lisara beamed as she grabbed his arm while teasing him with a knowing expression. ''''So who''s this Yuki? Must be a special woman to keep someone loyal, especially noble young men.''''


    ''''No, I have no interest in messing around,'''' he revealed in a determined tone. ''''I want to get stronger so I can protect the ones I love and explore the world to discover stuff no one has seen.''''


    The older woman nodded, her face lighting up with a wide, approving smile as they stepped out onto the bustling street while walking toward the dungeon that was in the southern part of the city.


    ''''A fine set of goals, boy,'''' Lisara said warmly while dodging passing people. ''''Who knows? Maybe I''ll end up reading a tale about you, the first Spellblade to cross the Sea of Sorrow, and set foot on the lost continent of Azuthra.''''


    Raegar let out a hearty laugh at her words before responding, ''''I wish it were that simple. I''ve heard rumors that even the weakest creatures there are Tier Three, but it''s all hearsay as no one''s set foot there.''''


    The woman tilted her head, curious. ''''What makes you say that?'''' she pressed. ''''If I recall, there are two old accounts of explorers landing there, only to be driven off by cannibal tribes or the weather.''''


    ''''First off,'''' Raegar began, ''''Those accounts are from the Lost Expedition, about three hundred years back. They''re talking about a chain of islands called Mistwood Isles, just beyond the Sea of Sorrow. The first emperor built a fortified town there, still holding strong even now.''''


    ''''Oh wow, how does someone so young know such things?'''' Lisara commented


    He smiled when remembering his time in the Vaelthorne manor in his childhood before he answered. ''''My uncle Vaelor loves to collect books, and he has thousands of them in my grandfather''s library.''''


    Lisara nodded before asking with a curious expression. ''''I assume you''re joining an academy? That''s the reason you don''t want to be an adventurer?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Raegar answered. ''''I want to conquer dungeons and gateways. Maybe I''ll do some quests from the academy depending on what they are.''''


    Following that, he spotted the dungeon in the distance that was surrounded by guards and adventurers. Lisara smiled before walking toward the Strike Squad as she spoke. ''''I''m sure you''ll go fire, but now focus on the upcoming mission.''''


    ''''Always,'''' he replied.


    Minutes later, Tarrin and Orin smiled when seeing him as the burly man greeted him with a jovial voice after slapping him on the back. ''''Morning youngling. Are you ready to fight?''''


    ''''Yes, fighting monsters is nothing new to me but if they''re stronger, I can learn something from them,'''' Raegar replied while the others said their hellos before Lisara motioned for them to join her.


    Tarrin got excited and put his arm around his shoulders as he spoke in a confident tone. ''''Me and you will be up front. We''ll work together to keep the others safe while Orin protects our rears.''''


    ''''Don''t act like this idiot youngling,'''' Lyra commented with a giggle. ''''We don''t want another battle junkie on the team.''''


    That''s when the blue-haired Elaris appeared and cast a spell over him, which made his body feel lighter, causing him to look at her as she explained. ''''I got rid of the fatigue that was hiding away. You should feel good for a few days.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said, which earned him a smile. ''''I feel much better.''''


    With their gear readied and resolve steeled, the group was escorted to the dungeon''s threshold, a door-shaped portal looming behind a fortress in the city''s center. Lisara looked at them with a serious expression.


    ''''Keep your wits about you and don''t push yourselves too far,'''' she cautioned, her voice steady but edged with worry. ''''If it gets dicey, get out¡ªdevils are sly as hell. Word is, two hunters went in last night, so you might bump into them down there.''''


    ''''They''re dead,'''' Raegar blurted out, his voice cutting through the air like a blade, making the group tense in an instant.


    Tarrin turned to him, one eyebrow arching skeptically. ''''What''s got you so sure, kid?'''' the older man pressed.


    Raegar''s gaze flickered, intense and unyielding. ''''None of you feel that aura?'''' he asked, only to be met with a chorus of shaken heads from the group.


    He shrugged before Lisara approached him with narrowed eyes, before asking. ''''You''re a Devil Hunter, aren''t you?''''


    ''''I don''t know, I can feel an ominous aura,'''' Raegar answered, just as it vanished, causing him to continue. ''''Now it''s gone.''''


    The dark elf woman visibly relaxed before the Strike Squad stepped through the portal, only to spot a bloodbath of devils and monsters littering the entrance chamber, causing the group to react instantly.


    Orin blocked the way forward with his shield while Tarrin and Elaris covered Lyra as Raegar stood there waiting for something to happen. Moments later, everyone relaxed, but he spoke up while approaching the tunnel. ''''I''ll go scout ahead. If you hear explosions, rush toward me.''''


    Following that, he used Flash Step to pass by the big man, who was confused, but he ignored the complaints before walking down the tunnel. Five minutes later, Raegar appeared in a carbon copy of Dreadshade City.


    ''''This one is creepier,'''' he muttered.


    Seconds later, screams echoed out as a group of Tier Two humanoid Ghouls dressed as citizens rushed out of the alley and charged in his direction. He grinned before throwing the daggers that pierced two creatures'' skulls.


    Before they dropped to the ground, Raegar summoned the blades and started slashing at the Ghouls through their heads, causing them to drop dead while green Aether Cores appeared beside some copper coins.


    ''Looks like I''ll earn nicely off this mission,'' he mused with an excited smile while dodging some claws before casting Lightningfire Blasts that burned a group of them to ash.


    Moments later, a sharp shout pierced the silence, followed by the wet sound of flesh parting as several creatures were cleaved in two. Tarrin materialized beside the group, his blade still dripping with their blood.


    ''''You can''t rush off with devils lurking around, kid,'''' the older man warned.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 59: Weak To Fire

    Raegar spared a glance at the four adventurers as they dispatched the last of the ghouls, their movements swift and praticed. Turning back to Tarrin, he said, ''''I''ll be fine. I''ve tangled with devils before. I know their tricks.''''


    The older man chuckled before nodding. ''''Just be careful. I don''t want to see you get hurt,'''' he said.


    Following that, the group continued with Raegar wandering around, killing any monsters he came across, which were only more Ghouls, and thanks to using Enhancement magic he was able to slaughter them with ease.


    That annoyed him as the creatures'' screeches were giving him a headache. ''Isn''t there normal beasts here?'' he thought while watching the others from a church tower as they entered the first city square.


    Raegar leapt to his feet, poised to spring forward, when a piercing screech split the air¡ªthis one distinct, feral. Before he could react, a hulking, vulture-like creature slammed into him, its talons raking as it launched skyward.


    More of the winged beasts descended on the group in a flurry of feathers and claws. Raegar drove his blade into the one clutching him, forcing it to falter mid-flight. It let out a squawk of pain before suddenly dropping him while trying to get the dagger away.


    While falling, he cast Flash Step to appear in the square with the others as they fought with the flying monsters. As he appeared, another one swooped toward him but he threw a dagger at it.


    The blade tore through the beast''s body, while noticing another trying to attack Lyra, who was in the back, focusing on healing everyone with her magic. He spun around and threw the second dagger that ended the monster''s life.


    When the weapon connected with the bird, it crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. The elf looked up at him and smiled while mouthing. ''''Thank you.''''


    Following that, Raegar started casting Stormfire Bullets to pepper the vulture-like monsters that tore them up like a machine gun. By the time the beasts stopped coming, everyone was tired.


    He was low on Aether and needed to gather to recover what he used on all the magic he used to deal with the creatures. While sitting there, he took out a flask he bought from the General Store.


    Raegar made some tea and took a mouthful which refreshed him as the others caught their breath. Moments later, Orin appeared and sat down, causing the bench to creak under the bear man''s weight.


    ''''Have you fought those monsters before?'''' the older man asked.


    He shook his head while answering. ''''No. All I know is their name is Carrionwraith''s.''''


    Orin nodded. ''''They are prevalent here alongside Ghouls, Lost Ones and Gutter Rats. That spell you were using in the last fight seemed to do enough damage to wipe them out, which is good,'''' he informed.


    ''''Don''t they linger around battlefields?'''' Raegar questioned as he hadn''t read up on Carrionwraith''s.


    ''''Yes youngling,'''' the bear man replied. ''''On the border with the Dawnfire Empire is full of them as the imperial armies battle with the Korrveth Kingdom which has kicked off again.''''


    Raegar looked puzzled, causing Orin to reveal some surprising news. ''''The Lunathyrians have joined up with the demon realm and attacked an empire fortress that guards the war north causing a war to break out.''''


    ''''When did this happen?'''' he questioned the older man.


    Orin thought for a second before answering. ''''A week ago. The empire was caught off guard, but when the armies make their way south, they''ll steamroll through the demons and demi-human forces.''''


    ''''Interesting. Well, my test is in the far north away from the war, so I won''t run into any problems,'''' Raegar said before pulling out some cooked meat and eating some.


    While enjoying his food, something running across a nearby road caught his attention, but the monster didn''t get closer. He looked at Orin before pointing in its direction. ''''I believe a pack of creatures are waiting to ambush us.''''


    When the bear man heard this, his eyebrows rose in surprise as he whistled toward Lyra, who walked over to them. ''''Can you set up a perimeter with your Aether? The kid believes a pack of Lost Ones are trailing us.''''


    ''''What are Lost Ones?'''' he asked to older adventurers.


    The elf woman explained while sending out a wave of Aether that covered them all and a few meters around them. ''''They are people who got lost in the wilderness of the world and end up in a dungeon or gates, especially city based floors like this one.''''


    Raegar looked confused but shook his head and questioned. ''''How do they get there?''''


    Lyra shrugged while replying. ''''No one knows. Scholars believe explorers and adventurers step into a portal, then die when arriving at their destination before being turned into a Lost One.''''


    After that, Tarrin rallied the group, urging them onward along the main road toward the governor''s manor. As they pressed forward, Raegar''s eyes darted around, tracking fleeting shadows stirring in the corners of his vision, his hands tightening on his blades


    ''We''re not alone,'' he thought just as the dread evil aura descended on them, causing him to warn the group. ''''Devils are coming!''''


    Raegar reacted instantly and threw one of his weapons at the enemy that suddenly appeared, forcing it to block as he attacked a second by sidestepping the devil''s lunge and stabbing it through the head.


    As the enemy crumpled lifeless to the ground, Raegar summoned his blade in a flash, barely raising it in time to deflect a savage downward axe strike. The sheer force jolted through his arms, making them tremble.


    He clenched his teeth and retaliated with a searing Lightningfire Blast. The electric flames tore into the devil, sending it into wild spasms. Seizing the moment, Raegar vaulted onto its chest, plunging his blades deep into its eyes.


    Blood erupted in a gory spray as he twisted and leapt around the body, evading an axe that thundered into the creature''s chest with a sickening crunch. He threw the dagger at the newcomer''s head.


    The devil suddenly tilted its head, narrowly evading a throw, but the move only drew a sly smile from Raegar. A heartbeat later, he wrenched the weapon back toward him using Aether to control it.


    Moments later, it sliced through the air and plunged into the back of the creature''s skull, dropping it lifeless to the ground. The body slumped lifeless to the ground, joining the growing pile of corpses.


    Raegar''s gaze snapped up, catching sight of Tarrin and the others locked in fierce combat with a fresh wave of devils, their blades flashing amid the chaos. He rushed in and switched his dagger''s grip and slashed at the enemy''s tendons.


    This brought them crashing down, allowing him to throw his daggers through their skulls, which eased the pressure of the adventurers. Raegaer summoned his blades to block a swipe of claws from a strange-looking monster.


    Raegar was flung backward, his boots scraping the street as he slid to a stop. His gaze locked onto the culprit, a humanoid figure with charcoal-black skin stretched tight over muscles, its arms ending in wickedly sharp claws.


    ''What is this nightmare? The Lost Ones Orin told me about?'' he pondered while steadying himself.


    The creature''s lifeless red gaze suddenly flared with Aether. In an instant, it vanished, leaving only a ripple in the air. The hairs on his neck prickled, and he whirled around, daggers snapping up just in time to meet a slashing claw.


    A sharp clang echoed as steel clashed with talon, sparks bursting into the night. Moments later, he felt a surge of Aether pulse from the Lost One, washing over him. It hissed, baring jagged teeth, then lunged again, this time slower, sluggish under the Aether''s weight.


    Raegar sidestepped effortlessly, the creature''s claws slicing nothing but air as he used Flash Step to get away. When he reappeared, Elaris appeared beside him before hitting the Lost One with a powerful fire spell that turned it into charcoal.


    The blue-haired woman looked at him with a smile. ''''They are weak to fire kid. Use those spells you did before, it will mess them up,'''' she revealed.


    He watched Elaris rush off to go help Orin, who was dealing with a devil. Tarrin and Lyra pushed the Lost Ones back while fighting the other enemies. Raegar gritted his teeth and dashed toward the battle.


    When getting closer, he used Flash Step to appear behind a group of devils before moving so fast while cutting them into pieces. Once that fight was over, the enemies exploded into meat chunks.


    Following that, Raegar started using Lightningfire Blast to deal with the creepy humanoids who were moving quicker than him, but Elaris''s magic helped slow them down, giving him the chance to kill them.


    This continued until the last devil dropped dead thanks to him stabbing the creature through the skull. Everyone was tired but Tarrin shouted. ''''Get some rest before we start looting the corpses.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 60: Tarrin Loves Those Little Tarts

    Raegar slumped down on a nearby bench as the others sat on the square''s fountain after looting everything which was kept in a ring to divide up when completing the mission and returning to the guild.


    While sitting there, he closed his eyes and started gathering to recover the Aether he consumed during the fight. Ten minutes later, he felt a wave of energy wash over his body which made him shiver just as he opened his eyes.


    Lyra was standing there with a smile. ''''Thank you for helping us back there. Without you we would have got hurt even more,'''' she gratefully said.


    Following this, the elf woman walked off to tend to the others as he pulled out some bread and honey. Raegar started eating, which made him roll his eyes as the food was delicious as it was melting in his mouth.


    ''I need to cook more of this stuff. Maybe when we set up camp for the night,'' he mused while enjoying the meal.


    Ten minutes later, Tarrin approached him with a wide smile. ''''Good fighting back there kid. You''re a fast Spellblade just like Mary and Lisara said,'''' he praised him.


    Raegar waved the man away while responding. ''''It''s a result of running around monster hunting in Bloodfang Forest and years of training that I went through before coming out here.''''


    The older man nodded while sitting next to him. ''''Which is a good thing. You must be one of the strongest in your generation, but then there''s the noble families that train their children with all sorts of tricks to get them Aether control or bigger pools.''''


    ''''I don''t care about them,'''' Raegar replied with a confident smirk. ''''They are nothing but glass cannons. Loads of power but no experience with fighting or survival to use that in a battle against me.''''


    Tarrin chuckled before nodding. ''''A good attitude kid, now let''s get back to work. I''m sure the devils will love to see you,'''' he said.


    Following that, the group continued with Raegar roaming ahead but was warned to be careful by Lyra and Elaris who fussed over him. He was standing on top of the fake guild building while spotting a bright light to the north.


    ''Why does it feel like its pulling me toward it?'' he mused before returning to the others.


    Raegar used Flash Step to appear in front of Orin while speaking. ''''I think we have to go that way to get to the second floor.''''


    ''''Was it a bright light that called to you?'''' Tarrin questioned as the women joined.


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered.


    Moments later, they turned north just before more Lost Ones attacked but thanks to Raegar''s speed, he put them down with ease. The journey through the creepy city continued until a chittering noise could be heard.


    ''''Elaris! Barrier now!'''' Tarrin suddenly shouted as a translucent shield covered them just as dog-sized rats slammed against it.


    Raegar was surprised but Lyra appeared beside him. ''''These are Gutter Rats. Foul creatures that ambush adventurers who travel across this floor,'''' she explained.


    Before long, hundreds of the creatures swarmed around them, their chittering filling the air. His lips curled into a fierce grin as he summoned Hydra Blades, crackling with electric fury, vibrating with power, before he hurled them into the fray.


    They streaked through the street like bolts of vengeance, slicing the monstrous rats in half with surgical precision. Raegar''s focus sharpened, sending them arcing upward to catch leaping foes, then plunging downward to carve through those scrambling below.


    The creatures twisted and tried to evade, but it was leaving a trail of severed bodies in its wake. Moments later, the others jumped in adding their attacks to his, which started wiping out hundreds of Gutter Rats.


    Raegar continued using his Hydra Blades while casting Lightningfire Blast to kill dozens of monsters. All he could see was brown cores littering the street, which Lyra had started collecting while everyone else fought.


    An hour later, the rats were destroyed just as Tarrin shouted. ''''Collect everything so we can get to the Safe Room for rest.''''


    Following that, they grabbed all the cores and monster parts until Orin led them to their rest place. When stepping into the small hall, Raegar was surprised as it looked like an empty chamber with benches, a fountain in the center, and firepits.


    Elaris rushed over and started drinking some before slumping down with a sigh as she mumbled. ''''I feel so much better. Dungeon Water is delicious.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow arched at the sound of it, curiosity tugging him closer. He scooped up a mouthful, and as it hit his tongue, a wave of relief washed over him, melting away some of the exhaustion that had settled into his bones.


    Moments later, he took out his waterskin and canteen before filling them up, causing Orin to chuckle. ''''This stuff is a lifesaver in certain situations, they are rare on the first floor. I''m surprised we found one.''''


    Everyone laughed as Tarrin bragged. ''''It''s because I am here and the Goddess of Luck has blessed me,'''' he exclaimed.


    Raegar glanced at him, shaking his head with a faint smirk, then turned toward one of the firepits. He reached into his pack, pulling out a bundle of firewood he''d picked up from the General Store, and stacked it neatly.


    Without waiting, he summoned a spark of fire Aether, the flames catching quickly and roaring to life, casting a warm glow around him. After doing that, everyone looked at him as Lyra approached and joined him by the fire.


    The elf woman smiled before curiously asking. ''''Can you tell me about this Yuki you mentioned earlier?''''


    Raegar instantly brightened up when hearing the cat woman''s name came up, causing him to answer. ''''She works for my family as a maid alongside her mother and over the years we''ve grown closer until recently when things have started to change.''''


    ''''Oh why''s that?'''' Lyra questioned as she moved closer with curious eyes.


    ''''I think she''s starting to see me as a man more than the little boy she''s been chasing around for years,'''' he revealed while scratching his cheek. ''''I''ve always found her beautiful but at the moment I''m focused on getting stronger.''''


    Moments later, Reagar pulled out his skillet and placed it on the fire as the older woman continued the conversation. ''''Is she a few years older than you?''''


    ''''Ten. She''s twenty-five turning twenty-six this year,'''' he answered before dousing the skillet with some butter.


    Lyra was about to answer but Orin commented with a chuckle as he sat on one of the benches opposite. ''''So you like an older woman? They are better than those feral teens that the academies produce now.''''


    ''''Yes some of them are bitches,'''' Elaris added while joining them. ''''Tarrin loves those little tarts, I see his eyes always trailing over their bodies.''''


    When the blonde man heard this, he instantly refuted her words. ''''No I don''t! I love you El! Don''t be stupid, no trollop will ever make me stray from you.''''


    Raegar observed the scene and faked a gag, drawing a burst of laughter from Orin and Lyra. The burly man tugged the elf woman closer to his side, grinning wide. Catching the moment, he couldn''t resist a jab.


    ''''Didn''t peg you four for a cozy little adventuring couples'' guild,'''' he teased, his tone dripping with playful mockery.


    ''''What do you expect when someone as handsome as me leads such a group?'''' Tarrin said, causing the group to laugh at him.


    Raegar let out a low chuckle as he glanced at his skillet, now shimmering with heat. He settled by the fire, pulling out the ingredients for campfire bread. With ease, he began mixing the dough, kneading it into shape before pressing it onto the scorching metal.


    A sharp sizzle cut through the air, drawing the group''s eyes. Orin tilted his head, curiosity piqued. ''''What''re you whipping up over there?'''' he asked, his voice carrying over the crackling flames.


    ''''Campfire bread,'''' he answered while watching the dough forming. ''''I came up with it while hiding from the Forest Widows.''''


    ''''Those nasty ass spiders that hunt people down?'''' Tarrin commented in an annoyed tone.


    Raegar looked at the blonde man and nodded. ''''How do I get them to stop chasing me? It''s been months since I stumbled into their nest.''''


    The adults turned to him, their faces etched with astonishment at his words, eyes wide and searching. Lyra shook her head, breaking the silence with a measured tone as the others started laughing.


    ''''You''ll need to take out the queen,'''' she said in a concerned voice. ''''You''ve stepped into their lair, now they won''t stop until she''s got you in her sights.''''


    He shivered when hearing the elf''s words but shrugged. ''''I''ll hunt down the queen when I return to the forest. If I remember correctly she''s in the top end of Tier Two,'''' he said before pulling his bread off the skillet.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 61: Ill Go Check It Out

    Raegar ignored the teasing about his affair with the Forest Widow Queen, which made him cringe and laugh at the same time. He finished cooking his campfire bread before pulling out some fresh monster meat.


    ''Now I need to dose it in spices and add honey to the bread,'' he mused and started cooking the meat.


    After that, he pulled out the Monster Compendium and started studying the monsters in Bloodfang Forest. Raegar came across one that caught his attention and it made his skin crawl.


    ''This thing''s an absolute nightmare,'' he thought, a shiver creeping through him. ''Ambush predators, perfectly built to ruin your day.''


    It was a dark colored crocodile built for land and fast like a Forest Deer. The realization that it was the size of a tiger on Earth sent a cold shiver racing up his spine as he skimmed the brief description.


    ''''A Snubclaw,'''' he mumbled, ''''As lethal on solid ground as it is in the water.''''


    Raegar continued only to sigh while thinking with furrowed eyebrows. ''End of Tier Two but some can be Tier Three and the author claims lightning is its weakness because it slows the creature down.''


    After that, he flipped to the next entry, relief washing over him that he hadn''t crossed paths with the Snubclaw. The next description painted a vivid picture of a Vasuki, a colossal snake of terrifying proportions.


    ''Beware this massive beast,'' the author penned a dire warning under the picture. ''Lurking in the southern swamps and towering grasses of Bloodfang Forest.''


    While sitting there, Raegar smelt the aroma of cooked meat hit his nose, causing his stomach to growl. He put the book down and plated his meal and put the melted honey on the bread which he loved.


    The monster meat was delicious and he enjoyed every bit, especially when he combined it with the fresh bread. While eating, the adults were looking at him as they chewed on dry rations.


    ''''Why are you dining like a king inside a Rank D dungeon?'''' Tarrin commented while holding back a laugh.


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed before pointing his dagger at the blonde man and answered. ''''Fighting on an empty stomach is stupid. Food is important to your body, Aether Pools, and health. I eat this because I enjoy it, not because I''m forced to.''''


    ''''He''s is right darling,'''' Elaris suddenly jumped in. ''''We should take a leaf out of his spellbook. Maybe we can get better food when getting out of here?''''


    Tarrin put on a fake offended look as he moaned. ''''Why take the kids'' side my dear! It wounds your poor husband''s heart.''''


    Everyone laughed before the blue-haired woman went to retort but Orin spoke up. ''''Now now people. Let''s get some rest, we have many fights tomorrow.''''


    The bear man looked at him with a friendly expression. ''''You too kid. We will need you tomorrow,'''' he said.


    Following that, the group settled down with the big man watching over them. Raegar soon fell asleep after wrapping a few blankets around himself while curling up in front of the fire, which made it better.


    A few hours later, he jolted awake to the sound of hushed, anxious whispers. An explosion rattled the floor beneath him. He shook his head to clear the fog of sleep, rising to his feet as he called out, ''''What''s happening?''''


    ''''Tarrien and Elaris went out to scout the entrance to the second floor, but they were chased back here and now we''re trapped in here by a horde of Lost Ones,'''' Lyra revealed while catching her breath.


    Raegar''s gaze flicked to the door where the bear of a man stood guard. He approached, his voice steady as he spoke. ''''Orin, let me through. I''ll carve a path through those monsters, give you all some breathing room to fight.''''


    The older man''s eyes widened at the words, but he nodded, swinging the door open to let him out. Beyond it, a cluster of Lost Ones loomed, their wild, unhinged expressions locking onto them.


    The eerie scene sent a ripple of unease through Raegar, but he shoved it down, focusing instead on the task at hand. With a surge of will, he infused his blades with fire and wind, the Aether blending seamlessly into a volatile mix.


    He hurled the weapons into the heart of the horde, and they detonated in a deafening explosion, flames and gusts tearing through the Lost Ones in a brilliant, chaotic burst as he summoned them back and charged.


    With a ferocious leap, he plunged into the seething swarm, a whirlwind of death. He ricocheted off the tunnel walls while carving through the enemy ranks like a force of nature unleashed.


    Raegar vaulted from one Lost One to the next, using them as springboards. With each leap, he drove his blades downward, smashing through their skulls with devastating force, the impacts so brutal they erupted in grisly bursts of bone and gore.


    The creatures lunged at him with feral desperation, but he dipped and wove beneath their strikes, a shadow too fast and savage to pin down. He quickly cast several Lightningfire Blasts into the crowd, turning loads to ash.


    Moments later, Tarrin and the others rushed in and cut down the remaining Lost Ones. Once the fighting was done, Raegar collected everything before handing it to Lyra, who was holding the group''s loot.


    ''''Let''s go, we have eight more floors to go before reaching the boss and monsters need to be killed,'''' Tarrin said as Orin took up the front while the others stayed back.


    Raegar took up his usual spot at the front as they exited the fake Dreadshade City and stepped onto the grasslands before continuing north. After a few hours they reached a homestead that was off to one side.


    ''''I''ll go check it out,'''' he shouted before approaching the house just as he spotted something out of the corner of his eye.


    Without wasting time, Raegar spun around while casting Stormfire Bullet that slammed into a Tier Two Blood Wolf, which Orin told him about during their journey. Suddenly six more appeared causing him to react.


    He burst toward the closest one after casting Enhancement magic, which shocked the creature as he got even faster before driving his dagger into its eye while throwing the second into another''s pupil.


    The beast slammed into the ground, lifeless, just as more hurled themselves at him. Raegar''s speed outpaced their feral onslaught, a blur of motion as he summoned his weapons mid-stride, slashing out with skill.


    Blood Wolves fell in heaps, their crimson-soaked bodies littering the earth, when Orin and Tarrin burst onto the scene. The two seasoned warriors tore into the monsters ruthlessly, blades singing through flesh and bone.


    Orin, the bear of a man, glanced at Raegar amidst the carnage, a wry grin breaking through his grizzled features. ''''These damn things get old once you''ve gutted enough of ''em,'''' he rumbled, driving his weapon through another snarling foe.


    Following that, Lyra cast refreshing spells on them before gathering the loot the monsters dropped. While standing there, Raegar asked. ''''Why have we only come across Gutter Rats, Blood Wolves and Lost Ones? I expected there to be more.''''


    ''''Wait until we get to the lower floors,'''' Elaris answered with a knowing smile. ''''Boggarts and Trolls linger in the darkness. Their stronger than these monsters.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his red eyes glowed with excitement before Tarrin booped him on the head. ''''They are Tier Three monsters at best kid, you''re strong yes but not at that level yet. We will help out in the fights down there so don''t rush off.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered the blonde leader.


    Moments later, the group continued and entered the second floor before fighting through waves of monsters. Raegar turned to Hydra Blades that managed to kill hundreds of creatures with ease.


    Hours later, they stepped onto the seventh, the monsters appeared, sending an uneasy prickle up his spine as he guessed why. Before them sprawled a vast desert, its endless expanse stretching out in every direction.


    ''''Wow, what is this place?'''' he muttered while taking in the scene. ''''Why is there a damn desert inside a dungeon?''''


    ''''This place is a Death Floor to people under Tier Three. There are all kinds of landscapes and monsters in a dungeon kid. You just have to be careful,'''' Tarrin said while drinking some water.


    ''''Death Floor? Is this place a deathzone?'''' Raegar replied before seeing an explosion in the distance.


    When the group saw this, Tarrin looked at Orin and nodded just as he stepped in front of everyone. He watched as a massive worm exploded out of the sand, but the bear man chanted something that sent a wave of mana shooting from his body.


    The monster snapped toward the big man, causing Raegar''s eye to widen as he realized what was happening. ''He has a taunt skill! So cool!''


    Following that, Tarrin suddenly leaped through the air with his greatsword and swung down while letting out a roar.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 62: How Do You Purge It?

    Raegar watched as the blonde man sliced the giant worm in half as the force carved a crater in the sand. He shook his head as Lyra appeared beside him and explained. ''''That is a Sand Worm. They are at the top end of Tier Two, who ambush adventurers who travel through this floor.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he muttered.


    After the Sand Worm was dead, Tarrin killed two more before the group continued through the desert. He soon realized he was burning through water and ran out quickly, forcing him to use Aether.


    While he did this, Elaris commented with a raised eyebrow. ''''How many elements can you use, Rae? I''ve seen you use fire, lightning, and water?''''


    ''''All of them,'''' Raegar answered like it was nothing.


    The four adults stopped short as the elf woman muttered with wide eyes. ''''Are you the Tetraarch that awoke in Dawnfire?''''


    Raegar looked at them and nodded. ''''Yes that''s me, grandfather rushed me away so people wouldn''t cause a fuss,'''' he explained.


    ''''That makes sense,'''' Tarrin added while rubbing his chin. ''''The rumors say you were whisked away after your Aether Test which sent the Dawnfire nobility in a frenzy trying to find you but gave up after a few weeks.''''


    Following that, the group continued across the scorching desert as he thought to himself. ''How far has the news stretched? Maybe the old man will know.''


    While lost in his thoughts, a shadow appeared from above, causing Raegar to look up, only to notice Elaris was casting a water barrier that blocked out the sun. He looked at the blue-haired woman who smiled.


    ''''I can use fire and water Aether,'''' she explained. ''''A strange but useful combination for dungeon exploring or adventuring.''''


    He agreed with a nod as the ground started to shake, causing Orin to exclaim. ''''More Desert Worms are coming!''''


    Moments later, the sand around them exploded, forcing everyone to fight as the bear man protected the women as Tarrin sliced the monsters apart. He wondered how to attack the creatures until the sand below him exploded.


    Raegar was sent flying high in the air as one of the worms was targeting him. While plummeting toward the ground, he super charged his blades with fire and wind before throwing them into the creature''s open maw.


    Following that, he used Flash Step to land without hurting himself as his daggers exploded and injured the Desert Worm. Raegar quickly jumped up while summoning his weapons and started attacking the monster.


    He was moving so fast, thanks to Enhancement magic that he left deep lacerations all over its body, causing blood to rain down as the battle continued with him using Lightningfire Blast that allowed him to dodge the large beasts.


    An hour later, no more creatures appeared allowing the group to rest. Raegar collapsed on a dune while recovering from being sent flying up and down many times, which made him feel like he was on a rollercoaster, as Orin was crouched while breathing heavily.


    The bear man was covered in the blood and guts of the Desert Worms while Tarrin lay next to Elaris as the elf woman was trying her best to help them even though she was low on Aether.


    ''Oh I have potions,'' he mused before pulling some out.


    Raegar drank a stamina potion and an Aether one that replenished some of his reserves. Feeling revitalized, he rose to his feet and shared a few vials with the others. Their eyes widened in surprise, but grateful smiles soon followed.


    The group continued through the seventh as he remembered the bombs he bought from the weapons shop, causing him to take out a Frost one and readied it for the next Desert Worm that attacked.


    Following that, Raegar scouted ahead only to come across the light to the eighth floor in the distance, which was giving him an ominous feeling. Tarrin commented from behind. ''''It''s the devil''s, they''ve somehow corrupted the dungeon allowing the leader to control some functions.''''


    ''''That''s bad,'''' he muttered. ''''How do you purge it?''''


    The older man gave him a confident smile. ''''That''s our job kid. We will wipe out the devil''s and fight their leader, which should wipe out their presence from this place before the exit opens.''''


    Raegar inclined his head in a nod of comprehension, but the ground beneath his feet abruptly started shaking. A thrill coursed through him as he thought, ''At last, they''ve arrived. Time to put these to the test, let''s hope they hold up.''


    An eager smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. Without hesitation, he hurled a Frost Bomb at the colossal beast charging toward them. The icy projectile streaked through the air and smashed into the creature, detonating in a burst of frost.


    A shimmering wave of ice surged over the monster, encasing it in a frozen prison. Moments later, he threw his daggers covered in fire so hot that it turned blue as it connected with the ice causing it to shatter into thousands of pieces.


    ''''What the fuck was that kid?'''' Orin asked as the others appeared behind them.


    Raegar turned to them with a smile. ''''Aether Bombs. I bought them at the weapon shop yesterday.''''


    The four adults looked at him like he was an idiot before Lyra giggled while asking. ''''Why haven''t you used them on the other floors?''''


    ''''I completely forgot about them thanks to all the excitement,'''' he admitted with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head.


    Tarrin started laughing before ruffling his head. ''''Well from now on you''re the official worm killer but watch out for the Death Scorpions. We''re approaching their homeland and they''re on the lower end of Tier Three,'''' he warned.


    Following that, Orin led the way, causing Raegar to become paranoid as the group passed through the rockfield. Moments later, the ground next to him erupted as a large pincer flew at him.


    He nearly leapt out of his skin, heart pounding, before quickly hurling another Frost Bomb at the monster. The icy blast froze it solid just as its claws hovered an inch from his face as his heart raced.


    Moments later, Orin''s hammer crashed down, shattering the beast into shards and sending a tremor rippling through the ground. Elaris appeared beside him while making sure he was okay.


    ''''Tarrin did warn you,'''' she said before pointing to a black lump in the distance. ''''That''s a sign of the monsters hiding. The one that attacked you was hidden from sight but now you know what to look out for.''''


    Raegar nodded with a grateful expression. ''''Thank you for the information, but it would have helped beforehand,'''' he said with a chuckle while wiping the sweat from his brow.


    The blue-haired woman huffed, then started laughing as the group continued through the rockfield while he hunted the Death Scorpions by luring them out with a stone and hitting them by throwing his dagger into their eyes.


    Because they were Tier Three creatures, he laced the blades with lightning Aether that burned the beasts from the inside out, thanks to exploding beneath their exoskeleton, causing the smell of cooked meat to waft through the air.


    The group stopped after the last fight as Lyra and Orin went around collecting the loot as the dungeon''s sun started to set, which lit up the desert in a blue glow thanks to the Tier Three cores littering the ground.


    Raegar watched as the elf woman cut off the stingers, causing a confused expression to appear, but Tarrin explained while drinking some water. ''''They are sold to the guild, I think we can get one gold per stinger.''''


    ''''When will we split it?'''' he asked causing the older man to laugh. ''''I have loads of room in my magic bag.''''


    Tarrin patted his shoulder while answering. ''''We''ll do it at the next Safe Room, it should be at the end of this place. Usually we''ll wait until leaving the dungeon, but Lyra says the loot ring is nearly full.''''


    Following that, the group continued through the desert floor while Raegar killed and looted the monsters they came across. Whenever a worm would appear, he''d throw a Frost Bomb at it before using Stormfire Bullets to shatter their icy prison.


    By the time the group reached the eighth floor''s Safe Room, which was just a walled-in square with a fountain in the middle that was open to the elements. Once inside they collapsed while catching their breath.


    Raegar looked at the four adults and chuckled before setting up his tent to crawl inside while hiding from the scorching sun. Once in the shade he fell asleep as the exhaustion crept up on him.


    He felt his muscles ache but thanks to all the fighting the Aether could only slowly heal him. Hours later, Orin''s gruff voice erupted outside, causing him to instantly wake up. ''''Kid! Get your ass out here. We need to give you your portion of the loot.''''


    ''''I''m coming,'''' he mumbled while crawling out.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 63: How Bright You Can Shine

    Blinding light sent Raegar trembling out of the tent, causing the adults to look at him weirdly as Lyra cast her magic on him. ''''That''s what happens when you hide away in a dark tent and forgot about being in a desert.''''


    Shielding his eyes with one hand, he felt a wave of relief wash over him as he clambered to his feet. He stretched, muscles loosening, a faint sense of ease settling in as the elf woman ushered him over.


    ''''Come on sleepy head,'''' she said. ''''Tarrin threatened to bury your share somewhere while leaving behind clues.''''


    ''''He wouldn''t dare,'''' Raegar chuckled as they approached the other three as they were bickering.


    ''''It''s all done Elaris, we split it evenly,'''' Orin warned in a booming voice. ''''Stop being a loot gremlin.''''


    The other two agreed with nods as the duo joined them. Tarrin turned to him while pointing at a nearby pile. ''''That''s yours. Put it away before I hide it.''''


    When he heard this, his eyes narrowed before replying. ''''Touch my stuff and I''ll shave your eyebrows while you sleep.''''


    Everyone started laughing after a few seconds as Tarrin chuckled and waved him away. ''''Be gone you goblin.''''


    Raegar flashed the blonde man a smug, toothy grin before sauntering over to his loot. His eyes widened in pleasant surprise as he took in the haul, two hundred and eleven Tier One Aether Cores, each glimmering with a brown glow.


    There were fifty-seven green cores and twenty-two Tier Three ones, a sight that sparked a satisfied grin. As he tossed them into his magic bag, he mused. ''This haul''s going to fetch me a nice pile of gold.''


    Next, he examined the monster materials, a collection of fifty Fire Wolf teeth and claws, twenty Desert Worm teeth, and nineteen Death Scorpion stingers. Raegar stored it all away before turning back to the group.


    They were all staring at him as Elaris giggled. ''''Looks like we''ve found a loot goblin, you see how his eyes shone with greed like those little green bastards,'''' he commented.


    Everyone agreed but Raegar ignored them with a chuckle and packed up his tent before leaving the Safe Room and headed toward the ninth floor. The adults quickly caught up as Tarrin warned. ''''This next part will be the hardest if I''m honest. Boggarts and Trolls infest this level.''''


    ''''What are they?'''' he asked the older man. ''''I''ve never read about them.''''


    ''''Hulking Tier Three creatures that hide in the murky water and are usually covered with mud and swamp weed,'''' Orin answered as he took his position at the front. ''''Their claws are sharp, and don''t be fooled by their size, they can move fast.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he nodded before the group approached a staircase down and made their way to the ninth floor, which was a mix of mountains and swamp that sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''Damn nightmarish dungeon,'' he pondered while spotting a path that traced through it. ''I hate swamps.''


    Following that, Orin led the way with Raegar closely behind and Tarrin protecting the women whose heads snapped all over the place. Once they stepped onto the dirt path, the nearby water exploded.


    Dozens of dog-sized crabs emerged, scuttling in their direction with alarming speed. Spotting the newcomers, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets. The projectiles struck the monsters'' shells and detonated on impact, sending them skidding backward.


    Raegar noticed the creature wasn''t dead as it charged forward, just as Orin let out a roar, causing the enemies to head straight for him as Lyra dragged him back as Tarrin and Elaris killed the ones that circled the defender.


    ''''Mirelurk Crabs,'''' the elf woman said. ''''Nasty Tier Two monsters, target their eyes or joints to bring them down.''''


    He looked at the Lyra and nodded with a smile. ''''Thanks.''''


    Moments later, he crouched down while casting Enhancement, causing Aether to rush throughout his body as it strengthened him even further before exploding forward and rushing into the swarm of Mirelurks.


    Raegar dodged their pincer snaps as he started cutting through their leg joints before targeting their faces with his magic. Lightningfire Blast cooked them from the inside out while he dodged all their attacks.


    Ten minutes later, the last crab dropped dead when Orin crushed it with his hammer, causing the blood to fly everywhere. Raegar was breathing heavily as he was covered in mud and guts of the exploding creatures.


    While standing in the mud, Orin picked him up by the scruff of his neck and spoke in an amused tone. ''''Come on kid, stop playing in the swamp.''''


    ''''Shut up I wasn''t doing no such thing,'''' he retorted after trying to free himself from the giant man''s grasp. ''''I killed more than you.''''


    The bear-like man gently set him down, his massive hand lingering to tousle his hair with a tender, almost fatherly touch. ''''I know,'''' he said, his voice warm. ''''Getting to fight beside someone so strong, yet so young, it''s a rare gift, one I''m grateful to witness.''''


    ''''Aye, that''s right!'''' Tarrin chimed in, slinging an arm around Raegar''s shoulders with a grin that carried both pride and affection.


    The older man walked away before continuing with fiery blue eyes. ''''You''ve got the spark of something extraordinary in you, kid. Hold fast to those dreams of yours, and when the day comes, when you show the world just how bright you can shine, I hope I''m standing there, close enough to bask in that glow you''ll cast.''''


    Raegar stood speechless, a quiet smile tugging at his lips as he nodded, warmth blooming in his chest. The group pressed onward, and Lyra slipped beside him, her eyes wide with astonishment.


    ''''Those brutes have taken a shine to you, Rae,'''' she said, her voice laced with wonder. ''''It''s not every day you see them open up like this.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' he curiously asked.


    Elaris was the one to answer with a giggle. ''''They are aggressive with other adventurers but when my Tarrin saw you he softened for some reason.''''


    Following that, the group continued through the ninth floor while slaying more Mirelurk Crabs as they tried to attack them, but thanks to Raegar, the creatures were quickly dealt with, which gave him tons of cooked crab meat.


    The adults found him strange with his obsession with food, but their curiosity turned to astonishment when he convinced Orin into tasting it. Instantly, the bear man began gathering it himself, leaving the others dumbfounded.


    Shortly after, while Tarrin was busy carving meat from the dead crabs, a sudden blur lunged at him from the shadows. Raegar caught sight of the threat and in a heartbeat, he cast Flash Step, intercepting the attack with his daggers.


    As the monster''s fist slammed into his blades, he felt a bone-rattling jolt surge through him, sending him hurtling across the swamp as his vision blurred thanks to the sudden pain just as a piercing screech split the air.


    Moments later, a Carrionwraith descended and quickly grabbed Raegar before speeding away just after the beast headbutted him, knocking him out cold. When Orin saw this happened, he went mad and crushed the Boggart with his hammer.


    More of the humanoid creatures appeared, causing him to go wild and wipe them all out, as Elaris started sending Fire Bolts at the flying creature, but it was too far for their magic to reach.


    Tarrin shouted to the group. ''''We need to find the kid before moving on! He''s the key to defeating the Devil Lord on the ninth as the other two hunters have gone missing!'''' he exclaimed while preparing for battle.


    While the adults rushed after the Carrionwraith, the creature in question dropped the unconscious Raeger at a ledge overlooking the swamp. An hour later, the monster returned, which woke him up.


    ''What the hell happened?'' he thought as his head spun.


    Seconds later, the vulture-like monster appeared in his vision, causing him to jump out of his skin before casting Lightningfire Blast at it. The sudden attack destroyed the Carrionwraith and sent its corpse tumbling off the ledge.


    Raegar jolted upright, his arms throbbing with pain, a grunt escaping him as he struggled to his feet. His eyes darted around, quickly taking in his surroundings. ''''Damn, above the swamp! This place is turning into a bloody nightmare,'''' he muttered under his breath.


    Just then more Carrionwraiths screeched, causing him to jump down the mountain using Flash Step to reach solid ground. Once reaching the swamp, nothing attacked, allowing him to relax for a second.


    While sitting down, he pulled out his waterskin and downed some cold water, which made him feel better as he had a dry mouth. Moments later, explosions rang out in the distance, causing his gaze to snap in that direction.


    ''''Looks like the group are looking for me,'''' he mumbled. ''''Let''s head in their direction.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 64: Capable Of Taking Us All On

    Raegar started traveling across the swamp while dodging the screeching birds that tried attacking him by swooping down whenever he was out in the open, which started annoying him in the end.


    He used Stormfire Bullets into the swarm of monsters, causing the projectiles to pierce through their bodies. After his counter attack on the birds, they left him alone, and following that, it took an hour to reach the others who were fighting a group of devils.


    Off to the side, another enemy was controlling a pack of Hell Hounds as Tarrin, Orin, Lyra and Elaris surrounded an injured man. His interest was caught as the newcomer was dressed like a Devil Hunter, clutching a missing arm.


    ''So that''s one of the two that entered,'' he thought while readying his daggers with an excited smile. ''I wonder where the other person is?''


    Raegar leapt from the treetops before launching himself forward with a burst of speed as he hurled his weapons. The blades whistled through the air embedding themselves in the skulls of two enemies, while the rest of the fiends snapped their heads toward him.


    ''''There''s the devil killer!'''' the biggest enemy screamed in a barely understandable language, but the fear was clear.


    The Hell Hounds kept Tallin and the others busy while the devils rushed in his direction, causing him to crouch low as his daggers appeared in his hand. Raegar stood there as the closest enemy closed in on him.


    One of the creatures swung its massive hammer at him, but he used Flash Step, vanishing in an instant to reappear behind it. With a thrust, he drove his blade deep into its heart, causing it to spit out a mouthful of blood before dropping dead.


    Seconds later, he fired a Stormfire Bullet at an incoming sword, sending it spinning off to the side. Raegar sprang into action, swiftly driving his blade through the second devil''s throat before slashing across in a fluid motion.


    With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast that hurled it backward, crashing into its companions. A wild laugh escaped him as he wove through the group faster than any of them could react, his daggers gleamed in a blur, blood spraying in all directions.


    Using the creatures as stepping stones, he vaulted and spun, turning their numbers into his playground. Raegar tore across the battlefield like a storm, his body became a blur as he danced between the enemy ranks.


    With a wicked grin, he leaped into the air, twisting mid-leap to hurl a dagger that buried itself hilt-deep in the eye of a snarling devil. The creature barely had time to howl before he landed atop its crumpling body, using it as a springboard to propel himself skyward again.


    The enraged devil''s swung their weapons in vain, their claws raking empty air where Raegar had been mere heartbeats before. His speed was a storm they couldn''t weather, too swift, too precise.


    He flickered into existence behind another foe, twin blades flashing as they carved through its spine in a spray of blood. With a kick, he sent the corpse tumbling into its kin, toppling two more in a tangle of thrashing limbs.


    Lightning crackled along his daggers as he spun, unleashing a Lightningfire Blast that roared forth in a searing arc. The blast slammed into a cluster of devils, igniting their flesh and hurling them back in a smoking heap.


    Raegar laughed, a wild sound that echoed over the chaos, as he leapt again, bounding off a devil''s shoulder to plunge his blades into the skull of another mid-roar. Blood painted the air in crimson arcs, the ground slick with the carnage of his handiwork.


    The enemies couldn''t hope to match him or his speed. One lunged with a massive axe, only for Raegar to sidestep in a flicker of Flash Step, reappearing at its flank to sever its arm with a single slice.


    Before it could scream, he was gone again, already airborne, daggers gleaming like fangs as he descended upon his next prey. He was a phantom of slaughter, untouchable and unrelenting, weaving through the battlefield.


    They fell in droves while his laughter rang out, a triumphant anthem over the symphony of their demise. As Raegar butchered the devils, the adults watched him with wide eyes as he moved like a ghost.


    ''''That''s the first Tetraarch that''s awoken in a long time and he happens to be the fastest Spellblade I''ve ever met,'''' Orin commented with wide eyes.


    The group nodded in unison, but their jaws dropped when Tarrin unveiled a revelation that sent a jolt through them. ''''By the time the boy''s eighteen, he''ll be capable of taking us all on, four against one and come out on top. The kid''s power is surging, and we''ve only been with him a few days.''''


    Meanwhile, Raegar carved through the last of the devils, reveling in their deaths with a savage glee that twisted his lips into a wicked grin. Blood dripped from his blades as he locked eyes with their leader, pointing a dagger at the fiend.


    His voice rumbled with menace as he bellowed, ''''Your turn!''''


    Following that, he burst forward like a rocket before using Flash Step to vanish from the leader''s sight and slashed the devil''s ankles which sent it stumbling forward before hitting it with a Lightningfire Blast.


    The spell washed over the enemy, but he felt his Aether running low because of how much he used, causing him to grit his teeth while thinking. ''Shit! This is bad!''


    Moments later, the leader spun around and flung several spells at Raegar, who used Flash Step to dodge before attacking again, but thanks to the exhaustion that was starting to show, was slowly down, allowing the devil to land a devastating kick against his chest.


    Raegar felt his ribs break as he slammed into a tree before collapsing to the ground as the devil leader rushed at him and swung the hammer, causing his eyes to widen, but someone appeared to block the strike.


    Orin let out a thunderous roar as the blow cracked his shield, yet the towering bear of a man stood unshaken. He glanced down at Raegar with a wry smile curling his lips as the devil leader was surprised by his sudden appearance.


    ''''Stupid kid, always charging in headfirst,'''' he rumbled, ''''But I suppose that''s why I''m here, to keep you from breaking yourself in this nightmarish place.''''


    Just after that, Tarrin moved in and attacked the devil along with Elaris who attacked the enemy with fire magic to keep it away from him. Moments later Lyra''s smiling face appeared above him as she started healing the injuries that built up across his body.


    ''''Thank you for helping us Rae,'''' she said as the laceration closed. ''''The devils would have killed some of us with their leader''s help.''''


    Raegar waved her away just as Elaris joined them and quickly hugged him while speaking in a relieved voice. ''''Thank god you''re okay. When that foul beast kicked you, we thought you were done for kid.''''


    He chuckled before pulling himself free from the blue-haired woman and answered as he shook his head. ''''We''re a team and should help each other out, but now let me help the guys with the leader.''''


    Following that, Raegar drank two Aether Potions which made him feel sick but he ignored it and blasted forward while circling the fiend. Once behind, he lunged toward it before jamming his blade into the neck of the creature.


    The devil leader unleashed a guttural roar, lunging to seize Tarrin in its grasp, but Tarrin struck first, his blade biting deep into the creature''s sinewy arm. The severed muscles slackened, leaving the limb dangling uselessly.


    Enraged, the enemy lashed out in a frenzy, slamming Raegar aside with a wild swing. Raegar hit the ground hard, skidding across the dirt, while Orin seized the moment, gaining the upper hand against the thrashing beast.


    The bear man slashed its other arm before headbutting the enemy, causing a boom to ring out. Tarrin rushed in and cut through the muscles in the devil''s legs that brought it down just as two daggers pierced its eyes.


    Raegar watched the fiend drop dead as the battlefield went quiet, as Lyra rushed over to the Devil Hunter who was barely alive. The elf woman cast her healing magic, which he watched as a soft green glow appeared and the man''s arm regrew.


    Following that, he summoned his dagger before drinking a stamina potion while collecting some of the cores as the others picked up the rest. Once that was done, he looked up and noticed the fake stars looked like the ones outside.


    ''So beautiful but strange,'' he pondered while cleaning his weapons. ''A pocket dimension maybe?''


    While thinking to himself, Tarrin''s voice rang out. ''''I remember there''s a Safe Room nearby. Let''s get some rest before continuing.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 65: Shut It You Little Shit

    When Raegar and the others heard Tarrin''s words, they agreed before heading toward it while Orin picked up the unconscious hunter. Twenty minutes later, he was sitting in front of a fire while biting into a piece of campfire bread.


    ''''That was a close call with the devil leader,'''' Elaris said as she sat down next to him. ''''They usually lead small groups of fiends to raid settlements or dungeons.''''


    He looked at the blue-haired woman and nodded. ''''Yes it was but the thing got lucky when kicking me.''''


    The duo of them sat in a peaceful silence as the fire crackled and the other three tended to the Devil Hunter who was still out cold. Raegar looked at him only to sense he was on the high end of Tier two.


    Following that, he scanned Elaris and went wide-eyed when realizing she was a Tier Three mage with a large Aether Pool that he could sense. After her, he turned to the elf Lyra who was busy casting a healing spell.


    ''Lower end of Tier Three,'' he pondered as his gaze landed on Orin. ''Tier Four! Fucking hell, he''s strong.''


    Raegar shook his head and looked at Tarrian, who was the strongest out of the four adults, ''Must be in mist while Orin is in the Vapour level.''


    While watching the others, Tarrin and Orin joined them with sighs as the bear man looked at him with a serious look. ''''That''s a Tier Three hunter, whatever attacked him is stronger than us.''''


    When Tarrin and Elaris heard this, their eyes went wide, causing the blonde to speak. ''''We should get out of here and ask for a Tier Five warrior to join the Strike Squad?''''


    The others agreed as Lyra approached the group, but a horrible aura washed over the ninth floor followed by a menacing voice. ''''You''re going nowhere!''''


    Seconds later, the stranger targeted Raegar, who paled when feeling the aura. ''Tier Four! And the top end of it! We''re screwed,'' he thought.


    ''''Tetraarch. Come fight me, I want to put these rumors of you being a Devil Killer to the test,'''' the voice said before fading away.


    Raegar swallowed hard, his hands trembling as nerves gripped him, but Lyra stepped in close, wrapping him in a reassuring hug. ''''You''ve got this, kid. We all believe in you. To prove it, stop holding back, unleash your aura and direct it at Orin. Focus.''''


    ''''Okay. I''ll do it,'''' he replied and released the mental block that he taught himself to constantly keep up.


    His aura surged forth like a tsunami, an overwhelming wave of power that crashed through the room. The others froze, their bodies tensing as the force washed over them. Eyes turned to him, wide with surprise.


    Tarrin spoke up, his brow furrowed. ''''Why does it feel like a predator''s presence? And yet, I can tell you''re only a Tier One Spellblade, what''s with that?''''


    ''''It''s because I can wield all eight elements, plus the others,'''' he explained, his voice calm as he channeled his power toward Orin. ''''Grandfather said it''s due to everything I''ve been through, those experiences have forged my aura far beyond a typical Tier One.''''


    The bear-like man suddenly stiffened, his massive body locking up under the pressure, causing pain to shoot through his body. With a strained growl, he shattered the hold, but it backfired on Raegar, causing him to grit his teeth.


    ''''That was terrifying coming from someone so young,'''' Orin commented while wiping the sweat off his brow


    Following that, Lyra approached before revealing the hunter''s condition with a concerned expression. ''''He''s stable but we need to get him to the Hearthglow Temple. I think there is some devil poison lingering in the arm.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his curiosity was piqued, causing him to question. ''''What''s this poison?''''


    Tarrin looked at him. ''''Sometime certain fiends leave behind suvernoirs for their victims and when their bodies are handled the poison spreads to the helpers which causes a plague if not healed,'''' he answered.


    ''''Sounds nasty,'''' he mumbled before the group got some rest.


    Raegar set up his tent because the blazing sun above was getting on his nerves and wanted some shade. Orin suggested they stay there until morning so everyone can gather and recover from the previous fight.


    Once inside, he curled into a tight ball, the cool air sweeping over him like a soothing balm. Relief flooded his senses, easing the tension from his body as he settled into the comforting chill.


    Hours passed as the Safe Rooms campfire crackled and Boggart roars echoed across the ninth floor. By the time Raegar woke up, he felt refreshed but noticed his Aether Pools were nearly empty.


    ''Damn, I need to join the academy,'' he thought while pulling out a waterskin from his magic bag.


    Raegar took a mouthful of cold water which woke him up before he settled down and started meditating. Moments later, he felt the Aether being pulled into his body as his focus deepened and he was in the zone.


    Thanks to the dungeon and its endless supply of energy, his pools were being filled. Even the largest one he didn''t know what was for was gathering Aether. An unknown amount of time passed and Tarrin''s voice echoed from outside.


    ''''Kid! We''re ready to move out,'''' he said in an annoyed tone. ''''Get your ass out here so we can complete this mission and get drunk.''''


    Raegar''s eyes opened as he retorted. ''''I''m coming old man.''''


    ''''Shut it you little shit,'''' the blonde said with a chuckle.


    Following that, the group packed up and continued through the ninth floor after making sure the Devil Hunter would be fine in the Safe Room, but this time Raegar was up front waiting to fight monsters.


    Some time later, they emerged onto grasslands stretching toward the mountains. As they walked, Raegar channeled lightning Aether into his daggers. The blades hummed to life, blue sparks dancing along their edges.


    Moments later, his senses exploded causing him to use Flash Step when a Boggart''s fist slammed into the spot he was just in. Raegar reacted instantly, and threw his daggers at the creatures that appeared from a nearby stream.


    The sharp blades pierced their faces and the lightning surged through their bodies causing them to burn. Moments later, he summoned the weapons before slicing through the back of a Boggart''s legs, bringing down as a Fire Bolt blew its head into bits.


    Raegar looked over as Elaris winked at him while killing more creatures. With a burst of speed, he dashed forward while casting Enhancement magic, leaping over a massive fist, so fast it left the beast bewildered.


    Seizing the moment, he hurled his dagger, the blade streaking through the air and slamming into its head. Blood sprayed as the weapon struck true as Raegar pressed forward while the group dispatched the hulking humanoids.


    Now facing the final one, he charged as it unleashed a roar, its fists slamming into the ground. Raegar grinned, unfazed, and cast Flash Step. In an instant, he materialized beside the monster, his daggers crackling with fire and lightning Aether.


    Moments later, he plunged the blades into the Boggard''s flesh, then triggered a deafening explosion. The creature''s legs were blown off, causing it to crash to the ground as he stabbed it through the skull as lightning burned it from the inside out.


    While he basked in the after-fight peace, the others appeared as he let out a sigh before cleaning off his blades. ''''What are you doing weirdo?'''' Tarrin commented. ''''Are you becoming a battle junkie after a few days?''''


    Raegar looked at the older man with a smirk while answering. ''''Maybe? I do love fighting after all.''''


    Following that, they continued until arriving at the mountain pass that was dark and covered in mist. He looked at this place before mumbling. ''''This place will be annoying to travel through.''''


    The four adults agreed as Lyra spoke while glancing around. ''''Mountain Trolls and spiders lingering in the shadows while Goblins are known to linger here.''''


    Raegar nodded before the four stepped onto the path as the mist enveloped them, and he felt on edge. ''This is the worst part of this damn dungeon, the air feels wrong,'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    They continued until Orin suddenly appeared in front of him while bracing his shield before whispering something as a shield covered them just as a wave of shoddy areas slammed into the translucent barrier.


    He was confused but started hearing the excited screeching as a horde of Goblins rushed out of the mist. Raegar smiled before casting Hydra Blades made from stone and threw them into the crowd.


    Within seconds, they cut into the creatures while he controlled the projectiles that killed hundreds, causing blood to rain down as the Goblins were confused and tried to avoid the blades.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 66: Blindsided me

    Raegar smiled before dropped his hand forcing the Aether weapons to cut through the Goblins'' legs and torsos. This continued for another ten minutes until the last monster dropped dead thanks to the others.


    He dismissed the Hydra Blades while smirking as Lyra giggled at him. ''''Show off,'''' she teased.


    Following that, the group continued through the mountains for days while fighting more Goblins and wolves that tried ambushing them, but Orin quickly killed them with three swings of his hammer, causing the monsters to explode.


    The next enemy made Raegar''s skin crawl as dog-sized arachnids launched themselves off a ledge above them, forcing him to cast Stormfire Bullets that peppered the creatures. When they connected several explosions erupted.


    Elaris quickly cast Firestorm that blocked the creepy monsters from getting any closer as her flames turned them to ash and returned them to the dungeon. While this happened, he made sure to stay away from the horrible spiders.


    ''Damn things, I can''t get a break from them,'' he pondered while throwing his daggers at two more that were charging at him.


    Soon afterward, the attacking beasts were dead and everyone had their loot before continuing through the misty pathway. Raegar wasn''t bothered as he scouted ahead while killing even more.


    The adults were confused as a dozen monster bodies dropped from the sky, only to see him using the corpses as stepping stones, earning a laugh from the group as he reappeared in front of Orin with a smirk.


    ''''The path to the next Safe Room is clear. I killed many on the way there and back,'''' he said while summoning his daggers.


    ''''Good kid, but stop rushing off like that,'''' the bear man warned while walking past him with a friendly smile.


    After half an hour of trekking, they reached the Safe Room and took the last chance to rest before hitting the tenth floor. Raegar decided to prepare a slab of monster meat while Tarrin was telling tales of his homeland, where he fought bandits from his family''s farm.


    While the food was cooking, he started gathering Aether to recover what he used while traveling through the mountains. Some time passed and the aroma of cooked meat reached his nose, making his stomach growl.


    He opened his eyes and tore into his meal as the others slumbered around him, their soft breaths a quiet contrast to his solitary feast. The stillness caught him off guard, but he shrugged it off, savoring the succulent, juicy meat with relish.


    Once satisfied, he wiped his hands and set up his tent with ease thanks to all the times he''s done it since being dropped in Bloodfang Forest. Afterward he slipped inside and settled into the cozy confines, letting the exhaustion pull him into a deep, comfortable sleep.


    Hours passed until Raegar woke up as Orin kicked his tent while chuckling. ''''Come on, let''s go deal with the Devil Lord so we can get out of here. I want to see the sunlight after so long.''''


    ''''You mean I have to go fight it while you hold off its minions?'''' he answered while climbing out of the tent.


    ''''You''re the Devil Killer, not us kid and the hunters have vanished it seems,'''' the older man answered.


    Following that, the group packed up and continued through the mountains only to reach the path that led to the boss''s floor, which they turned onto. Suddenly it widened into a primitive forest.


    This confused him as the others appeared behind him and Elaris commented in a wary tone. ''''I remember this place but it''s got thicker thanks to the devils.''''


    While everyone searched for a trail, the ground suddenly shook as a massive troll jumped out. Raegar stumbled back as the towering creature loomed over him. Moments later, its aura washed over them allowing him to find out what tier it was.


    ''''Higher end of Tier Three! It''s strong,'''' he mumbled while gripping his weapons tighter.


    The troll swung the giant club, but he reacted instantly and dove beneath it, rolling to his feet as he coated his daggers with explosive fire Aether and hurled them at the monster''s face, the blades whistling through the air.


    Raegar started weaving through the monster''s wild swings, his eyes tracking the daggers as they sank deep into the troll''s skull with a sickening crunch. Flames erupted from the wounds, licking across its flesh, yet to his horror, the beast didn''t falter.


    He watched as it roared in agony, its burning hide only fueling the rage. He lunged back, desperate to escape a swing of its giant hand, when he cleared enough space another troll appeared from nearby, the ground trembling under its mammoth weight.


    ''Fuck another one!'' he thought while casting Flash Step to get out of the way.


    Moments later, Orin and Tarrin appeared before attacking the trolls, allowing Raegar to kill the injured one by using his magic to blow its brain apart. Thanks to Aether overuse, he needed to rest.


    ''''Lucky I have these things,'''' he muttered while taking out two potions, tipping them back in quick succession, the liquid restoring his strength.


    Lyra appeared with her hands glowing as she cast a revitalization spell, a warm surge of Aether washing over him, lifting the fog of fatigue. ''''Thank you,'''' he earnestly said. ''''Those trolls blindsided me in that damned mist.''''


    The elf woman giggled. ''''Yes it brought them out allowing us to kill the damn things,'''' she commented.


    Afterward, the party pressed onward, Raegar now sticking close to his companions as he learned his lesson. Together, they faced the Mountain Trolls whenever the beasts appeared on their journey.


    Raegar quickly learned that they can burn, forcing him to unleash a lethal blend of lightning and fire. Jagged bolts crackled from his hands, searing the air, while flames roared forth, engulfing the beasts.


    The combined assault shattered the trolls, reducing them to smoldering husks as the group stood victorious amidst the chaos. An hour later, he spotted the entrance in the distance as Tarrin stopped them before a serious expression appeared on his face.


    ''''We will deal with the devils and keep them off the kids'' back while he fights the lord. It''s clear the boss wants him and not us,'''' he said with determination while looking at the bear man. ''''We look out for each other. Especially you, Orin, watch out for him.''''


    Orin agreed along with everyone while he readied his daggers as they started descending the staircase, only to appear in a large arena, which made up the tenth floor. ''It''s massive, you could have a full scale battle in here,'' he thought while glancing around.


    A chilling wave of dread, the same evil aura they''d sensed earlier, crept over them like a shroud, prickling their skin with icy tendrils. Raegar''s breath hitched, his hands trembling violently, fingers twitching beyond his command.


    Tarrin''s steady hand clamped onto his shoulder, grounding him as the older man''s voice cut through the tension. "Your hands are shaking, kid, they''re damn near wild."


    ''''Yeah, I''m scared shitless, old man,'''' Raegar shot back, his voice raw with honesty, eyes wide. ''''What do you expect when we''re staring down this monster?''''


    ''''Being scared isn''t a bad thing, without fear I would have never made it this far Rae,'''' Tarrin said while pushing him forward with a confident expression. ''''But I know one thing and that is you''ll defeat this beast, now go out there and show him what you can do.''''


    Raegar steeled his resolve as the Devil Lord appeared in the center and stared at him with hate-filled eyes while two daggers appeared in its hand before pointing directly at him as its aura went haywire.


    ''''Today devil killer, you die,'''' the creature said in a menacing tone. ''''Come fight me!''''


    ''Fusion Overdrive is my last resort,'' he pondered while glancing up. ''A dark sky, this could work if I use that.''


    Moments later, he looked at the adults and spoke while holding his nerves. ''''Create chaos and cover the battlefield with dust. I have an idea to take out the Devil Lord.''''


    ''''Go get ''em, kid!'''' Orin bellowed, his grin wide and fierce, brimming with unshakable faith. ''''Show us what our Spellblade is made of, we''ve got your back!''''


    Tarrin, Elaris, and Lyra nodded in unison, their eyes alight with resolve. Emboldened, Raegar summoned his magic, casting an Enhancement that powered up his body, giving him more strength.


    Raegar channeled lightning Aether into his daggers, the blades humming to life with a sharp, electric buzz. He dropped into a crouch, arms folded like a coiled predator, ready to strike, the energy sparking wickedly along the edges of his weapons.


    ''Now let''s show this devil what I can do,'' he mused while dashing forward so fast that he created afterimages.


    The group sprang into action, clashing with the lesser devils in a flurry of steel and spellfire, leaving Raegar to face the towering lord alone. He lunged forward, daggers blazing as he aimed a vicious strike at its legs.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 67: Titanfall

    Raegar watched as the Devil Lord reacted with unnatural speed, parrying his attacks that met his in a screeching clash. Sparks erupted in a blinding cascade, showering the ground around them.


    ''Oh shit! This is getting bad!'' he thought as panic welled up inside before using Flash Step to get away from it.


    The fiend rushed forward with a smug grin and swung the massive sword, but he ducked under it, feeling the air to brush against his face as it passed above him, making his hair stand on end.


    When coming back up, he hit the enemy with a Lightningfire Blast, which made it roar in annoyance, and it started lashing out by swinging at him. He quickly jumped back and skidded before casting Hydra Blades, made from fire and wind.


    The enemy charged at him once again, forcing him to throw the projectiles. They wizzed through the air, closing in on the fiend who attempted to block the attack. Raegar controlled them to drop and slice through its side, but they were just side stepped.


    ''''It dodged it!'''' he muttered with wide eyes.


    He watched as the fiend destroyed the blades with a crushing swing, forcing him to rush in to fight. The unfolding clash is the fiercest battle Raegar had ever faced, a brutal storm that shoved him past his breaking point.


    The devil''s onslaught tore into him, each strike a searing agony as lacerations appeared all over his body, yet he cast the pain aside. With a straight face, he traded blows with the enemy, their collisions unleashing shockwaves that shot outward.


    He used his skills and the Hydra Blades, but the fiend either dodged them or destroyed the projectiles with ease, causing him to mumble in panic as the fear gripped hold of him. ''''There''s barely doing anything! What the fuck should I do!''''


    The tide turned as the Devil Lord surged with unholy speed, overwhelming Raegar in a storm of power. Blow after merciless blow rained down, each one a thunderous hammer that battered his body beyond anything he felt with his grandfather.


    Bruised and broken, he staggered under the onslaught, his strength failing him as the fiend''s fury overwhelmed him. With a final, earth-shaking strike, the devil punched him to the ground like a ragdoll.


    Raegar crashed hard, the impact splitting the earth, he coughed up blood as his vision blurred, but that''s when a memory came to mind, while the enemy approached. During one training session Griffin went rough and hit him with powerful attacks which rocked his body.


    By the time the fight was over, he dropped to the ground, bloodied and broken bones. The old man stood over him before crouching down with a smirk. ''''You can''t give up now boy! Do you want to learn the secret of how I''ve defeated stronger opponents?''''


    He nodded, prompting his grandfather to reveal with a big smile. ''''To beat them, all you have to do is get back up and keep hitting until you''re the only one remaining on your feet.''''


    When remembering that advice, Raegar''s determination exploded as he used his Aether to shoot toward the Devil Lord and summoned his daggers before stabbing it through the arm, setting off the fusion.


    ''''Take this!'''' he roared.


    Moments later, a volatile blend of fire and wind erupted into an explosion, shredding the surrounding devils, but something felt off as he spotted the lord smiling at him without a scratch.


    Raegar panicked and tried to move but it was too late as its fist slammed into his chest. The abrupt impact hurled him backward, slamming him into the arena''s wall with a nauseating crunch.


    Blood sprayed from his mouth as he crumpled to the ground. Seeing this, Tarrin charged at the devil with unbridled fury. ''''Get up, Raegar and fight! Don''t you dare give up now!'''' he shouted while trying to keep the enemy away.


    The devil lord lunged at the blonde, unleashing a mana infused slash, but two projectiles streaked through the air, hitting the fiend''s arms and throwing the attack wide. As the blow veered off course, the enemy glanced up, a sinister smile curling across its face.


    Raegar stood defiant, blood-streaked and bruised yet unbroken, drawing a proud smile from Tarrin as he turned to assist the others. His glowing red eyes locked onto the enemy, Aether crackling off him like wildfire.


    In an instant, he vanished, reappearing behind the devil and driving a solid punch into its back. The sheer force sent the enemy tumbling forward. As it staggered, his voice cut through the air.


    ''''I''ve trained my entire life to fight and grow stronger. You may be Tier Three, but I''m a Tetraarch Devil Killer and you''re certainly a devil,'''' he commented with a smirk.


    After Raegar spoke, he channeled every ounce of Aether into his fists as the devil lord whirled around, throwing a ferocious punch, but he ducked beneath the swing. Springing upward, he unleashed a Fusion Punch.


    ''''With the power I have, I''ll kill you right here and now!'''' he roared, his voice echoing as the explosive force erupted.


    When his attack slammed into the fiend, the force took it by surprise as it was sent flying forward, just as Orin appeared out of nowhere and slammed his hammer into the devil lord''s back.


    An explosion shattered the air, sending a dust cloud over the arena, causing the others to stop fighting, but as the dust settled seconds later, Raegar noticed the fiend was pummeling the bear-man, who had been hopelessly outmatched in the brutal assault.


    ''Shit! I need to help!'' he thought just as Tarrin''s fury ignited, and he hurled himself at the devil lord, his sword slashing through the air.


    The creature evaded each swing with ease, a mocking grin curling its lips as it taunted Raegar while battering away the sword. ''''Why do you burden yourself with these weak warriors boy?'''' it sneered.


    After speaking, the devil lord struck, overpowering the older man and sent his unconscious form hurtling into Elaris with a yelp, who had been mid-cast but was taken out as she crumpled under her lover''s weight.


    Raegar charged forward to block the devil lord as it turned toward Lyra with a menacing expression. The elf woman bravely stepped up to face the fiend, but her defiance proved futile against its overwhelming might.


    The fiend was suddenly struck by Orin who struggled to stand, giving Raegar enough time to cast Titanfall before sending it flying into the air. He used wind Aether to control it while it targeted the enemy.


    In a sudden burst of speed, he surged forward, summoning the Hydra Blades and hurled the spectral weapons at the devil lord, their razor edges slicing through the air and driving the creature back.


    Relentless, he pressed his assault, each strike aimed to draw the fiend away from the adults, which was successful as he pulled its attention onto himself. The enemy went crazy and started swinging in wild arcs.


    Raegar evaded the devil lord''s onslaught and he parried most of the strikes. He blocked all but one, deliberately letting a blow slip through. The impact launched him backward through the air, a fierce grin spreading across his face.


    As he soared, he released his grip on Titanfall, letting the metal rod plummet. It struck the devil lord, erupting like a nuclear detonation. The shockwaves hurled everyone outward, the adults crashing hard against the arena''s barriers.


    Raegar plunged his blades into the stone floor, rooting himself. Minutes passed before the arena''s quaking subsided, though the fiend''s aura still pressed against him, its overwhelming presence now a flickering shadow of itself.


    His eyes sharpened as they locked onto the devil lord emerging from the smoky crater, its body ravaged and covered in blood that stained the ground, with an arm gone and eye gouged out.


    Rage contorted its ruined face as it staggered forward, then rushed at him with feral desperation. He felt the devil''s power suddenly flared abruptly, a searing dark energy surging from its broken form.


    Its aura crackled as it lunged toward Raegar. The air itself seemed to warp around the fiend as it moved, faster than the eye could track, a blur of shadowy vengeance. He barely had time to brace himself before the onslaught began.


    The devil lord''s remaining fist slammed into him with bone-shattering force, striking his chest, then his jaw, then his ribs in a relentless shower of blows. Each hit landed before he could register the last, the creature''s speed defying perception.


    Raegar tried to pivot, to counter, but the fiend was unrelenting. A vicious uppercut sent him staggering back, blood trickling from his split lip, his vision swimming as the devil lord pressed its savage advantage, its ruined face twisted with triumphant spite.


    He sank to one knee, his body trembling from the immense drain of Aether coursing through him. Amid the exhaustion, a flicker of awareness sparked, he still had just enough left to unleash his final gambit.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 68: Only The Strongest Survive

    Raegar looked at the incoming Devil Lord as the terror welled up inside him, but he ignored it while thinking as he wiped the blood from his lips. ''I need to get stronger so this doesn''t happen again!''


    He shook his head and activated his special ability. ''''Fusion Overdrive!''''


    The arena fell silent, as the world''s Aether surged into Raegar''s battered form. It roared through his veins like a tempest, catapulting him from Tier One to the towering might of a Tier Four warrior in an instant.


    ''''I''ve felt death already! I won''t experience it ever again!'''' he roared in pure defiance. ''''I''ll grow strong enough to kill even more of you!''''


    This was an ascension born from the dire situation he found himself in, and something answered. His body screamed under the strain, pushed to its breaking point, blood gushing from his wounds in torrents.


    He felt his muscles bulge and split, veins rupturing beneath his skin as the power coursed through him, far beyond what any mortal frame could endure. Blood sprayed from his eyes and mouth, his bones creaking under the strain, shards of pain lancing through every fiber of his being.


    Raegar''s left arm hung limp, shredded by the power''s recoil, while crimson rivers streamed from his nose and ears, staining the cracked arena floor. His eyes blazed with unyielding fire, a snarl twisting his bloodied lips.


    Moments later he let out a feral, earth-shaking roar that shook everything around them. He then exploded forward, his speed a blinding force that shattered the ground beneath him. As he closed the gap, his voice thundered, ''''Fusion Smash!''''


    Seconds later, his fist crashed into the Devil Lord''s face with a deafening clap that silenced the world. The fiend rocketed across the arena. But like a typhoon, he tore through the battlefield, a whirlwind of death.


    Every remaining enemy was cut down, crushed, obliterated, he left nothing standing in his wake. He ripped them apart with his bare hands and crushed others'' heads just as the devil lord got up.


    Raegar thrust a trembling, bloody finger at the devil lord, his eyes igniting with the ferocious glow of the eight elements. His voice bellowed in a rage that shook the air. ''''With this power I have you''ll die here, I''ll rip you to pieces with my own hands!''''


    Channeling every last drop of Aether into his fist, he surged forward, a blazing meteor hurtling toward the near-dead fiend. His fully charged Fusion Punch landed with apocalyptic force.


    The devil''s heart suddenly detonated in a gory eruption, half its body disintegrating into a void of nothingness. But in its death throes, the creature''s remaining fist lashed out, piercing Raegar''s stomach.


    Blood sprayed, yet a manic grin split his face. ''''RAAAH! I''M NOT DONE YET! ONLY THE STRONGEST SURVIVE IN THIS WORLD!'''' he screamed, fury exploding from his core.


    Reeling back, he slammed his forehead into the devil''s skull, again and again, shockwaves rippling outward, fracturing the dungeon itself. Still, it wasn''t enough as his daggers appeared in his hands.


    With a feral snarl, Raegar abandoned all restraint, his blades flashing in a frenzied storm of wild stabs before they were sent flying. Then, casting caution aside, he sank his teeth into the fiend''s throat.


    He savagely tore it free, dark blood erupting in a gruesome arc covering him from head to toe. The Devil Lord staggered, then collapsed, its lifeless body hitting the ground with a final thud.


    Raegar towered over it for a fleeting moment, blood-drenched, broken, but triumphant before as he muttered. ''''I''m finally getting strong enough to protect my family and Yuki.''''


    Moments later, his strength gave out, and he crumpled to the shattered earth as darkness consumed him.


    ***


    ''''Did you just see that Tarrin! The world favors him,'''' Orin said in amazement. ''''Just like the legends!''''


    The blonde man nodded as Lyra healed his broken arm. ''''That kid is something else, that was Tier Five power but what did it cost him,'''' he said with worry laced in his voice.


    Seconds later, Elaris''s desperate voice cut through the chaos. ''''Lyra! Get over here now and heal Rae, it''s bad, real bad!''''


    The group bolted toward him, their footsteps faltering as they saw him. Raegar was like a shattered monument, lacerations crisscrossed his flesh, deep slashes gaped wide, and grotesque wounds oozed rivers of blood that pooled at his feet.


    His breaths rasped, ragged and shallow, yet his one remaining eye still burned with defiant fire. Lyra stumbled forward, her hands trembling as she summoned her healing magic while mumbling her incantations.


    Golden light flared from her palms, weaving over his ravaged form. Some of the shallower cuts began to knit closed, but the deeper wounds resisted, dark and unyielding. Panic surged in her chest, her voice breaking as she cried out.


    ''''I can''t heal him! The damage, it''s too much!'''' Horror etched her face as the realization sank in


    Just then a portal opened in the center of the arena as a dozen people rushed in only to stop when seeing them tending to Raegar. The first to speak was the Guild Master, whose voice echoed out. ''''Where''s the boy!''''


    Tarrin stood up while grimacing but still answered. ''''Over here! He needs a powerful healer.''''


    When Lisara heard this, her eyes widened in shock as she rushed over to the unconscious Raegar and gasped in horror at his appearance. Moments later, the elf woman spotted the dead devil lord.


    ''''Did he kill that thing?'''' she pointed at the corpse in disbelief.


    ''''Yes,'''' Elaris answered, her voice trembling. ''''It was unreal, straight out of the ancient tales. He was on the brink of defeat, seconds from breaking, but then it was as if the world itself refused to let him fall.''''


    The blonde elf looked at the sleeping boy and continued. ''''The Aether surged into him, igniting his power to heights I''ve never seen, and he obliterated the devil lord like it was nothing while taking a bad wound to his stomach.''''


    Following that, Lisara scooped Raegar up before replying. ''''I''m taking him to the royal hospital in Ravengard City. It''s three days from here and I can call upon a Sky Eagle to help me but stick around Dreadshade City as the little shit will be back no doubt.''''


    When Tarrin and the others heard this, their eyes widened in surprise as Orin questioned with a hopeful expression. ''''Will the kid be okay Guild Master?''''


    ''''What has happened to you guys?'''' she said as they stepped through the portal only to appear in the street outside the entrance. ''''I didn''t think you''d care about the boy.''''


    They all laughed but Lyra explained while looking at the unconscious teenager. ''''He saved us a few times and was nice, plus he reminds us of Tarrin''s son.''''


    Lisara nodded in understanding. ''''Just stay here and I''ll leave him a message to return to the city when he''s healed, which should take a while,'''' she answered the bear man''s inquiry.


    After speaking, the older woman let out a loud shrill whistle, seconds later, a loud screech could be heard before a Sky Eagle landed in the middle of the street, making the guard commander protest. ''''Guild Master! You''re not allowed to summon tames in the city.''''


    Her gaze snapped to him with a death glare and warned the vampire. ''''Do you want to earn the ire of the Dawnfire Lion? Maybe the entire Von Carstein Family? This is the king''s special guest and I need to get him to Ravensguard.''''


    Just then Tarrin and Orin pushed the guard back, giving her the monster enough space to take off. The elf pushed the Sky Eagle to its limits as they flew south toward Ravengard City to try to save the boy.


    Lisara looked down and cringed when noticing every part of his body was scarred by the battle, causing her to mutter. ''''You''ll be badly scarred but there''s healers back in the empire that can repair the damage to your face.''''


    Following that, the eagle soared across the Nytheria Kingdom heading south to the Veil Strait that split their realm with the Lunathyr Kingdom in the west. It took Lisara twelve hours to reach the hospital, but the king had already ordered them to save the boy.


    When she landed in the courtyard, a dozen healers grabbed Raegar and dragged him inside to one of the private rooms where she followed behind. Once away from public eyes, they stripped the boy only to be shocked.


    The damage was intensive, but they quickly found out that the Devil''s poison was rampaging through his body and burning everything it touched. Lisara was ushered out of the room so they could focus.


    When the older woman was outside, she worried and panicked at the reaction of the royal family. She waited for days until a rider from the capital appeared and passed on a message to her about the boy''s grandfather.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 69: All Those Years Ago

    The news Lisara received was concerning, as it regarded the raging war in the north that was getting intense, as the whole south was in flames thanks to the enemy armies rampaging all over Dawnfire.


    She wanted to tell him and left a message next to the bed the hospital assigned to him, thanks to the king''s orders, who passed through two days after receiving the message, as he marched north to aid the empire against the demons and demi-humans.


    ''This is getting serious if the Lion is involved,'' she thought before she was summoned back to Dreadshade City because monster attacks were increasing.


    ***


    While Raegar was out cold and being tended to by the healers, he was dreaming of the time he and Yuki camped in the garden when he was six. He got the idea from a book by a famous explorer that he loved.


    The cat maid suggested they do it after finding out his love for it. She went around gathering all the needed stuff and took him outside as the dark clouds of the winter sky hung overhead, casting shadows over everything.


    ''''Won''t it be too cold?'''' he asked in a sweet voice.


    Yuki looked down with a smile. ''''Don''t worry young master. I will make sure you stay warm, I promised the Lady that I would look after you,'''' she explained.


    Following that, the duo set up a camp before the young woman set a blazing fire that lit up the surrounding darkness. Raegar noticed the Blackwood soldiers patrolling the edge of the garden.


    Yuki settled beside him with a gentle smile curved her lips. ''''Don''t let the darkness trouble you, young master. Mother always told me that the darkest nights bring about the brightest stars,'''' she said softly.


    She tilted her head upward, pointing to the vast sky. ''''They will emerge soon, bathing the world in their light. But do you want to hear something truly special to me?''''


    Raegar turned to her, his smile blooming as he leaned in, hanging on the cat maid''s every word. Her blue eyes sparkled with quiet conviction as she continued, her tone brimming with affection.


    ''''I believe, deep in my heart, that one day you''ll outshine every star up there. You''re destined for extraordinary places no one else could dream of reaching, and you''ll accomplish things the world thought impossible,'''' she revealed with a smile.


    Yuki turned to him and cupped his cheeks with a concern. ''''Continue fighting and never stop! Even if the world turns against you, I''ll be by your side! Stand your ground and fight young master!'''' she exclaimed.


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    Her blue eyes softened as she concluded. ''''Come back to me! You better return when you go to Bloodfang Forest! I don''t want to lose you.''''


    Confusion clouded Raegar''s mind at first, but then it hit him, a searing rush of devil poison coursing through his veins, burning like wildfire beneath his skin. Her words clicked into place, their weight sinking deep into his soul.


    Yuki''s unshakable faith in him sparked a wildfire of determination within Raegar, forging his wavering spirit into something unyielding. Around him, healers buzzed with desperate energy, their hands shimmering light as they poured their magic into his body.


    Even the mightiest mage in Ravensguard Hospital bent over him, brows furrowed in concentration as he battled the poison''s relentless spread. The man''s resolve began to waver, his hands trembling as hope dimmed, until a blinding light erupted from Raegar.


    A primal scream tore from his throat, raw and furious, as his Aether blazed to life. Limitless energy surged through him, incinerating the devil poison in a burst that left the room breathless.


    Gasps rippled through the healers, their wide eyes locked on the young man who defied death itself. The head healer felt the power causing him to drop the scroll he was clutching as he mumbled. ''''A Tetraarch! This boy is a Tetraarch Mage and obliterated the infamous poison!''''


    The other staff were shocked, but the door opened as King Vlad Von Carstein walked in dressed in his royal armor. Everyone knelt as Raegar sat up while rubbing his head. ''''What happened?'''' he muttered in a croaky voice.


    ''''Everyone out!'''' the king ordered as the royal guard ushered the healers out the room.


    Raegar turned toward the vampire and went wide-eyed. ''''Vlad, it''s been a while since we''ve seen each other. It''s good to see you,'''' he greeted the man he met long ago.


    ''''Human! Refer to the king with the respect he deserves!'''' a random man barked out.


    His eyes landed on the man but Vlad intervenes. ''''Geoff stand down! The Vaelthornes are personal friends of mine and this is the Lion''s favourite grandson, Raegar Blackwood, the first Tetraarch Mage in thousands of years and the White Devil of Bloodfang Forest.''''


    ''''I guess you would know that, considering those villages are in your kingdom,'''' Raegar chuckled just as Camilla Von Carstein walked in with a concerned expression.


    ''''Father, the demi-human army is advancing north of the Veil,'''' the young woman reported, her voice steady. ''''They''ll breach our kingdom''s borders in a day or two.''''


    Her gaze shifted, catching sight of him seated on the bed. Scars crisscrossed his body, a particularly jagged one tracing down the left side of his face. Her eyes widened, a flicker of shock betraying her composure.


    ''''Are you truly the same boy I knew all those years ago?'''' she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.


    Raegar smiled with a chuckle. ''''Yes and no? I''ve been through some shit in that forest and that damn dungeon,'''' he said before trembling.


    The overwhelming power imprinted on his very being, which made him pale, ''I beat him but at the cost of being mutilated until I see grandmother,'' he thought while clenching his fist.


    Before Camilla could answer, Vlad cut in, his features tightening with an apologetic wince. ''''The Guild Master meant to tell you herself, but she was summoned back to Dreadshade City. I''ve got bad news, prepare yourself, it''ll rile you up, so keep a lid on it. Whispers are spreading through Kaldorra that the Lion and his wife vanished in a fight with a Devil General in their province.''''


    ''''What?'''' Raegar''s mind stalled, his expression blank before he shook his head in denial. ''''Vanished? How could they just vanish? Grandfather is a titan, how could a devil overpower them?''''


    Vlad gave a helpless shrug, resting a steadying hand on his shoulder. ''''It''s as I said. They were locked in combat when a colossal explosion ripped across the battlefield. When the dust cleared, they were gone.''''


    Raegar sighed and felt his heartache but hoped they weren''t dead. He shook his head before asking. ''''How long until the academy tests in the empire?''''


    ''''Six months boy,'''' the older man replied. ''''We can have you stay in my palace here or we can give you passage on the Skyhavens, they leave the capital every few days.''''


    ''''I''m fine Vlad,'''' he replied while standing up and stretching his aching body. ''''I want to go back to the forest, it will take me three months to get to the academy.''''


    When the two vampires heard this confused expression plastered on their faces, moments later, Camilla questioned with a confused expression. ''''You''ve been asleep for nearly a week, your scarred and no doubt still hurting, why put yourself through that hell hole?''''


    Raegar shrugged before putting his armor on. ''''Training doesn''t stop because my grandparents have gone missing, I''ll slowly make my way north from here while fighting on my way.''''


    He summoned his daggers that materialized in his hands as Vlad started laughing. ''''You''re just like Griff when he was that age. Never gave up on growing stronger until he met Elysia and slowed down eventually.''''


    ''''Yes they are a strange couple,'''' he replied with a chuckle. ''''I''ll be fine, I survived against all the monsters in that damn place. Plus I want to go sell my loot in Dreadshade and say goodbye to the people I met there.''''


    Vlad nodded in understanding before getting ready to leave. ''''I''m glad that near death experience didn''t dent your determination to grow stronger, just be careful on the way north. The enemy armies are pillaging the land and attacking caravans on the Kingsway.''''


    ''''Fighting bandits and rogue soldiers is easier than that devil lord,'''' he replied with a shiver. ''''That thing was powerful and took a direct hit from one of my strongest spells.''''


    Following that, the older man said his goodbyes and left the room, but Camilla stopped causing Vlad to comment. ''''I''ll wait out Cam, be quick.''''


    When he walked out, the young woman turned to him with a smile and bowed her head. ''''I apologize for doubting you back then, Raegar. When Father told me you were in Ravensguard City after fighting a devil lord, I was impressed,'''' she said in a friendly tone.


    ''''No need to be sorry, I was just a kid back then with no experience of the world until I arrived in Bloodfang Forst,'''' he replied while the two of them walked out of the room. ''''I was going to lose, but thanks to my special ability, I saved myself and killed the devil.''''


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 Chapter 70: Hero In The East

    Raegar and Camilla were walking through the hospital, the vampire woman suddenly asked with a raised eyebrow. ''''Special ability? Mind telling me about it?''''


    He chuckled before answering with a cheeky smile while stepping outside and feeling the cold air brush against his skin. ''''Maybe I can tell you when we meet again, I have a feeling we''ll be meeting each other.''''


    The young woman let out a soft, teasing giggle, leaning in close until her breath brushed his ear. ''''Try to stay alive until then, hmm?'''' she whispered, her voice dripping with seduction. ''''If you manage it, I might just let you take me on a date... to catch up properly.''''


    A shiver raced down his spine as her exotic accent curled around her words, leaving his cheeks flushed with heat. He was about to reply but she darted off to catch up with Vlad, but not before tossing him a dazzling smile that lingered like a promise.


    ''Doesn''t seem like my new scar puts her off?'' he thought.


    Raegar chuckled and started making his way to the northern gate to travel back to Bloodfang Forest. While he did this, Vlad and Camilla were sitting in a carriage, prompting the older man to tease. ''''Didn''t know you fancied the Blackwood boy daughter.''''


    ''''I find him interesting father,'''' she admitted, watching the white-haired young man walk north. ''''He may be fifteen but there''s something about him that no other person his age has.''''


    While Vlad teased Camilla, Raeger exited Ravensguard City and started walking north while drinking health potions to relieve some of the ache plaguing his body. After trekking for a few hours, he grew tired and could only spot a Rest Stop in the distance.


    ''Is this like the random inn in the middle of nowhere trope?'' he mused while approaching the group of buildings. ''This better not be a hills have eyes situation.''


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    Raegar noticed it was a market with several shops serving all kinds of food. Merchants and travelers were shopping, but a distinct smell caught his attention, forcing him to follow the aroma until he arrived at a stall.


    It was selling all kinds of noodles, which smelled delicious, and an old man stood behind the counter with a friendly smile. ''''What can I do for you young warrior? Maybe some of my Duck Bang Noodles will give you a good ol'' kick,'''' he suddenly spoke in a cheery voice.


    He approached the stall and sat down while lowering his hood. ''''Give me the largest portion. Do you sell drinks? I''m bored with water, it''s the only thing I''ve had in a while.''''


    The old man chuckled as he took out a dark bottle and spoke. ''''This is Sake, a creation of the Sword Hero in the east.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened in shock. ''''Hero in the east? Who''s that?'''' he asked while taking the offered bottle.


    ''''Yes. An empire on the far east continent summoned a group of people a year ago who aided them in their time of need,'''' the stall owner revealed. ''''Now the Sword Hero creates stuff and has become a rich business woman.''''


    ''''I''m guessing ships come to Ravenguard City to trade with Kaldorra and the merchants spread the rumors? Also, how much for the meal?'''' he asked.


    The older man chuckled before nodding in agreement before answering. ''''Twenty silver young man.''''


    Raegar slid the coins across the counter, his eyes drifting to the bustle of the Rest Stop as more merchants trickled in, their voices mingling. Nytherian guards stood watch, their armored silhouettes stark against the weathered walls.


    Ten minutes later, a steaming bowl and a bottle of sake landed before him with a soft thud. ''''Here ya go, boy,'''' the old man grunted, a faint grin tugging at his grizzled face. ''''Enjoy the meal.''''


    He gave a nod and turned to his food, digging in as the sky outside darkened. The weather took a sharp turn, wind howling and rain slashing against the Rest Stop''s walls. He tucked the Sake in his magic bag before finishing his food.


    Raegar covered himself with his cloak before leaving after saying goodbye to the stall owner. He stepped onto the Kingways and started heading north as the rain battered the world around him.


    Wind howled as thunder boomed overhead. ''This is getting worse, I hate winter!'' he complained to himself.


    This continued for hours and Raegar was now soaking wet, he spotted a rundown homestead in the distance and headed toward it to get out of the storm. When he stepped inside, the rain stopped.


    ''''Finally,'''' he muttered while scanning the abandoned house and noticed it must have been empty for years as cobwebs covered everything.


    Raegar went around cleaning a spot for him before starting a fire to dry off, prompting him to sigh in relief. Hours later, he felt better and quickly cooked some monster meat as he set up his tent.


    After he ate and was resting inside the warm hideaway, he pulled out his magic map and realized Bloodfang Forest was still days away. ''Why do I have to travel through a forest to get there?'' he pondered in annoyance.


    Following that, he crawled under the sheets and soon fell asleep thanks to the hot air. The next morning he woke up to the cold air trying to invade the tent, but he raised his hand and summoned some fire Aether.


    The magic instantly heated the area and beat back the winter air. He stuck his head out and noticed the storm was in full force as the rain got even worse, which carried on for days, forcing him to stay inside.


    By the time it stopped, Raegar was getting bored and decided to continue even though a mist descended on Kaldorra. While walking, he noticed a column of soldiers marching north looking determined.


    ''Looks like they''re going to help Dawnfire Empire,'' he mused. ''I wonder if I''m going to have to attack some enemy soldiers.''


    Raegar continued for days until he arrived outside the southern part of Bloodfang Forest and sighed in relief when he stepped into the Green Hell. When he started traveling across the branches he felt at home.


    Without waiting he pressed on with his hunt toward Dreadshade City to check if Tarrin and the others had survived the Rank D Dungeon. As he traveled, he took down Tier One and Two monsters, dispatching them with ease.


    He gathered loot to sell, each kill a small profit, each step bringing him closer to his destination. By the time he reached the Dreadshade Bridge that was fortified even more than before.


    ''''Are they being attacked by those kingdoms?'''' he mumbled while stepping out of the treeline.


    Merchants and adventurers turned to him with weird expressions but he ignored them and approached the bridge gates where the Nytherian soldiers blew a whistle forcing everything to come to a standstill.


    Raegar sighed in frustration as Cauis stepped out of the human-sized door with a big smile. ''''Boy! You''re back already, get in here now,'''' he said while ushering him through the fortification, which earned him dirty looks from the other people.


    ''''Yes I''m back,'''' he answered the vampire before asking. ''''Did Tarrin and the others survive?''''


    The older man nodded. ''''Yes they did. I believe they''re staying in Dreadshade in case the Korrveth Kingdom attacks. Their scouts have been spotted outside the city and the kingdom sent an army to defend us,'''' he revealed.


    When Raegar heard this, causing him to ask. ''''So there''s enemy camps out there?''''


    ''''No boy! Don''t you dare attack them!'''' Cauis instantly knew where he was going with the questions. ''''They aren''t Tier One or Two monsters! The common soldiers are a Tier Two warriors with experience.''''


    ''''More than a Tier Four Devil Lord?'''' Raegar retorted with a smirk. ''''I won''t go out of my way to attack them but there''s plenty of beasts I can lure into running amok.''''


    The vampire man stopped walking before laughing. ''''You cease to amaze me boy, the city sees you as their savior for defeating the devils, but if you deal with the demons, I think City Lord Donovon will offer his daughter as a reward.''''


    Raegar started laughing while shaking his head. ''''No thank you. There''s someone I already like and prefer not to be in an arranged marriage, it doesn''t sit well with me,'''' he answered.


    The two of them continued walking toward the city gate as Cauis nodded in agreement before offering a different perspective. ''''Not if your grandfather forces you too? What would you do then?''''


    ''''Leave the family and take Yuki with me,'''' he answered the older man instantly.


    ''''I respect that,'''' Cauis replied as they arrived at the entrance.


    Raegar noticed even more soldiers on the walls with dozens of war machines. ''Will the demons attack the city? They would be stupid if so,'' he thought while looking at the defences.


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 Chapter 71: Ten Silver Per Bottle

    Raegar and Cauis stepped into Dreadshade City as the older man commented. ''''I have to go request more reinforcements for the scouting parties, before you leave for the north, come and say goodbye.''''


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    ''''I will,'''' he answered.


    Following that, Cauis vanished into the crowd as Raegar made his way to the guild to collect the twenty gold Lisara owed him. While walking, he pulled out the bottle of Sake and gulped down the delicious sweet drink.


    ''I need to get more of this stuff,'' he thought with a smile while turning around and headed for the General Store.


    Ten minutes later, Raegar stepped inside, the people inside instantly went quiet and turned to him as the shopkeeper exclaimed in a cheerful voice while approaching him with his hand held out. ''''The boy has returned! Welcome back, I''m Marcus Clayton of the Clayton Trading Company.''''


    ''For fuck sake, is this gonna happen everywhere I go?'' he asked himself while getting annoyed.


    Raegar shook his head and took the hand. ''''Raegar Blackwood.''''


    Marcus nodded before questioning. ''''What brings you here, young Blackwood? Need more ingredients?''''


    ''''Oh, right, I need to stock up,'''' Raegar said with a grin, pulling the sake bottle from his pack. ''''This stuff''s too good. Do you sell more of it?''''


    The old man''s eyes widened as he snatched the bottle, holding it up to the light and noting half its contents were already gone. ''''This is potent stuff, lad,'''' he said, his tone a mix of surprise as he squinted at him. ''''Are you drunk already? You don''t even look fazed.''''


    ''''Well I''m not and it''s delicious,'''' he answered. ''''Do you sell it or not?''''


    ''''Unfortunately we do not, but I know where you can get it,'''' Marcus responded before gathering up the camping bread ingredients and placing them on the counter. ''''This should last you for weeks, that will be twenty silver coins.''''


    Raegar paid as the older man revealed the location of the shop that sold Sake. ''''Head toward the port and look for an eastern styled store, you won''t miss it.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said before leaving the shop.


    While walking toward the new shop, Raegar took out the Sake and started drinking it only to feel light-headed not long later. ''Oh here it comes!'' he thought with a chuckle.


    He put it away and half an hour later he arrived at the shop that looked like it came straight out of ancient Japan, causing him to internally freak out. ''What the fuck is this doing here! So the Hero of the East must be from Earth like me!''


    Following that, Raegar calmed down and stepped inside the shop only to see shelves lined with tea, candy, and all kinds of stuff which blew his mind. He approached the shelf and noticed chocolate balls were on sale.


    ''Chocolate!'' his eyes went wide just as a soft woman''s voice rang out from behind him. ''''Afternoon customer. I''m Aio, how can I help you today?''''


    Raegar glanced over his shoulder and froze. Before him stood a woman with delicate Asian features, her dark eyes gleaming with warmth and a welcoming smile curving her lips. But what caught his breath were the pair of horns sprouting from her head.


    ''A demon,'' he thought while shaking his head and replying to the stranger. ''''I want to buy some Sake.''''


    Aio tilted her head at his question, her horns catching the light as she flashed another warm smile. ''''We sell it for ten silver per bottle,'''' she revealed.


    Raegar''s eyes widened as the price sank in, his mind quickly rifling through this world''s currency. ''One hundred copper gets you a silver, one hundred silver makes a gold, and one thousand gold is a platinum coin, the rarest of all,'' he recalled.


    Following that, he took out four gold because he wanted to stock up. ''''Can I get forty bottles please?'''' he asked.


    The older woman''s eyes went wide but she quickly composed herself and nodded with a sweet smile. ''''Yes. Come to the counter while I organize your purchase.''''


    He agreed and made his way over after giving Aoi the coins. He sat down and leaned back but the soft cushions caused his eyes to feel heavy. ''Don''t fall asleep here!'' he scolded himself.


    Raegar shook his head, brushing off the distraction, and pulled out his weathered copy of the Kaldorra History. He flipped to the section on the region he needed to travel through, delving into the southern reaches of the Dawnfire Empire.


    He read about sprawling grasslands, dense forests, scattered woods, and sprawling farms. But his gaze snagged on a passage about the warring nobles, their feuds staining the pages with ink and blood.


    ''Why are they tearing each other apart?'' he wondered, brow furrowing. ''And what''s the Empress gaining from this chaos?''


    Then it clicked, his eyes widening with realization. ''She''s keeping them preoccupied, pitting them against one another so they don''t stir trouble for the rest of the realm.''


    Following that, Raegar continued reading until he came to the Blackwood County, home to the growing Southwood which his family had been building into a trade city with the help of the Royal Government.


    Ten minutes later, Aoi returned before waving her hand and all the bottles appeared on the counter. ''''Here you go young master, forty of our best,'''' she spoke with a smile.


    Raegar rose to his feet, stowing the bottles in his pack with care before taking a swig from the half-empty one in hand. He stepped out of the shop, the fiery hues of sunset painting the sky as he trudged toward the guild.


    A yawn escaped him, the relentless travel and combat finally wearing him down, his body protesting even as his mind pressed on. Raegar stepped inside the guild only for things to go quiet like the General Store.


    ''This is getting tiring now,'' he internally sighed.


    Raegar walked toward the counter where Mary was sitting with wide eyes and a horrified look as she stood up. ''''What happened to your face!'''' she exclaimed.


    Thanks to having a hood up, no one could see, but he replied. ''''Take me to Lisara, I need to rest and can''t spend too much time here.''''


    The young woman nodded before leading him to the Guild Masters'' office while the other adventurers gossiped. When the duo arrived, Mary turned to him with a concerned expression. ''''Wait here and I''ll send her a message.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said.


    As he entered, Raegar''s gaze caught on a mirror hanging on the wall. Curiosity tugged at him, he hadn''t properly seen his face in ages. Stepping closer, he froze, a jolt of shock ripping through him.


    A hideous, jagged scar clawed its way down the left side of his face, stretching from chin to hairline. Smaller scars, sharp and vicious, speckled his skin with the aftermath of the fight with the Devil Lord.


    ''''Damn,'''' he whispered, his voice trembling with pure revulsion. ''''I was handsome once... now I''m this monstrous thing.''''


    He shook his head, forcing a weak, trembling smirk to his lips, a sickening dread that threatened to swallow him whole. ''''Doesn''t matter,'''' he choked out, the words brittle and desperate. ''''This is a world of magic... surely I can get this healed when grandmother returns.''''


    Moments later, the dark elf woman barrelled through the door with wide grey eyes and a shocked expression. ''''How are you here so quickly? You were out cold for days!'''' she exclaimed.


    Raegar started laughing as he answered. ''''Used my Aether to burn away the poison then the healers did what they could but I need a stronger mage to repair my face.''''


    Lisara rushed over to him and pushed his hood down only to gasp when seeing the damage, causing Raegar to back away while hiding his face. ''''I told you it''s bad, even your reaction proves that it''s ugly but I don''t blame you, I''ll just buy a mask to cover it until I can heal it.''''


    ''''No!'''' the elf woman protested.


    She cupped his face in her gentle hands, pulling him close. ''''There''s nothing wrong with you, nothing at all. You''re still that same handsome young man I met weeks ago, scars and all.''''


    Raegar chuckled before raising his hood and replying in a confident voice. ''''No need to make me feel better, it won''t be there forever once I find a Tier Five healer that should be in the Eryndor City.''''


    Lisara nodded in agreement as her brown cheeks were darker than usual. Following that, she spoke with a smile. ''''Do you want some tea? It will give you enough energy to get to the nearby inn?''''


    ''''Yes please,'''' he agreed while slumping down in the soft chair.


    Following that, the older woman sat the cup down five minutes later before putting a pouch alongside a sky blue metal plate. ''''Here you go, forty gold coins and a Rank D Adventurer card you can use across Kaldorra as a form of identification if the need arises.''''


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 Chapter 72: Moonthread

    Raegar watched Lisara sit down with a smile. ''''Each of the four members of the Strike Squad offered up five gold coins as a thank you,'''' she revealed.


    ''''Oh, that makes sense now,'''' he muttered. ''''They would have died if I didn''t kill the Devil Lord.''''


    The elf woman nodded in agreement. ''''Yes, Tarrin agreed and they are waiting in the Rabbit Foot Inn but unfortunately the four are heading east to hunt in the Eastern Wilds for a quest to cull some of the monsters for a few weeks.''''


    ''''I understand, adventurers are always on the move going from place to place,'''' he said while looking at the Rank D card which glimmered in the Aether lights around the room.


    Following that, Lisara asked him to recount their journey through the dungeon and his fight with the Devil Lord. Once they were done, he stood up as the older woman asked in a curious tone. ''''If I remember correctly you''re attending Drakenwood Magic Academy in the north?''''


    Raegar looked at the Guild Master and nodded. ''''I''m going to stay around here for a few more months before heading north by using the Western River that leads to the northern province capital.''''


    Lisara nodded with a smile and he said his goodbyes before heading for the Rabbit Foot Inn to meet Tarrin. While he walked, the thought of his scars plagued his mind no matter what he did.


    ''Yuki won''t be bothered by them, I hope, I don''t think she''d find them revolting,'' he thought while trekking through Dreadshade City.


    A while later he stopped outside the busy inn and stepped inside where dozens of people were drinking. They were celebrating something, from the chatter he learned that the adventurers were partying before leaving for a quest.


    He scanned the crowd and smiled when spotting the giant bear man drinking ale as he celebrated with the elf Lyra. Tarrin was slumped over on a table with Elaris tending to him with her magic.


    Reagar approached the group and when Orin spotted him, the bear man stiffened in shock as his eyes widened. ''''The kid is back!'''' he exclaimed with a big smile.


    Lyra moved quicker than anyone expected and hugged him so tight that he couldn''t breathe as she spoke. ''''Our little hero is back on his feet!''''


    She turned to the group with an arm around him. ''''I told you guys! Our Spellblade won''t die from the poison!''''


    ''''Yes but it left me scarred though,'''' Raegar muttered causing Lyra to look at him.


    The elf woman''s eyes widened after taking a closer look. ''''Oh Goddess! What happened to you kid? I don''t remember seeing that injury.''''


    ''''You wouldn''t have my love,'''' Orin answered from behind them. ''''He was covered in blood and we were panicking while being injured ourselves.''''


    The bear man leaned forward and whispered in his ear. ''''Would you like to go get a mask? I can sense your angst about the scars.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he was stunned, but Elaris added with a big smile. ''''I''d still choose you over Tarrin! I bet those scars haven''t affected your romantic side, which this old bastard needs to learn from.''''


    ''''Oi!'''' the blonde man retorted with a hurt expression before laughing. ''''I agree with you darling, I''d get rid of you if he was a woman!''''


    ''''Oh shut up you or you''re on the floor tonight,'''' Elaris countered with a huff. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    This made him laugh before agreeing with Orin. ''''Yes please. I prefer keeping my hood up as people stare at me otherwise.''''


    Following that, the bear man ruffled his hair with a smile. ''''Come on kid, I know a place we can go.''''


    Moments later, Raegar was walking down the main street with three tipsy adults swaying around. Elaris and Lyra were hanging off Tarrin as he supported the two women, leaving Orin to chuckle.


    ''''He''s too soft on them,'''' he revealed. ''''I guess you heard of our quest in the east?''''


    ''''Yes monster killing in the Eastern Wilds,'''' Raegar answered. ''''The creatures in Bloodfang are under control thanks to me. Well, the ones that wander too close to the bridge.''''


    Orin laughed when hearing this but nodded in agreement. ''''Yes you''re right there. Lisara and the city lord were impressed, I think they''re planning a reward before you leave for the north.''''


    ''''How did you know?'''' he asked with wide eyes.


    ''''I remember you mentioned Drakenwood Academy during our run through the sixth floor,'''' the bear man responded. ''''And it''s half a year until the entrance tests.''''


    Raegar chuckled when hearing this but nodded as the group turned onto a side road. ''''Sorry I forgot about that, but yes I''m staying here for a couple more months before following the Western River until reaching the Blackwood County where I''ll check up on my family before continuing north.''''


    Following that, the group followed Orin for twenty minutes until reaching a closed shop that he started banging on. Moments later, a woman appeared. ''''Who''s banging! We open in the morning ya bastards!''''


    Everyone laughed but the bear man answered. ''''Hello Belinda. I need a favor for a new friend of mine, it''s serious otherwise I wouldn''t have come.''''


    ''''A new friend?'''' she muttered before spotting him standing beside the bear man, before opening the door while hissing. ''''Come in but if Tarrin wakes the children I''ll beat his ass again!''''


    When he stepped into the building and soon realized he was in the living quarters of a shop. The door closed as Belinda turned to him with a serious expression. ''''Remove the hood boy. I''ve seen worse in my time creating stuff for mages.''''


    Raegar sighed before doing as she asked, causing the bear woman to nod. ''''Deep scars that show bone, was it devil poison? Maybe Southern Viper Venom?''''


    ''''Devils,'''' he answered while getting angry, forcing his aura to momentarily show itself.


    ''''Woah kid!'''' Tarrin exclaimed with a concerned expression as Belinda shivered. ''''Control your aura.''''


    The bear woman patted his hand with a reassuring look on her face. ''''We all hate them boy but I''m here to help you,'''' she spoke in a soft voice.


    Raegar nodded before controlling his aura that stopped everyone sweating. ''''Sorry about that, my hate runs deep for those vile beings.''''


    ''''I understand, now stay here and wait while I bring you the perfect mask,'''' Belinda answered.


    Moments later, she walked off as the others were watching until Orin suddenly commented. ''''My sister runs Moonthread, a well-known battle enchantment shop in southern Kaldorra. Many want her creations, but they have to go on a waiting list.''''


    Raegar looked at the big man and nodded before curiously asking. ''''Why are you doing this? Wouldn''t it be expensive?''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it kid,'''' Orin responded dismissively. ''''Just take it as a thank you from me, plus it will make you feel better once you can hide those scars.''''


    Following that, Belinda returned minutes later holding something covered with a cloth. ''''Here you go boy, no one else likes this thing as it creeps them out.''''


    ''''What does it do?'''' he commented with a raised eyebrow.


    The bear woman nodded with a smile. ''''It gives everyone the creeps who''s picked it up,'''' she said.


    Moments later, she unwrapped the object only for him to see a plain white mask with two eye holes. He picked it up only to feel a pulling feeling prompting him to put it on which instantly stuck to his face.


    He panicked but soon calmed down when seeing the auras of the five adults glowing around them, making him think curiously. ''Does this thing let me see people''s Aether amount maybe?''


    Raegar shrugged before Lyra commented. ''''It hides everything and makes you feel even more mysterious now.''''


    ''''It creeps me out, there''s no features, markings or symbols,'''' Tarrian added. ''''It''s just plain but gives off weird vibes.''''


    The other two agreed, but Belinda explained while looking visibly relieved. ''''People could feel that thing in the box I kept it in but I''m glad it doesn''t scare him.''''


    ''''Thank you for this,'''' Raegar thanked the bear woman.


    ''''It''s the least I can do for the White Devil, thanks to you my materials have gotten cheaper so I won''t complain,'''' she responded with a smile.


    Following that, Tarrin and Orin dragged him back to the inn before drinking more as the night went on. Raegar grew tired and got a room to rest for the night, as he started drinking the Sake, which caught the adults'' attention.


    ''''Where did you get that kid?'''' the big bear man asked, trying to swipe the bottle.


    Raegar avoided his clumsy grab and smacked his hand. ''''Get out of here, this cost me ten silver and you''ll drink it in one mouthful,'''' he protested.


    Everyone laughed but soon enough they collapsed one by one until it was only him and Lyra still awake. The elf woman looked at him with a smile as she spoke in a slurred voice. ''''You''re a good kid Rae, quiet and mysterious but you''re one of the honest ones.''''


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 Chapter 73: Veyra Trading Company

    Raegar opened his mouth to respond to Lyra, but before he could, she slumped forward, collapsing onto their bedroom table with a soft thud. He rose from his seat, shaking his head in mild exasperation, though the room tilted slightly from the haze of too much sake.


    Stumbling once, he steadied himself and shuffled toward his room, the floor creaking under his unsteady steps. Reaching the bed, he all but fell into it, the world still spinning faintly as he sank into the covers.


    The next morning Raegar woke up early only to hear a boom of thunder above forcing him to climb out of bed. He shivered when the cold air brushed against him while thinking. ''Now let''s get ready for the day.''


    After dragging himself from bed, he staggered to the inn''s bathhouse, where he soaked away the lingering sake in the steaming water. Refreshed and dressed, he stepped outside, the crisp air hitting his face just as Tarrin and the others emerged from the inn.


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    ''''Just in time kid,'''' the blonde man commented with a smile as he suddenly hugged him like a fun uncle. ''''We were just about to leave, I''m glad I was able to say goodbye to you.''''


    ''''I slept in because I drank too much and woke up later than usual,'''' Raegar answered while pushing Tarrin away with a chuckle. ''''I doubt this will be the last time I see you troublemakers again.''''


    Following that, Lyra and Elaris stepped forward before hugging him like mother hens who forced him to promise to be safe after making sure he was okay, while fussing over him, which made the over two laugh.


    Moments later, the bear man Orin stepped forward with a big smile, he ruffled his hair while speaking in a concerned tone. ''''Don''t go fighting powerful enemies until you become a Tier Two kid. I will be asking the merchants about you and expect to hear of your exploits.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''I''ll be more careful, I''ve certainly learned my lesson,'''' he said while pointing to his face.


    ''''The academies won''t allow the masks so only use it until you know Yuki isn''t affected by it,'''' Elaris said before teasing her love. ''''She won''t be bothered by it and if I''m wrong I''ll leave Tarrin to be your mature wife.''''


    ''''Shut up you witch!'''' Tarrin erupted in fake rage. ''''I''ll trade you in for one of the guild women, they are young and ripe.''''


    The blue-haired woman hit her man with her staff, which made Raegar shake his head with a laugh. ''''Get to your mission. Stay alive until we meet again, I won''t be around to kill any devils.''''


    Following that, the four adults left after saying their goodbyes, leaving him able to go hunt monsters for the next two months before starting his journey north. Once they were gone he vanished into the crowd.


    A few weeks after that, he was sitting above a herd of Tier One Forest Deer with his daggers in hand before casting Stormfire Bullets at six of the creatures while jumping off the branch and stabbing the leader through the skull.


    Raegar hit the ground with a thud and threw his blades into the remaining monsters, causing them to drop dead instantly. ''''Nine deer will get me a ton of meat, now to strip them of everything valuable,'''' he muttered.


    Moments later, Raegar set to work harvesting the beasts, separating meat, skins and the Aether Cores with practiced ease, leaving the entrails and bones, for whatever scavenging monsters might claim them.


    The task took just over an hour, his hands steady despite the earlier sake, as he packed the spoils into his magic bag, a weathered, hobo-like satchel. With everything stowed away, he wiped his hands and slung the bag over his shoulder, ready to move on.


    ''I need something new. Maybe I can head to Dunmara City to see if they sell any storage rings,'' he thought while hearing a rustling noise nearby.


    Raegar quickly rolled to the side as a Tier Two Shadow Cat lunged from the unbrush and hit the spot he was just in. It looked like a dark, jacked up jaguar with glowing yellow eyes that locked onto him, but he smiled.


    He crouched down and summoned his daggers as it lunged while swinging its large paw that he side stepped before slashing down its side causing blood to spray everywhere as its flank was slit open.


    The Shadow Cat stumbled but Raegar finished it off and threw one of his daggers into the forehead of the monster. It let out a death rattle before collapsing to the ground just as more of its kind appeared from the darkness.


    ''''Looks like I took your dinner,'''' he muttered as three of them circled him. ''''Too bad because I need meat and gold''''


    Moments later, they attacked but he danced out of the way of their claws and teeth while using his magic to pierce their heads, forcing them to drop dead, leaving the forest quiet once again.


    Raegar meticulously wiped the blood from his daggers, restoring their gleam before turning his attention to the fallen monsters. He looted them, stashing claws, hides, and whatever else held value into his magic bag.


    ''All this stuff should earn me a lot of gold coins,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    With his haul secured, he resumed his trek northward, still roaming the southern wilds in search of ruins. Hours passed with no sign of ancient stone or forgotten relics, just the endless stretch of untamed land.


    Disappointed, he headed toward Dreadshade City, his pace unhurried, intent on trading the loot he''d amassed for something more useful. While traveling through a ravine, he walked right into the middle of a bandit camp.


    ''Where did they come from?'' he pondered while staring at the two guards who were looking at him with wide eyes.


    Their auras were weak and gave off weak Tier Two warriors, which brought a smile to his face. ''''Who are you?'''' one of the men shouted with a voice laced with nerves. ''''Why are you wearing that creepy mask!''''


    Just then a female voice echoed out, prompting him to throw his daggers at the men''s heads, but one dodged while the other fell back dead. Raegar grinned before controlling the weapon to pierce the remaining bandit''s heart.


    Following this, a battle erupted as more outlaws rushed in his direction but he quickly used his speed against them. He rushed forward and ducked under a spear swipe just as he carved through the man''s ribs.


    Blood splattered the bandits behind them but Raegar quickly cast Lightningfire Blast that turned three of the enemies into ash. He jumped onto a barbarian-looking man and stabbed him through the chest.


    Moments later, he tilted his head to the side as an arrow wizzed past as the dead bandit dropped to the ground with a thud. He rolled to the side, throwing his daggers at two archers as they aimed at him.


    Afterward Raegar pressed on, cutting through waves of enemies until their leader emerged¡ªa hulking figure radiating the aura of upper Tier Two. He dropped into a low crouch, then exploded forward, summoning his twin daggers mid-stride.


    With a flick of his wrists, he hurled them at the bandit leader. The man sneered, raising his blade to deflect the spinning steel, but Raegar''s mind sharpened¡ªhis weapons abruptly shifted trajectory, plummeting downward to bury themselves deep into the leader''s thighs.


    The bandit roared, staggering as blood soaked the forest floor. In that split second, Raegar triggered Flash Step, vanishing in a blur to reappear behind his foe and unleashed Stormfire Bullet.


    A crackling projectile of electric flame that slammed into the man''s skull, ending the fight in a burst of searing light. When the leader dropped down he sighed with a smile. ''''I don''t feel bad killing these scum, they deserve death.''''


    While standing there, a male voice reached his ears. ''''Thank you for saving us stranger.''''


    Raegar spun around as a group of people approached from a nearby tent. The man looked to be a merchant with dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a gut that showed he was one to enjoy a good meal.


    Without replying he looked up and noticed it was late afternoon and realized it was going to be night soon. ''If they travel to the southern road the Nightwalkers will get them, we might as well stay here,'' he thought.


    Following that, Raegar spoke to the group while looting and moving the bandit bodies. ''''Stay here for the night. The camp will protect you from the creatures of the night, but tomorrow I''ll take you to the southern road that will take you to Shadowmere Town.''''


    The group agreed before setting up for the night, as the merchant approached him while introducing himself. ''''Hello stranger. I''m Cassian Veyra, owner of the Veyra Trading Company. We''re newly established but growing bigger all the time, in the future I plan to lead an expedition to Azuthra.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 74: Until We Meet Again

    Raeger looked at Cassian with a strange look before returning the favor. ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood. I''m currently training in Bloodfang Forest, you were lucky I came alone when I did.''''


    The older man nodded and stuck his hand in his pocket while handing over a pouch and gold plate. ''''I have ten gold coins and a Veyra Pass. If you show this at any of my stores, you will receive anything at ninety-five percent off, and all our services are offered for free.''''


    ''''Services?'''' he asked with a raised eyebrow.


    Cassian smiled when ushering him over to the firepit the others set up as he answered. ''''Yes my boy. The Veyra Company runs a dozen Bathhouses, we have stores in most cities in the empire, and we also run the trade route to the Kyoshara Continent.''''


    ''They sail the Silk Route!'' he thought with wide eyes. ''I''ve read about the eastern sea, it''s dangerous, full of pirates and giant sea monsters.''


    As he daydreamed, Cassian brought him back to reality while introducing his wife and children with a cheerful voice. ''''This beautiful mountain beauty is Jade Veyra, she manages the shops across Kaydorra. The pretty girl is Mirae and my son is Maxwell''''


    Raegar looked at the mature woman with strawberry blonde hair, big green eyes, and reminded him of a business lady as she wore a suit. The girl was a mix of Jade and Cassian, but the boy was a chubby boy who looked at him like he was dirt.


    He shook his head before replying. ''''Raegar Blackwood. It''s a pleasure to meet you all.''''


    ''''Why are you wearing a mask?'''' the fat boy named Maxwell questioned with narrowed eyes.


    ''''None of your business,'''' he replied before walking away to find a tree to sleep in.


    By the time the sun set, Raegar was eating campfire bread while watching the stars lighting up the world and finished the food. Once that was done, he got comfortable and started gathering.


    Moments later, his body sank into a state of relaxation, he focused on his inner world and watched the pools slowly fill as the world Aether poured into his pores. He felt the deep exhaustion settle over him but he ignored it.


    A few hours later, Raegar sensed a stirring within him as his eight pools brimmed with energy. What startled him most, however, was the largest pool, which began to surge and expand beyond its normal bounds.


    Energy surged into it, rising steadily until it crested a foot above its prior mark, then stopped, leaving him both intrigued and wary of the untapped force now simmering inside. ''Maybe the academy can help with this?'' he mused.


    Following that, Raegar opened his eyes just as he sensed dozens of Nightwalkers circling the camp, forcing him to sigh while muttering. ''''Damn creatures, always bothering me.''''


    He jumped off the branch and landed with a thud before he rushed through the monsters and cut them down with ease, thanks to being weak Tier Two creatures. His blades sliced through their necks.


    Raegar ducked and weaved around the attacks while countering until every Nightwalker dropped dead, littering the ground with glowing green cores prompting him to go around collecting them.


    While doing that, a soft voice spoke from behind him while he put the last core into his magic bag. ''''Thank you for saving us and sorry for my younger brother.''''


    He turned around and spotted the strawberry-haired Mirae standing there fiddling with her ponytail. Raegar smiled behind the mask before replying. ''''Don''t worry about, some random spoiled brat isn''t going to bother me.''''


    Mirae nodded with a smile as a curious expression appeared on her face, causing him to ask. ''''I''m guessing you''re interested in the mask?''''


    The young woman looked guilty, making him laugh as he answered. ''''I was injured during a fight and my face is scarred. But enough of that, go get some rest, the journey to the southern road is a tiring one.''''


    She dipped her head in a quick bow before hurrying back to the camp where her family were, leaving Raegar alone in the fading light. He wasted no time pitching his tent with ease, then slipped inside.


    ''Time for some sleep,'' he mumbled while yawning.


    Settling into the familiar confines, he arranged his gear and eased back while taking off his mark to let the fresh air brush against the scar tissue, which relieved the constant itch that had become annoying after a while.


    Raegar brushed it aside, choosing instead to surrender to his exhaustion as he was nestled into the comfort of his tent. Moments later, sleep claimed him while the sounds of the night beasts rang out from the surrounding forest.


    The following morning, he woke up to the people he rescued going about their business, forcing him out of the tent after putting on his mask and stepping outside while stretching his limbs only to feel several pops.


    As he did that, he thought with a smile. ''That feels so much better, now let''s get them to the road and head north.''


    Raegar gathered everyone up and started leading them east toward the southern road where he took them to Shadowmere where they were met by the Nytherians who were shocked to see the group.


    They thanked him for saving the merchants and as he went to leave, Cassian appeared with a grateful smile. ''''If you''re ever in Eryndor City come to my headquarters and I''d be happy to reward you even more,'''' he revealed.


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied to the older man.


    Cassian nodded before concluding. ''''Remember what I said about the Veyra Plate young man and we won''t forget what you did for us.''''


    Reagar waved him away. ''''Until we meet again,'''' he said before vanishing back into the treeline using Flash Step.


    Once away from Shadowmere he continued hunting and looting stuff while slowly heading north. He searched for the Forest Widows, but found nothing, which annoyed him after a few weeks of searching.


    The winter battered Bloodfang Forest, prompting Raegar to create a cloak from several Snow Wolf pelts that kept him warm most nights, unless it got extremely cold, forcing him to use Aether to heat himself.


    By the time he reached the spot his grandfather had dropped him, the weather was getting worse, and in one particular snowstorm, he got turned around, only to bump into an old foe, which earned an instant reaction.


    ''''Oh here they come,'''' he muttered with an excited smile while sending fire Aether into the blade.


    The daggers came to life with blazing flames just as dozens of Forest Widows charged at him, but this time he was ready and started dodging their lunge before using their bodies to kill them.


    Raegar leapt from one spider to the next, a blur of motion as he drove his magic-infused blades into their ranks. Arcane flames licked along the edges of his weapons, searing through their thick carapaces.


    The monstrous creatures hissed in agony, their pained shrieks echoing through the air, but he silenced them by hurling his daggers into their grotesque faces. One by one, they crumpled to the ground, lifeless husks collapsing beneath his onslaught.


    ''This is easier then ever before,'' he mused while flipping off a rushing spider.


    Before Raegar could hand, he cast Stormfire Bullet into the monster''s body just as he started killing the remaining beasts. By the time the last spider dropped dead, the forest floor was covered with corpses.


    He was breathing heavily while wiping away the sweat and cleaning off his daggers that dripped with monster blood. As Raegar did that, a familiar aura slammed into his body prompting him to spin around.


    That''s when he spotted the ant that knocked him into the river months ago, making his smile to grow wide. ''It''s time to get revenge,'' he thought with glowing red eyes.


    The Tier Two monster loomed before him, its mandibles gleamed with fresh blood. Yet Raegar stood undaunted, blades in his steady grip as the monstrous ant barreled toward him with earth-shaking fury.


    With a roar, Raegar charged forward, meeting the creature in a clash of titans. His movements were so fast that it shocked the opponent, effortlessly parrying each vicious strike the beast unleashed.


    In a single, breathtaking moment, he deflected a sweeping claw, then hurled himself skyward. With the force of a falling star, he drove his head into the creature''s skull, stunning it in a resounding crack that split the air.


    As he landed with a ground-shaking thud, Raegar whirled. With one masterful stroke, he severed the monster''s head, its lifeless form collapsing in a heap as silence reclaimed the battlefield.


    ''''That was easier than I expected,'''' he muttered with a smirk.


    Raegar flicked his blades free of blood before putting them away as he started tracking the Forest Widow back to their nest while sitting on a branch just outside the Forest Widow''s nest, readying to put their grudge to rest.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 75: Youll Die In A Moment!

    Raegar watched as the Forest Widows rushed around in a panic as one of the scouts returned. Moments later, a loud chittering was heard as a guardian appeared and started guarding the entrance.


    His eyes narrowed as these beasts were upper Tier Three, causing him to think. ''I can take it out if I surprise attack the thing but the other spiders will react.''


    Following that, he jumped to the ground and cast Titanfall that suck half of his Aether as a massive metal rod appeared beside him. Without waiting, Raegar sent it flying into the air just as a few creatures burst from the underbrush.


    Their eyes locked onto him as they lunged. He side stepped one as he cut off the left row of legs before throwing his dagger into the eyes of the second while hitting it with a Stormfire Bullet that burned through its exoskeleton.


    Moments later, the Guardian appeared opposite him, making Raegar gulp before running as he redirected the Titanfall spell to fall on top of the giant spider, as the projectile hit the monster, a massive explosion erupted.


    The shockwave sent him flying through the underbrush, forcing him to cast Flash Step to appear below a nearby tree. He jammed his dagger into the bark which kept him rooted to the spot as the shockwave died out.


    Raegar stood up and made his way towards the Forest Widow Guardian where he saw a massive crater covered in blood. ''Nice, I killed it without too much effort,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    While scanning his surroundings, he glimpsed the entrance to their colony. He started toward it, but before he could reach the threshold, a monstrous spider lunged from the shadows, its spindly legs snaring him in an iron grip.


    With a brutal yank, it dragged him into the pitch-black tunnel. His head slammed against the jagged stone as they descended, the impact knocking him out cold. The queen hauled his limp form deeper into the darkness.


    By the time Raegar woke up, he realized he was in the heart of the Forest Widow nest, surrounded by the creatures. Just then a mature woman''s voice echoed out in rage. ''''Fight me intruder! You killed plenty of my children and now I want to return the favour!''''


    He leaped back just as the Queen Widow emerged, her monstrous form dwarfing the guardians, twice their size and perched at the top of Tier Three. Her oppressive power pressed down on him.


    Raegar shrugged off the pressure, unleashing his aura in a bold act of defiance. It erupted outward, slamming into the monstrous queen''s presence with ferocious intensity. The Queen Widow responded with a piercing hiss, then lunged at him with startling speed.


    ''''Oh shit!'''' he exclaimed before reacting.


    Not wasting a moment, he summoned his daggers, their edges gleaming as he infused them with crackling fire and lightning. With a flick of his wrists, he hurled the charged blades toward the creature''s legs, aiming to cripple her advance.


    It quickly jumped to dodge the attack, but he sent the weapons hurtling toward its underbelly. When they connected, an explosion erupted which sent the giant monster flying off to the side.


    The Queen Widow crashed to the ground, her legs buckling under the assault, but a swarm of smaller Forest Widows surged forward in her place. Hissing venomously, they lunged at him, their claws slashing through the air.


    He reacted in an instant, parrying a flurry of strikes with his daggers, sparks erupting with each clash of metal and chitin. With practiced movements, he cut down the beasts, their bodies dropping lifeless around him.


    ''''Not enough! I need to kill even more!'''' he exclaimed while cutting down a dozen monsters by using their bodies as springboards for more strikes.


    Moments later, his heart pounded as a swarm of spiders joined the fray, their chittering legs a tide of nightmare fuel. With a defiant snarl, he thrust his hands outwards, summoning Hydra Blades made from deadly lightning Aether.


    Just as the monstrous spider queen launched herself toward him, fangs dripping with venom, Raegar unleashed a roar and hurled the blades at the beasts. As they flew, he charged headlong into the chaos, commanding the lightning weapons with skill.


    They danced through the air around him, a deadly storm of light and fury, slashing apart the lesser spiders in sprays of ichor as he closed in on his towering foe. He stood face to face with the queen.


    A wild, manic grin split his face as he leveled a dagger at the monstrosity. ''''You''re the final hurdle between me and freedom from this cursed forest!'''' he bellowed. ''''I''m going home, and you''ll die here, Tier Three or not! Your core is mine!''''


    The Queen reared back as she unleashed an ear-splitting screech that shook the cave. Undeterred, he smirked and sent his Hydra Blades spiraling through the air, their electrified edges sinking deep into the creature''s spindly back legs.


    "Fusion Overdrive!" he roared, his voice a battle cry that echoed as he launched himself at the beast with blistering speed.


    The sheer force of his charge shattered the sound barrier and cracked the stone beneath his feet, a sonic boom rippling outward as he streaked toward the queen. With ease, he slid beneath her massive bulk, driving his daggers deep into her vulnerable underbelly.


    In a flash, he unleashed Lightningfire Blast, a torrent of searing, electric flame that erupted inside her. The monster''s agonized scream tore through the air, as he used Flash Step to appear high above.


    Raegar plummeted toward the Queen, but she retaliated with a swing of her front leg. He threw up his arms to block, a jolt of searing pain exploding through them as the impact launched him backward, crashing into a nearby stone wall with bone-rattling force.


    ''''Lucky hit bitch!'''' he spat with a bloodied smile as the Aether around him went wild.


    Dust and debris rained around him as the lesser Forest Widows, trembling in terror at his power, abandoned their queen and fled. Unfazed, Raegar clawed his way out of the wall, his eyes blazing an unearthly red.


    With a guttural growl, he hurled himself back into the fray, his speed surging to blinding heights. He became a streak of vengeance, too fast for the queen to track. His daggers flashed like lightning as he tore into her.


    The monstrous queen flailed helplessly, her body unraveling under the relentless onslaught as he carved her apart piece by screeching piece. While doing this, she screeched in rage, but he answered her. ''''Don''t worry! You''ll die in a moment!''''


    Raegar jumped back as blood poured from his mouth, his arms trembling as fractures spiderwebbed through his bones, but he didn''t care, victory was near. He dashed forward and blocked several attacks causing sparks to fly.


    But he was too quickly as moments later his daggers, infused with crackling Lightningfire, sang as he drove them into her head with a sickening crunch. The monster shrieked, her massive body shuddering, but he was relentless.


    He zipped around her in a whirlwind of motion, too fast for her to counter, his blades slicing through chitin and flesh. Each strike cost him, his vision blurred with red as capillaries burst in his eyes, and his lungs burned, but he pressed on.


    With a final, earth-shaking roar, he leaped onto the queen''s back, plunging both daggers into the base of her skull. A surge of Lightningfire Blast erupted from the wounds, frying her insides in a blaze of fire.


    The Queen Forest Widow convulsed, her death throes shaking the ground, before collapsing in a heap of smoldering ruin. Raegar stumbled off her corpse, his body a wreck, arms hanging limp, breath ragged, and skin bruised black from the strain.


    Yet, as he stood over her, clutching her glowing blue Aether Core in his bloodied hand, his red eyes shone with unyielding triumph. Moments later, he used Flash Step to appear by the cave woman and slumped down.


    Raegar pulled out a health potion and downed it before wrapping himself in a blanket and falling asleep as the exhaustion was too much. Hours later, he woke up feeling much better but took off his mask to feel the air against his skin.


    ''''Now to collect the loot from this place, head to Dreadshade and sell it all,'''' he muttered to himself while standing up.


    Following that, he collected several plates of chitin that came from the queen along with its fangs and silk. He picked up the Tier One cores that littered the chamber thanks to the smaller Widows.


    Once Raegar collected everything, he climbed out of the colony and appeared in a devastated landscape thanks to Titanfall. He quickly went to find a spot to camp as the sun was setting and he didn''t want to fight the Nightwalkers.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 76: Tier Five Healer

    Raegar was sitting high above Bloodfang Forest on an ancient tree and its big branch. He was cooking some campfire bread while recovering from using Fusion Overdrive, but he was happy that it didn''t knock him out this time.


    ''''Looks like my body is getting used to the strain,'''' he muttered while flipping the bread. ''''But still, I can''t wait to join the academy to improve my pools and Aether control.''''


    A sizzle sounded as food was done, prompting him to take it out and douse it with melted honeybutter. He started eating as several roars from below echoed out as night creatures battled.


    Raegar paid them no mind, savoring his meal in silence. While doing that, he began cooking a slab of monster meat, the rich aroma intensifying his hunger and making his stomach growl louder.


    Following that, he continued eating as the monster roared below, lulling him into a relaxed mood as he waited for the meat to cook. Leaning back and watching the stars light up the world beyond the forest.


    While enjoying the sight, Raegar worried about the enemy armies plaguing the southern part of the Dawnfire Empire and planned to avoid them if he could as he made his way to the Blackwood County.


    ''''Foot soldiers are usually Tier Two which isn''t a problem for me unless I get swarmed by them,'''' he muttered before checking on his meat.


    The meat was perfectly cooked, its mouthwatering aroma filling the air, and as Raegar tore into it, the tender flesh pulled effortlessly from the bone. Between bites, he uncorked a bottle of sake and took a swig, the warm burn complementing the meal.


    Still ravenous, he set to work cooking more meat and a batch of bread to go with it. An hour later he was inside his tent with a small feast while tipsy thanks to the sake that he had been downing.


    Raegar ate his food before falling into a sake-induced sleep after curling up once he took off his mask and let the air brush against his destroyed face. While in a deep slumber, the forest monsters battled it out, which would leave him a pleasant surprise.


    He woke up the next morning with a raging hangover but shrugged and climbed out of the tent while chewing on the leftover bread. Following that, he put the tent away before jumping off the branch until he reached the ground.


    Moments later, he hit the ground with a heavy thud, a jolt of pain ripping through his body and drawing a sharp. As he began to walk, his steps faltered when he caught sight of hundreds of monster corpses strewn across the forest floor.


    ''''What the fuck happened here?'''' he mumbled while icthing his head until his eyes widened. ''''Was this from the roaring last night?''''


    Raegar shrugged before harvesting all the Aether Cores and monster materials that would earn him a nice amount of gold. Following that, he continued heading north while filling up his magic bag.


    After hours of relentless work, his pack was stuffed to bursting, a fact that irritated him endlessly. He made his way toward the bridge, and as he emerged from the treeline, the sight of him in a mask, drenched in blood, startled the merchants into stunned silence.


    He chuckled at their panicked faces and walked toward the bridge where he spotted the vampire guards lingering around only to come alive when he came close as one of the younger ones stepped forward.


    ''''Who are you and why are you wearing a mask stranger?'''' the man shouted in a wary voice.


    Raegar took out the plate that Vlad gave him before answering. ''''I''m Raegar, Cauis knows me and he can verify my words.''''


    Just then the older man appeared with a big smile, he rushed up to him and suddenly hugged him. ''''Thank you for saving the city boy, my family lives next to the dungeon so we would have been the first hit.''''


    ''''Enough of the touching Cauis,'''' he said while backing off. ''''I''m covered in spider blood and stink like a rotten monster.''''


    The commander laughed and commented about the mask with an apologetic expression. ''''So the rumors are true, the Devil Lord injured your face.''''


    Raegar waved him away while ignoring the stinging scars. ''''Yes but it doesn''t matter as I can get it healed eventually. More importantly, I need to sell my stuff to the guild before heading north, I''ve cleaned out this part of the Bloodfang Forest and the monster war finished off the rest,'''' he said.


    Following that, the two of them walked the short distance to the city gate as Cauis spoke up. ''''I''m sure your girl won''t be bothered by it, what you''ve told me is that she''s an honest lass who cares for you.''''


    He shot the older man a confused look before the memory clicked, he mentioned Yuki to him months ago during one of his trading runs. A small smile tugged at his lips as he nodded. ''''Yes, I just hope she''s not affected by it. It''s horrible.''''''


    Caius glanced around cautiously before meeting his gaze. ''''Do you mind showing me?''''


    Raegar grimaced but gave a slow nod before reaching up to remove the white mask as he spoke. ''''I don''t mind because I know you and I won''t see you for a while once I leave Dreadshade.''''


    Following that, when it was off his face the cold air bit at his exposed skin, sending a slight shiver through him. As the older man took in the sight, his face paled, eyes widening in shock.


    ''''Bless the goddess,'''' the older man muttered.


    Without hesitation, he slipped the mask back on, his voice calm yet laced with bitterness. ''''I told you, the devil disfigured me and it was bad but no need to look at me like I''m a monster.''''


    Following that, Raegar stopped talking just as they reached the city gate. Cauis looked at him before speaking in an apologetic tone. ''''Sorry about my reaction, I was shocked that you survived such an injury but there are mages in the empire that would be able to heal it.''''


    ''''Yes, my grandmother and one of my aunts,'''' he replied, a faint smile hidden behind his mask. ''''Until we meet again, Caius Hawke. Thanks for all your help.''''


    Before the older man could respond, Raegar turned and melted into the bustling crowd, his figure disappearing like a shadow in the shifting sea of people. Without hesitation, he made his way toward the guild.


    After twenty minutes, he reached the Adventurers Guild and stepped inside only to spot Lisara speaking to the other receptionists. He approached the counter where Mary was, which caught the young woman''s attention.


    Her eyes widened before speaking in a worried voice. ''''Raegar! I''m glad you''re okay and found a good mask.''''


    ''''Yes it was a good find thanks to Orin, but I''m here to sell all the monster materials and Aether Cores, I want to empty my magic bag for the journey north.''''


    When the dark elf heard this, her grey eyes widened before shaking her head and suggesting. ''''Come to my office, I''ll have the staff sort out your loot, while you clean up in the guild showers.''''


    Raegar chuckled as the three headed to the Guild Masters'' office where he shocked the two after emptying his bag. Mary''s eyes buldged before sucking it into a storage ring when the older woman spoke. ''''Take it to the material room and set it as a high priority.''''


    After the young woman left, he was shown to the showers where he cleaned up and put on some fresh clothes. Once he felt better, he returned to the room, when stepping inside Lisara suddenly embraced him, catching him off guard.


    In a hushed tone, she whispered, ''''Thanks to you, my job is secure, and headquarters is happy with what we''ve accomplished.''''


    ''''Oh you''re welcome,'''' he said while feeling his cheeks go red. ''''I''m glad you haven''t lost your job.''''


    When Lisara heard this she smiled before freeing him and reaching for the mask, but Raegar stopped her. ''''What are you doing?'''' he asked with narrowed eyes.


    ''''I want to see that handsome face of yours,'''' she said softly. ''''You know your scars don''t bother me.''''


    He hesitated for a moment before nodding, allowing her to gently remove the mask. As soon as it was off, she leaned in, studying his features with an adorable expression, her gaze filled with curiosity.


    ''''I''ve been reading up on the Devil Poison that caused this and many people have recovered from such wounds,'''' she revealed with a smile. ''''We''re going to need a Tier Five Healer.''''


    ''''We?'''' Raegar questioned.


    Lisara nodded, her glowing gray eyes fixated on his scars as she traced a finger gently across the skin. ''''I''m going to help you find someone to heal your handsome face,'''' she murmured. ''''That way, I can see it more, without the mask.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 77: Quick On My Feet

    Raegar was going to respond, but Lisara leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Heat crept up his neck, but she had already shifted gears, her voice casual as if nothing had happened. ''''The City Lord left your reward. He''s gone off to battle with the king.''''


    He didn''t know how to react once she kissed him, all he knew was his cheeks were going red, forcing him to put the mask back on before replying. ''''What did he reward me?''''


    Moments later, she sat down in her chair with a smile as she slid something across the table while speaking in an amused voice. ''''Have a look, I dare say you''ll love this gift.''''


    Without waiting, he opened it only to see a silver ring, but thanks to his senses he could feel the Aether radiating off it. Raegar picked it up as the dark elf revealed. ''''A magic storage ring the lord had made for you in the capital with the blessing of King Vlad. He wanted to make the reward worth the deed.''''


    Lisara continued in a cheerful voice. ''''Put it on and channel some of your Aether into it so it can register to you,'''' she instructed, watching him with those glowing gray eyes, sharp with expectation.


    Raegar picked it up and slipped it onto his left hand before sending some of his energy into it, and he felt a slight sting, causing the elf to comment with a smile. ''''It accepted you as the owner and no one else can access it apart from you.''''


    ''''Oh cool, I needed something new, my bag was getting ruined thanks to the forest,'''' he said with wide eyes as he tried to store the magic bag his grandfather gave him, and when it vanished he got excited.


    Lisara beamed, her grey eyes sparkled with delight as she spoke. ''''Great! I told him you''d appreciate something more practical than another dagger, your ones seem good enough for now.''''


    He summoned the dark blades that have been through a lot with him, but he agreed with a nod. ''''You''re right, these are Tier Two weapons and will last until I become Tier Three at the least.''''


    After that, Raegar and the Guild Master continued chatting. The older woman leaned back in her chair, her voice tinged with curiosity. ''''I heard a Gateway opened near Drakenwood just the other day, a Rank D, no less. It''s got the staff all worked up.''''


    Lisara turned around to admire Dreadshade City before speaking again. ''''From what I gather, they''re planning to let the promising students explore it once the Gatewalkers have cleared it and deemed it safe.''''


    ''''A Gate? Going to that academy will be fun,'''' he said with glowing red eyes.


    This made the older woman giggle. ''''I love seeing your excitement, maybe one day we can explore a Gateway together. It''s been a while since I''ve used my magic.''''


    A heavy silence hung in the air until Lisara casually waved her hand toward a wilted plant nearby. It sprang back to life, its leaves unfurling with vibrant green, only for her to repeat the gesture and snuff out its vitality once more.


    Raegar''s eyes widened, a faint mutter escaping his lips. ''''Nature and dark Aether, huh? I don''t mind the dark stuff, but I''m no assassin, just quick on my feet.''''


    Following that, he asked something that had been on his mind since hearing the news back in Ravensguard City. ''''How''s the war in the north going?''''


    When Lisara heard this, she sighed before revealing. ''''It''s come to a standstill as the Korrveth and Lunathyr Kingdoms took some chokepoints in the south and are holding off the soldiers of the empire.''''


    She pulled out a map of Kaldorra and pointed out several locations. ''''Here at the Shadowpine Pass, the demons overwhelmed the Dawnfire defenders and took the castle guarding the road west. I believe the empire''s generals are stuck because the enemy fortified it even more.''''


    Raegar nodded as she then pointed at a river crossing and continued. ''''Dawnshard Castle was taken by the demi-humans a few weeks back. I believe King Vlad Von Carstein is besieging it from the south, but another enemy army attacked from the rear.''''


    His eyebrow rose when hearing that, but Lisara moved onto a road that led to the southwestern part of the Duskmoor County, which was neighbours with his family, the Blackwoods.


    ''''Rumors speak of several pirate bands that landed on the Southwestern coast and took an abandoned village as a base to raid the Kingsway, but the empire has been busy dealing with the wandering armies,'''' she revealed with a smirk.


    ''''What ranks are these pirates?'''' Raegar curiously asked. ''''I know the footsoldiers are Tier One or Two?''''


    Lisara nodded before answering. ''''Your correct and I believe the leader should be Tier Three.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he responded. ''''I may have to clear them out while traveling north. Maybe I can lure a monster swarm toward the demons and demi-humans.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her eyes widened. ''''You''re diabolical Rae but I love it,'''' she revealed with a giggle.


    Following that, the two of them continued talking until Mary returned an hour later carrying a large pouch of coins. When Raegar saw this, his smile grew wider as the receptionist spoke with a tired smile. ''''Two hundred and fifty five gold coins for everything. The second highest payout the Dreadshade Guild has given out.''''


    Lisara started laughing as his eyes gleamed with greed, causing the dark elf to ask. ''''You loot goblin, that''s a good haul but it''s not all of it is it. What about the Forest Widow Carapace?''''


    ''''Keeping it for armor when I reach Dunmara City,'''' he revealed with a chuckle. ''''It was on the higher end of the Tier Three scale, I bet I could find a good blacksmith that could turn it into decent protection.''''


    The two women looked surprised but Mary responded while handing him the pouch. ''''That''s a good choice, yours is on its last breath.''''


    Raegar glanced down and noticed his armor was in tatters before laughing. ''''Yes but I''ve been lucky when it comes to monster injuries since it protected me.''''


    After speaking, he stood up while looking at the receptionist and spoke with a friendly smile. ''''Thanks for all your help Mary but I need to leave the Nytheria Kingdom to enroll in Drakenwood Academy.''''


    The brunette nodded with a frown but quickly hugged him. ''''You''re welcome Raegar and I wish you all the best. I do hope you pass through again, it would be nice to see how you grow.''''


    ''''The academies are always traveling across Kaldorra,'''' Lisara commented while standing up. ''''And once a certain someone causes havoc behind the enemy''s back the empire will break through.''''


    Raegar chuckled before an Aether device blared, forcing Mary to run out of the room as she was being summoned by another receptionist. The Guild Master watched the woman leave before moving.


    The older woman pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice softening to a whisper. ''''I''m looking forward to seeing you again, Rae. Just promise me you''ll take care of yourself, and stay out of trouble.''''


    ''''I''ll be fine, Lisara,'''' he replied with an innocent grin. ''''Next time we meet, how about we grab something to eat and catch up?''''


    His casual suggestion caught her off guard, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before a smile appeared as she answered. ''''I''ll hold you too that.''''


    Following that, Raegar said his farewells and made his way to the General Store to buy supplies for the road. Once that was complete, he left Dreadshade City and started traveling on the Kingsway.


    As he trudged along the dusty road, merchant caravans rattled past, while Nytherian soldiers marched in tight formation toward some distant war. Their eyes lingered on him, drawn to the mask that set him apart from other travelers.


    Raegar ignored their looks and continued walking while eating some campfire bread. This was his daily routine for a week until reaching Nightshade Grove, which was a border farming village home to the Nytherian Border Guards.


    The sun was setting while approaching the fortified village that was littered with soldiers patrolling the war as others checked the merchant caravans. Raegar was stopped when it was his turn, but he flashed the gold plate Vlad gave him.


    When the gate commander saw this, his eyes widened as he ushered him through only for him to see a town instead of a border village. Buildings popped up everywhere with people rushing around in a panic.


    ''''This looks like a fantasy town that came straight from a novel,'''' he muttered while watching some horse-like creature with six legs pull along a sturdy carriage.


    Raegar''s gaze settled on a caravan of nobles, encircled by dozens of armored guards whose sharp eyes swept the milling crowd, but it was what they were wearing that caught his eye. ''They look like fantasy samurai,'' he mused.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 78: Tier Two Fighter

    Raegar shrugged it off and wasn''t interested in the eastern-looking soldiers, he turned to gather more supplies before setting out toward the border, where he would be able to hunt more monsters and enemy soldiers that he hadn''t come across so far.


    Hours later, he was closing in on the Dawnfire border after leaving Nightgrove Village and noticed the charred ground where recent battles had taken place, which was a sight he grew used to as he traveled north.


    While traveling he was drinking Saki, that he grew to love during his time in the south. ''I''m going to have to buy more of this stuff when I reach a city,'' he pondered.


    The sun was setting, forcing him to get off the road to find a campsite, and soon stumbled upon a clearing deep with a group of nobles calling it home. He quickly used Flash Step to appear in the branches above, as soldiers tried to surround him.


    Without speaking, Raegar vanished into the darkness of the woods, leaving the strangers confused, and soon enough he found a place to stay but it was a ledge overlooking the Dawnfire grasslands.


    ''''A better place than any,'''' he mumbled.


    Following that, Raegar started setting up his tent before jumping to the ground below using Flash Step so he could collect some wood. Once he had an armful of sticks he reappeared on the ledge and created a fire.


    The flames roared to life as he pulled out some meat and started cooking before he settled down to gather Aether to fill up his pools. A little while later the smell of his meal brought him out of his meditation.


    He took off his mask while mumbling to himself. ''''Time to eat.''''


    Aftward, Raegar lifted the stick, tearing into the succulent cooked meat as he gazed out over the sprawling, shadowed landscape. His eyes traced its dark expanse, a restless hunger stirring within him.


    He yearned to strike at the enemy armies, but the question of where to begin gnawed at him, elusive as the night itself. ''I can travel across the southern part of Dawnfire while heading west,'' he pondered while chewing on the soft meat.


    ''I''ll attack anything I see, I can use my magic, bombs and speed against their numbers,'' with a plan forming, he finished his food not long later.


    Once Raegar was full, he crawled inside his tent while drinking a bottle of sake which made his head spin. He crawled under a bunch of sheets and curled up before falling asleep as the sounds of monsters echoed out across the woods.


    The following morning, he woke up and felt hungover but ignored it while cooking some campfire bread. He smelled the dough slowly sizzling in the pan that was sitting on the boiling coals.


    Soon enough it was cooked on both sides, prompting Raegar to start eating while watching the sun rise on the horizon. It lit up the world below only for it to reveal a plume of black smoke drifting into the air.


    ''''What''s that?'''' he thought while glancing north.


    Raegar stood up and couldn''t see anything else but he packed away the tent while munching on his bread. Once everything was in his storage ring, he jumped off the ledge and cast Flash Step to appear on the ground with a quiet thud.


    He traveled toward the smoke and spotted a town in the distance being attacked by an army of excited demons, forcing him to stop on a branch overlooking their camp, which was a mile away from the settlement.


    ''I''ll use the fire bombs to cause chaos and kill the Korrvethians during it,'' he pondered while gripping his daggers tightly. ''Take out their rear before hitting them as their distracted by the town guards.''


    With a feral grin, Raegar yanked five bombs from his belt and hurled them into the demon camp. The small orbs struck their marks, unleashing a roaring firestorm that swallowed the night in chaos.


    Flames clawed the sky, and the unsuspecting guards scattered in blind panic, their screams swallowed by the inferno. He didn''t hesitate. Spotting two lumbering beneath the tree, Raegar leaped from his perch, a shadow in motion.


    Mid-air, he spun with practiced skill, his blades flashing as they sliced through their necks, heads rolling before their bodies even hit the dirt. Following that, Raegar darted into the camp like a blur.


    He cut down demon soldiers left and right while using their lifeless bodies to propel himself forward like a blur. His daggers cut through armor thanks to being covered with earth Aether that turned bone into dust.


    Raegar killed everything that moved and ten minutes later, the camp was now eerily quiet which made him smile. He summoned his weapons that pierced through the general''s bodyguards as they investigated what was happening.


    Once all the enemies were dead he slumped onto a crate as his body shook, thanks to the fight and how much he pushed himself. He quickly drank a stamina potion that gave him some energy.


    Following that, Raegar went around the camp looting everything worth something and took all the soldiers'' coin pouches. Afterward, he approached the general''s tent only to be shocked as a demon woman lunged at him while holding a knife.


    ''''What the fuck!'''' he muttered.


    Without thinking, his instincts led him to jump back while deflecting the surprise attack before casting a Stormfire Bullet through the stranger''s skull, prompting it to explode. He was breathing heavily as sweat poured down his back.


    Raegar shook his head and looted a chest full of coins and other treasures before leaving the camp. He headed straight toward the town as explosions echoed out, shaking the ground, but that didn''t bother him.


    Twenty minutes later, he was stopped at a checkpoint guarded by a dozen demon soldiers who were mingling around. As the leader stepped forward, a dagger slammed into his forehead while another shot past and killed the mage.


    The shocked enemies tried to react but Raegar grinned as he used his Aether to control the blades to take out any soldiers that got close. Blood rained down just before he summoned the daggers when the survivors reached him.


    Several demon soldiers moved in and one big man swung a longsword at him, he jumped over the blade before hitting it with a Lightningfire Blast that killed the enemy instantly just as more attacks came his way.


    Raegar started ducking and weaving around the attacks as he jumped onto a soldier''s back while stabbing the man through the neck. He leaped off the dead body and threw his dagger into the back of the foe''s knee.


    Blood exploded outward as he controlled the weapon to block a spear thrust, forcing sparks to fly everywhere. He continued fighting until the last demon warrior dropped dead after being sliced all across his body.


    Afterward, Raegar slumped onto the grass while breathing heavily, he was covered in blood and his muscles ached, causing him to think. ''I need some rest, that commander was a higher Tier Two fighter with decent skills.''


    While recovering, he heard more soldiers heading in his direction forcing him to escape into the surrounding tall grass. Raegar crouched low before casting Titalfall and sending the metal rod into the sky using wind Aether.


    It happened so fast that the Korrvethians didn''t see it as they arrived at the checkpoint and started searching the area. The demon commander shouted. ''''These soldiers were killed with a dagger and magic. Search the area for the Dawnfirian Assassin.''''


    Raegar chuckled before rushing toward the general''s position while the spell Titanfall followed him high above. He used his spell to get close but couldn''t find the leader, so he decided to attack the war machines.


    ''''Fuck this, let''s disrupt the attack and kill as many soldiers as possible,'''' he muttered as his excitement exploded.


    He stopped behind them only to be noticed by the surrounding soldiers but it was too late as his hand dropped. Raeger turned on his heels and used Flash Step to get away from the incoming shockwave.


    Moments later, a loud noise could be heard just as the metal rod slammed into the ground, causing an explosion, as a large portion of the demon army was wiped out thanks to the force.


    Raegar was flung away but he spun in the air before landing with a smile. ''''Got you motherfuckers! Now for the rest!'''' he exclaimed.


    He cast Enhancement on his entire body and exploded forward while taking out any soldiers with swift slices and savage stabs to their heads. As Raegar battled his way toward the Dawnfire town, something flew at him.


    Without thinking, he crossed his blades as a greatsword slammed into him, forcing him to let out a roar as his muscles strained against the attack, but he sent it into the ground beside him.


    Raegar reacted and cast Lightningfire Blast at the opponent who stumbled back as the shocking flames washed over him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 79: His Aura Says Different?

    While Raegar faced off against the enemy general outside the town of Greenfield, an old friend of the Blackwoods rushed toward the wall when hearing the rumors of the siege being lifted by a single warrior attacking the Korrvethian army from the rear.


    ''''What madness is happening!'''' Elara Crowhurst muttered as she arrived at the wall and saw a scene that amazed her.


    Someone wearing a white mask and wild-looking armor was fighting with the Korrvethian general and holding his own as he moved so fast and hit even harder, causing the Tier Two enemy to go on the defensive.


    The Dawnfirian soldiers were cheering on the warrior fighting for them. Elara watched closely as the warrior wielded two daggers and moved so fast that he was a blur but it was the strikes that caught her eye.


    ''Powerful but the aura coming off him is only Tier One!'' she thought with panic. ''Why is he fighting a enemy nearly two tiers above you!''


    To her, their ally seemed unfazed, clashing with the general in a furious dance of steel. The two traded blows, but the enemy''s wild swings sliced only air as the newcomer''s agility outmatched him.


    His daggers flashed, slipping between the gaps in the general''s armor, drawing crimson streams with every precise strike. The sight ignited something fierce within her. A spark flared in her mind, and she thought in shock and horror. ''It''s you! Raegar Blackwood!''


    By all rights, Elara knew he was armed only with his twin daggers and clad in battered leather armor, he should have been a smear beneath the general''s foot. Yet, he wasn''t. Her heart thundered as she watched him move, a blur of defiance against the impossible.


    The demon''s blade crashed down, shattering the ground where he had stood a heartbeat before. He rolled aside, dust exploding around him, then sprang up, daggers flashing like fangs of starlight.


    With a daring leap, he latched onto the general''s leg as it swiped at him with claws that could rend mountains. The air crackled with heat and fury, but Raegar''s blades found the enemy''s joints, sinking deep into the gaps where fire met flesh.


    The demon howled, staggering as she watched him vault higher, clinging to its spiked shoulder. Its massive arm swung wildly, missing him by inches as he twisted midair, landing a vicious slash across its red eye.


    Elara got excited as the beast reeled, blinded on one side, and her pulse surged with a wild, electric thrill while muttering in pure shock. ''''He shouldn''t have a chance, yet here he was, not just surviving, but winning.''''


    ''''Who''s winning little sis?'''' Ranthor asked from behind as the Silverspear Guild was hired by the empire to guard Greenfield from bandits and the Korrvethian raids.


    She looked at the giant tiger man before replying in a worried voice. ''''Raegar''s fighting the enemy general but he''s getting surrounded by the surviving demons.''''


    When Ranthor heard this, his head snapped toward the fight, only for his green eyes to go wide. ''''Little Blackwood? How has he change in what? Half a year?'''' he questioned.


    ''''I don''t know but he was in Bloodfang Forest as the war kicked off,'''' she replied just as Raegar cast several spells at the general to push the enemy back. ''''Maybe he reached Tier Two but his aura says different?''''


    The tiger-man gave a curt nod, his eyes fixed on the ongoing clash, a spectacle that held them all in its grip. But Elara''s mind raced beyond the moment, snapping to a bold plan as the demons closed in around him.


    Her tail straightened as her ears perked up before she spoke with unshakable resolve. ''''We need to rally volunteers to head out there and back Raegar up before the enemy overwhelms him.''''


    When Ranthor heard this he nodded while glancing at the surviving soldiers that circled the young boy. ''''They are distracted, we can hit them from behind and overwhelm them but it depends on if the boy can defeat the general.''''


    ''''You''re right, I wonder why he''s wearing a mask now?'''' she muttered in concern.


    Her brother looked at her with a knowing smile before teasing. ''''Looks like someone has a crush on Little Blackwood, do you think Alaric or Victoria will let him marry a woman their age?''''


    Elara''s head snapped towards Ranthor as she quickly rejected such an idea. ''''Don''t be silly, he''s more than half my age and will be surrounded by young women. He doesn''t need an old tiger woman who gets moody all the time.''''


    Following that, she rushed off to prepare to join the battle as Raegar was fighting the demon general who started getting angry. He gripped his blades tighter as the enemy''s power surged to Tier Three thanks to a skill.


    ''What the hell!'' he mused as he crouched low. ''Let''s hit the man''s legs to bring it down.''


    Moments later, Raegar cast Hydra Blades and made them from plasma that would burn the demon general whenever it touched. He looked up just in time to see the opponent rushing toward him.


    Without waiting, he threw the blades that sliced through the air, forcing the enemy to raise his greatsword to defend but they quickly changed course and sliced through the man''s calf muscle.


    Blood soaked the earth, pooling beneath the general as he unleashed a guttural, pain-laced roar. The Aether weapons sliced through his armor like it was parchment, their edges slowing his hulking frame.


    A fierce grin split his face at the sight of his successful attacks. Moments later, he channeled his energy into his feet and surged forward in a blinding dash, a streak of raw power that left the enemy reeling in shock, too slow to counter the storm bearing down on him.


    Raegar darted in low, his blades slashing at the demon general''s sinewy legs, weaving through its frenzied counterstrikes with feral grace. A wild chuckle escaped him as he skidded beneath a vicious swing, the air hissing in its wake.


    Seconds later, he unleashed a dozen Stormfire Bullets that slammed into the demon''s form, scorching its flesh. The damage mounted fast, each hit stacking. The enemy faltered, its movements sluggish thanks to all the injuries.


    When seeing this, he thought with a tired smile. ''This fight is nearly over!''


    He backed off as the greatsword slammed into the ground, sending a dust cloud shooting into the air. Before the enemy could react, he went to attack, but sudden fatigue hit his entire body, forcing him to check on his pools.


    Raegar sighed when realizing he was running on fumes as his Aether was low but he clenched his jaw and pressed on, resolve burning hotter than the exhaustion. With a surge of will, he commanded the Hydra Blades to strike the demon general again and again.


    Sparks flew as they tore the general''s armor apart, causing sparks to fly everywhere, allowing him to move in close and strike, but anything he did was useless as the enemy started blocking every attack.


    Following this, he gritted his teeth and cast his special ability. ''Fusion Overdrive!''


    Aether flowed into his body and this time he wasn''t as injured with his muscles ripping, forcing pain to rush through his body. He ignored this before dashing forward so fast it caused a boom to echo out.


    Raegar moved in close after dismissing the Hydra Blades as he started attacking the demon general and tore it apart as earth Aether covered his daggers helping him to carve through the enemy''s body.


    The general couldn''t do anything to react and only defended what attacks it could as he quickly used Flash Step to appear above the demon before falling and impaling his dagger through the man''s eyes.


    Raegar felt the general quake beneath his final blow, the monstrous form crashing to the blood-soaked earth with a shudder. But before he could catch his breath, a swarm of soldiers surged toward him, a tidal wave of steel and snarls.


    ''If I''m going to fall, then fall forward. Keep moving, no matter what!'' he urged himself on as he became a whirlwind of death.


    He met them head-on, blades flashing as he parried dozens of strikes and cut down even more, bodies piling at his feet. Yet their numbers swelled beyond reason, an endless tide wearing him down.


    Fusion Overdrive roared through his veins, but the relentless swarm of demons clawed at him from every angle, their blades etching fresh scars across his battered frame. His speed, once an advantage, faltered under the onslaught.


    The world tilted, his vision spinning, when a horn''s piercing wail cleaved through the chaos, a lifeline in the storm threatening to swallow him whole. Moments later, Raegar spotted a familiar face fight through the crowd heading in his direction.


    ''''Ranthor!'''' he exclaimed before using the last of his Aether to cast Lightningfire Blast into the enemies.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 80: Do You Want Some Breakfast

    Raegar watched as Elara appeared in front of him with a relieved expression as she screamed toward her soldiers. ''''Silverspears! Form up, we''re returning to town!''''


    Moments later, dozens of heavily armored warriors circled them while Ranthor led them with a fierce gleam in his eyes, just after crushing a demon captain that tried to challenge, but it was useless.


    He gripped his daggers as his arms shook but he dashed into the fray. Without a care he leaped over the shieldwall and cleared the way for the soldiers by cutting down the demons while throwing Fire and Thunder Bombs into the enemy ranks which erupted and killed dozens.


    When Elara saw this, she charged forward and killed several enemies after blocking their attacks. Ten minutes later, they reached the town and were let inside just as cheers erupted, but he ignored that as his head spun.


    He pulled out a stamina potion and downed it, which allowed him to stay on his feet. As he recovered, Elara appeared and suddenly hugged him while speaking cheerfully. ''''It''s good to see you Rae! When I spotted those daggers I knew it was you.''''


    The older woman started dragging him into the town, when they got away from the crowd she turned to him with a smile. ''''Come to my quarters and rest, you look like you''re about to collapse.''''


    Raegar chuckled before returning the hug before replying in an exhausting tone. ''''I am, I used an ability that zaps me of energy but the more I use it the better it gets.''''


    Following that, Elara led him through the town until reaching a quiet square and ushered him into a quaint-looking home. She pushed him onto the sofa while speaking. ''''Get some rest, I''ll make some tea for us.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied before yawning.


    Raegar felt the exhaustion creeping over his body, prompting him to pull out a bottle of sake and took a swig which caught the tiger woman''s attention. Her eyebrow rose as she questioned. ''''What are you doing?''''


    The sweet liquids burnt his throat, making him cough, once he calmed down, he replied. ''''Waking up or I''ll collapse on your sofa, it''s the softest thing I''ve felt for months.''''


    When Elara heard this, her smile grew wider as she finished making the tea before approaching and sitting beside him while handing him a cup. ''''Drink this, it will make you feel better.''''


    Raegar took it and down it in one go causing a wave of Aether to wash over him and make his body feel slightly better. While doing this, she curiously asked, as it was too much for her. ''''Why are you wearing a mask now?''''


    ''''I was mutilated by a Devil Lord while trapped in a Rank D dungeon with a strike squad,'''' he revealed before taking a sip of the hot tea which gave him some energy to continue. ''''It destroyed my face during the fight and now I''m either waiting for my grandmother or finding a Tier Five Healer.''''


    Elara''s heart dropped when she heard this and noticed the mask''s expression changed slightly as if he was nervous. She grabbed his arm before asking. ''''Let me see, please.''''


    Raegar was perplexed as he questioned with a raised eyebrow. ''''Why? I''d rather not see a disgusted expression on your face.''''


    ''''I''d never do that!'''' the tiger woman exclaimed.


    He let out a soft chuckle before giving a slight nod. His hand moved to the mask, lifting it away, and a rush of cold air grazed his exposed skin. As he set the mask aside, Elara''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Instinctively, she reached out, her fingers trembling as they gently traced the scars across his face. While doing that, she spoke in a low voice. ''''There''s nothing wrong with you Rae, you''re still handsome and they make you look good to me.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his cheeks went red, which put a smile on the older woman''s face. ''''You honestly thought I''d be revolted by this?'''' she said while massaging his temples.


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered honestly.


    This made Elara frown once again before she flicked his forward and rejected such a thought. ''''Never, you idiot. Now hurry up and finish your tea.''''


    Raegar chuckled before downing the hot liquid that gave him a boost of energy. After putting the cup down the tiger woman suddenly grabbed his head before dragging it onto her soft thigh.


    ''''Rest my little warrior,'''' she said in a soft voice while playing with his hair. ''''Your parents will be proud to have a son like you, especially Alaric.''''


    Moments later, his eyes started closing as they got heavy and the last thing he saw was Elara''s tail brushing against his cheek before falling asleep. While Raegar rested, the older woman watched over him with a smile.


    After some time, a knock rang out, prompting her to speak as she put his mask back on to respect his privacy. ''''Come in.''''


    Ranthor stepped into the room only to stop short when seeing Raegar sleeping on her lap, which made him chuckle. ''''Looks like the boy is exhausted. No wonder, I can still sense his Aether outside.''''


    Elara toyed with his scruffy white hair, a warm smile spreading across her face as she spoke. ''''Yes, he burned through so much energy, even my tea couldn''t keep him going, and he just drifted off to sleep.''''


    The tiger man laughed before a knowing expression appeared as he teased. ''''You know Victoria and Alaric will be hesitant about you both, he''s their youngest son after all.''''


    Her head snapped toward him with narrowed eyes. ''''I don''t like him like that brother. I find him adorable and admire his dedication to getting stronger, not many humans have that kind of drive.''''


    Ranthor chuckled before pointing at the mask. ''''What''s with the new style?''''


    ''''I''ll let him tell you,'''' Elara answered with a smile. ''''It''s not for me to say, it''s personal to him.''''


    When her brother heard this he shook his head and began to leave to warm. ''''I''ll leave you and your little lover alone baby sis, just remember to ask his parents for their blessing, knowing Alaric he''ll have a heart attack.''''


    The tiger man ducked with a low chuckle as Elara hurled a shoe his way, then slipped out of the room, leaving her alone. She glanced down with a gentle smile, ensuring he was comfortable as she ran her fingers playfully through his hair.


    Following that, Raegar recovered from using Fusion Overdrive and opened his eyes only to see Elara''s head tilted to the side while sleeping. He sat up with a yawn and noticed it was still night outside.


    It dawned on him then that he''d been resting on the older woman''s soft thigh, a surprisingly comforting spot, and he jolted upright. The tiger woman beside him toppled to the side with the sudden movement, then leaned against him for support.


    Raegar stiffened when feeling this, but didn''t move her and ended up gathering to refill his Aether Pools. By the time they were full, it was morning and Elara was gone when he opened his eyes.


    ''''Do you want some breakfast, Rae?'''' her voice came from behind him.


    He turned around and noticed Elara standing there with a smile before he nodded. ''''Yes please but more importantly are the demons still outside?''''


    When the tiger woman heard this she nodded. ''''Yes but thanks to you, their numbers have been halved giving us a chance to fight back.''''


    Raegar jumped to his feet, stretching his limbs with a grin stretching across his face. ''''You handle breakfast,'''' he declared cheerfully, ''''And I''ll take out the rest of them. I''ll be back before it''s ready.''''


    Following that, he left the room using Flash Step, which shocked Elara who started following him through the town by using the roofs. As he got close to the wall he summoned his daggers before using Lightningfire Blast to send himself flying over the wall.


    The situation caught everyone off guard, but as Raegar soared through the air, he summoned Hydra Blades that materialized in his grip. Just before he struck the ground, he hurled the weapons with precision at the enemy soldiers.


    What followed was a brutal massacre. With the Silverspear attack having already thinned the higher ranked warriors, only Tier One and Two demons remained, and Raegar cut them down effortlessly, leaving none standing.


    He continued bouncing around the battlefield while slashing, stabbing, and deflecting attacks causing sparks to fly everywhere as he killed countless enemies until the Dawnfire soldiers charged out of the town.


    Raegar watched while the Dawnfirians slaughter the demons to the last man, just as Ranthor appeared beside him. The older man glanced down with a big smile. ''''It''s good to see you took my sister''s advice. Your attacks are stronger than before.''''


    ''''Yes, fighting countless monsters and devils everyday for months brought me here,'''' he answered. ''''But I can''t get to Tier Two until reaching Drakenwood Academy.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 81 81: Told You

    Raegar watched the Dawnfire soldiers looting the battlefield, while the towering tiger man commented in a jovial tone. ''''Good news for you, the academies haven''t canceled the tests. The empress insists the younger generation''s education shouldn''t be derailed by the war.''''


    ''''That''s good, I''ll keep traveling northwest until reaching Hollowood Forest where the pirates are raiding and running amok,'''' he answered while summoning his dagger that appeared in his hand.


    Following that, Ranthor spoke while looking at the Silverspear warriors. ''''I''m going to check on the soldier''s boy. Get back to my little sister''s breakfast, she''s been in a good mood since meeting you again.''''


    Raegar gave a curt nod, then turned toward the town, casting Flash Step to vanish and reappear atop the wall in an instant. A heartbeat later, he materialized on the street below, startling onlookers with his sudden presence.


    Unfazed by their gasps and wide-eyed stares, he brushed past the crowd and made his way toward Elara''s house. After ten minutes of walking, he arrived at her place and knocked on the door.


    Moments later, her sweet voice sounded out along with some banging. ''''Come in silly! There''s no need to knock.''''


    Raegar stepped inside, spotting the orange-haired woman busy with plating the food while her brown skin gleamed under the Aether lights lighting up the room. Elara then turned to him with a big smile.


    ''''Sit down Rae,'''' she said with bright green eyes while motioning toward the table. ''''Don''t just stand there, you''ll let the breeze inside.''''


    Following that, he sat down while Elara brought over plates full of meats, which made his stomach rumble when the delicious aroma wafted up his nose. This made her beam at his reactions.


    ''''Tuck in, I bet that fight made you hungry on top of everything that happened yesterday,'''' she said.


    Raegar agreed and the two started eating while she told him about her mission being canceled due to the war and the guild was ordered to protect Greenfield. After hearing this, it caught his attention, prompting him to ask. ''''Have you heard anything about my parents?''''


    Elara inclined her head in a measured nod before revealing. ''''Alaric has taken the bulk of the Blackwood army north,'''' she began, her voice steady. ''''Meanwhile, Victoria plans to make for Deadwater City once the King''s Way is safer, seeking sanctuary there.''''


    She took a swig of ale and continued. ''''Duskmoor County lies in ashes, torched to the ground, because the Count is locked in battle with the Lunathyrians.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said while trying some bacon. ''''Thank you for that. I''ll travel using the King''s Way until reaching Shadowpine Pass, I''ll help the empire take the castle there, which should direct the enemies further south and away from my home.''''


    The tiger woman went wide-eyed but giggled. ''''You never cease to amaze me, but all I do is ask you to be careful. I would have come with you but my contract is up in a few weeks and I have to travel north for another job.''''


    Afterward, the duo continued talking while eating their breakfast. As he was busy tearing into a steak he took out some campfire bread and gave some to Elara, who looked confused as she questioned. ''''Why are you giving me this? It''s used with stews.''''


    Raegar chuckled and spoke with a grin as he stuffed the bread with the meat. ''''Add some like this then try it. I ate it every night in Bloodfang Forest, it''s delicious and you won''t be able to get enough of it.''''


    Elara followed his instructions and took a bite only for her green eyes to go wide with amazement prompting him to comment. ''''Told you.''''


    When she heard that the two of them started laughing before they finished off their breakfast, just as a soldier rushed into the room with a worried expression. ''''Some of the guys are fighting commander, we need your help.''''


    The tiger woman turned to him with a regretful expression, but Raegar spoke. ''''Go, I''ll stay here until you get back so we can say goodbye.''''


    Elara nodded before slipping out of the room. Alone, he settled back, drawing a slow breath as he began to gather. A quiet calm washed over him, the familiar pull of Aether seeping into his core like a steady tide.


    Raegar felt it surge through him, replenishing his inner pools until they brimmed with energy and he couldn''t take any more. Satisfied, he eased out of his trance just as the tiger woman stepped into the room.


    She had an apologetic smile before speaking. ''''Problems with the guild need my attention, this is where we say goodbye for now, Rae, I wish we could relax for a while longer, but the commander will deduct my pay if I ignore another situation.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it, I know guilds are strict like that'''' he replied while standing up. ''''I also need to get moving, maybe I''ll be lucky to meet my mother on the road.''''


    Following that, the tiger woman stepped forward and hugged as she whispered. ''''Thank you for surviving, I was worried when we left you back in that forest.''''


    He chuckled but returned the gesture while replying. ''''I always survive Elara, when we meet again I''ll tell you everything I''ve been up to.''''


    After the farewells were exchanged, the older woman departed, leaving him alone as he stepped onto the balcony. A gust of cold air swept over him, brushing against his skin and sending a shiver down his spine.


    Raegar quickly took out a cloak from his storage ring and wrapped it around his shoulders, the fabric was a welcome shield against the chill. He used Flash Step to travel toward the western wall.


    When he arrived, he jumped off it and landed with a thud before he started traveling toward Shadowpine Pass. It took him a few days but his eyes widened when seeing the massive castle that blocked the road east.


    ''So this is stopping the Dawnfire armies from moving west,'' he mused while gripping his blades. ''Let''s cause some chaos.''


    He cast Enhancement that boosted his power before he started sprinting toward the wall as screams erupted. A wave of projectiles and mana blasts arched through the air, forcing him to cast Flash Step.


    Moments later, Raegar appeared below the wall as dozens of explosions erupted and caused the ground to shake. Without waiting, he appeared atop the wall with his daggers out and an evil smirk on his face.


    The demons quickly reacted and charged at him, but he blocked the first series of attacks before hitting them with a Lightningfire Blast which set them alight while their bodies shuddered thanks to the shock.


    Raegar rushed forward and started slashing through the enemy''s legs, which brought down loads of demon soldiers. Panic erupted as he rushed around while slaughtering dozens of enemies that dropped dead.


    They couldn''t keep up with his speed or the Hydra Blades that zoomed around the courtyard of the castle before killing even more. He was throwing Thunder and Fire Bombs into the incoming crowds, he couldn''t fight head on.


    Explosions rang out as he continued slashing his way through until he reached the command center where a Tier Three Warrior was waiting to attack him, but he didn''t enter but threw three Light Bombs into the building with a smirk.


    A blinding light erupted seconds later, giving Raegar the opening he needed. He surged indoors, cutting down every demon in his path until he reached their leader who was wearing dark armor while wielding a long sword.


    The hulking figure staggered, rubbing at his eyes as he fumbled through the haze. Closing the distance in an instant, he unleashed a barrage of a dozen Stormfire Bullets, the crackling projectiles slamming into the leader''s body.


    It let out a rage-filled roar before rushing toward him while his eyes tracked the demon''s weapon as it cleaved through the air, but he rolled forward, leaving only an inch between them, seizing the moment to plunge his dagger into the back of the enemy''s knee.


    The leader faltered, collapsing within seconds, a guttural snarl escaping. But with a flick of his wrist, he hurled his second dagger. The weakened Tier Three demon raised its weapon, deflecting the blade.


    ''Shit, that''s not all I can do!'' he thought with his excitement soaring.


    He yanked the weapon toward him using Aether, when it got close he kicked its hilt. The blade launched through the air, streaking toward the enemy, who tried to block, but the dagger shattered the sword and his blade pierced his eye.


    With a final, anguished roar, the leader toppled backward, hitting the ground with a resounding thud that echoed through the command center. He basked in the aftermath as more soldiers rushed in and started fighting him.


    Raegar wove through the onslaught, parrying and blocking the flurry of strikes aimed at him. In the same breath, he unleashed volleys of Stormfire Bullets finding their marks among the demons.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 82 82: Tier Six

    Raegar chuckled as the Hydra Blades entered the room, slicing through flesh and metal with ease thanks to the overcharged Aether, causing the panicked enemies to try to get out of the way but the weapons followed them.


    Blood sprayed in vivid arcs, painting the walls thanks to all the dead demons. By the time he finished fighting inside the castle, his breaths were ragged. He shook his head and, while walking toward the vault, robbed everything inside before leaving.


    ''This is earning me so much gold,'' he celebrated after fleeing the fortress. ''I wonder if the other ships will be this east.''


    Hours later, the scouts from the Dawnfire army noticed the castle was eerily silent with no attacks while out in the open, they launched their assault, unaware that Raegar had already struck.


    Without looking back, he traveled northwest and soon came to his next target, which wasn''t as busy as the previous fortress. He descended upon Dawnshade Castle, the stronghold guarding the Western River crossing, unleashing Titanfall in a devastating barrage.


    As the metal rod struck and destroyed everything, every demi-human soldier inside was obliterated, leaving nothing but silence in his wake. Following this, the week passed until he arrived at the village outside Hollowood Forest that led to Duskmoor County.


    Raegar was perched on a ledge, his gaze sweeping over the settlement below, teeming with pirates, bandits, and every manner of outlaw. A surge of excitement pulsed through him, his blood thrumming with anticipation.


    Yet, as he sensed the presence of two Tier Three Warriors among them, a cool wave of calm settled over him, tempering his eagerness and forcing him to think about how he was going to attack.


    ''Stealth for the Tier One and Two''s before using a strong monster to weaken the leaders?'' he pondered while counting the number of enemies.


    ''''One hundred and thirty-seven with another one hundred and fifty on the ships,'''' he muttered while staring at six vessels anchored offshore.


    They reminded him of your typical pirate ships from Earth but with a fantasy twist that amused him. He decided to attack them first to cut off any reinforcements and steal their treasures like the little loot goblin he''d become.


    Moments later, Raegar traversed the jagged mountain peak, his steps quick and sure until he reached the ocean''s edge. He quickly put his weapons in his storage ring while a grin spread across his face as he dove into the water.


    The surface broke around him, and he plunged into a different realm that amazed but confused him even more. When he opened his eyes, his heart nearly stopped, a colossal goldfish-looking beast loomed before him, its unblinking gaze fixed on him.


    ''''Tier Five!'''' he muttered in awe as its big orange eyes blinked. ''''Seems curious, yet friendly.''''


    Nothing happened as it remained still, making no move to strike. Raegar soon realized he could breathe thanks to the mask. Afterward, he glanced around and started swimming toward the bottom of the closest ship, but soon the fish appeared.


    ''What does it want?'' he mused before the creature nudged his body.


    Raegar grabbed onto the fish as it dashed toward the ship, which was a mile or two away. While they swam, he quickly noticed a mosasaur-like monster appear from the shadows just below where they were.


    The beast gave off a Tier Six aura, its presence locking his body in place. But then his new friend sped up, leaving it behind. He snapped out of the daze as the massive fish drifted upward, lingering just below the surface.


    With a steadying breath, he clambered onto its broad back, using the creature as a stepping stone to haul himself onto the ship''s hull. He slowly climbed up before looking down only to see the fish watching him.


    Raegar chuckled while continuing his climb until reaching an open window that led to the captain''s quarters, he peeked inside and noticed a scraggly-looking man dressed in captain''s clothes sitting at a desk.


    His grin stretched wide as he summoned a dagger and smoke bomb. With a flick, he rolled the small orb into the room. Seconds later, it burst, unleashing a thick cloud of smoke that swallowed the space, sending the man inside into a frantic panic.


    ''''Time to act,'''' he muttered.


    Seizing the moment, Raegar surged forward, his body blurring with Flash Step. In an instant, he materialized above the captain, driving his blade through the enemy''s eye who gargled before dropping dead.


    He landed with a thud as blood splattered everywhere, just as the door suddenly opened, forcing him to throw his daggers into the two pirates that rushed in but suddenly collapsed to the floor lifeless.


    Raegar summoned his weapons just as more rushed in, forcing him to back up while casting Lightningfire Blast before jumping through the window and casting Flash Step to appear on the top desk''s railings.


    Pirates were rushing below after hearing the chaos, allowing him to throw several fire bombs that tore the ship, he sensed the enemies closing in on a certain room that caught his attention before rushing toward it.


    He vanished using magic when seeing an opening, reappearing in the lower decks just as the First Mate, along with others, fumbled with the lock to the treasure. A sly smile curved Raegar''s lips as he rolled a smoke bomb toward the group.


    It detonated on impact, engulfing everything in a thick smoke. He charged in amidst the confusion, his blade flashing as he struck down pirate after pirate without mercy, thanks to them being Tier One Warriors.


    Bodies crumpled around him until only the First Mate remained, who was staring at him with wide, horrified eyes. The man twitched, starting to react, but he was faster, hurling his dagger, the blade embedding itself squarely in the First Mate''s forehead.


    Raegar watched the pirate hit the desk before he cast Stormfire Bullet at the lock, which blew apart. The door swung open revealing several treasure chests that he stole and threw into his storage ring.


    With the chaos below settled, he bolted upstairs, the ship now ablaze around him. Flames licked at the wooden beams as he leaped back into the water, where his new companion awaited.


    The massive creature surged forward, carrying him toward the next vessel, one that, unlike the last, was ready for a fight. Raegar surfaced just enough to peek above the waves, then lobbed a handful of fire bombs through an open hatch.


    The pirate ship erupted in a fiery roar, flames swallowing the deck as the crew scrambled to put the fire out, but it was useless. Once the enemies panicked, he snuck on board and made his way to the treasure room just as the ship was hit by something.


    A dreaded aura washed over the vessel, making him think with wide eyes. ''The Tier Six Monster is here!''


    Raegar robbed the pirates before sticking his head out of a nearby cannon porthole. He spotted his fish friend darting around as the mosasaur creature tried attacking it. The beast shot into the open sea, forcing the monster to turn on the ship.


    He didn''t waste time and rushed up the stairs, seconds later, he made it to the top deck where the pirates were panicking as dog-sized crabs were climbing on board. ''What the fuck are these things!'' he mused before using Lightningfire Blast on his feet.


    Once the Aether was charged enough, Raegar shot into the air, thanks to the force, while heading toward the nearest ship and cast Flash Step to appear on the deck, which shocked the surrounding pirates, but they quickly attacked.


    He threw several smoke bombs that erupted across the deck of the ship, hiding his sprint to the entrance to the lower levels while slaughtering any pirates who saw him. Raegar used his speed and size against the bigger men by using their bodies as springboards.


    By the time Raegar reached the staircase, the smoke had cleared, leaving him exposed. Without hesitation, he hurled several fire bombs, igniting a ferocious blaze that roared to life, scattering the enemies in a frenzy of distraction.


    He pressed onward, weaving through the chaos until he reached the treasure room. Without waiting, Raegar raised his hand to shatter the lock when a sharp, resounding crack split the air, sending a chill racing down his spine and making the hairs on his neck bristle.


    Water started pouring in, forcing him to speed up and take all the treasure before doing the same on two more ships, leaving one left, but he didn''t fail to notice the Mosasaur monster was sinking the vessels in a rage.


    ''Is it chasing me?'' he mused while slamming into the deck after a mage hit him with a Firebolt.


    Raegar tried to block the attack, but more came which caught him off guard but it didn''t hurt thanks to Enhancement. He got to his feet as a group of pirates rushed in his direction forcing him on the defensive.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 83 83: Rest After All This Chaos

    Raegar watched the last pirate drop dead while his chest started to hurt thanks to the exertion and Aether use. He shook his head and descended into the lower decks until he reached the treasure room.


    Just after he blew off the lock, the mosasaur''s massive head smashed through the hull and tried to bite him. Without thinking, he used Flash Step to get away, but the beast went crazy by destroying the ship.


    Moments later, the icy grip of the sea engulfed Raegar as the monstrous creature sank the ship in mere seconds, dragging it into the depths. Before he could react, the beast lunged at him, its jaws snapping.


    Instinct kicked in, and he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, the searing energy propelling him out of its path. Breathing hard, he was weaving and darting through the water to evade the relentless sea creature.


    Suddenly, something seized the scruff of his neck with unyielding force, yanking him away at such blinding speed that a sharp ache throbbed through his skull. He glanced back only to see his new friend.


    ''''It''s you!'''' he exclaimed.


    When the monster heard this, its orange eyes landed on him with a knowing look before a roar echoed out. The fish panicked and turned sharply as the mosasaur snapped its massive jaws.


    Raegar was getting pissed off but there was nothing he could do as both beasts were much stronger than him. The chase was intense as the goldfish dodged every attack before heading for a small cavern.


    ''''Big enough for us but too small for this demon creature!'''' he exclaimed as his friend entered their safety.


    Moments later, a crash echoed out as their pursuer smashed into the rocks, its gaping maw snapping shut just behind them. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging, but the fish soon slowed before entering a cave.


    As they slipped into the darkness, the space erupted in a soft glow of bioluminescent plants and corals, which adorned the walls and floor, casting an ethereal light all around him as he found the place peaceful.


    Raegar barely had time to take it in before a swarm of baby fish darted toward him, nudging him playfully with their tiny bodies and chirping adorable, high-pitched sounds. He pampered the little creatures.


    His friend watched from the side, after five minutes, the little ones went to eat, and an even bigger fish returned. When the newcomer spotted him, he glanced at the other one who nodded in silent communication that he didn''t understand.


    After that, the creature that had saved him snatched him by the scruff once more, gripping him like a mother, and swam toward a narrow crack in the cave wall. His brow furrowed in confusion, but the fish flicked its tail sharply toward it.


    Raegar tilted his head upward, catching a glimmer of sunlight piercing through the water, a sight that put a smile on his face. He turned back to the monster, its eyes glinting with intelligence.


    Reaching out, he stroked its head, and in response, it pressed against him, nudging his body with a soft, almost affectionate push. While doing this, he spoke. ''''I''ll come back and visit you whenever I''m in the area.''''


    After that, the fish gave a subtle nod, and Raegar slipped into the crack, beginning his ascent. As he climbed, the passage tightened, the walls pressing in until he had to drag himself upward, inch by grueling inch.


    Ten minutes later, he broke through the surface, gasping as he emerged. Raegar tugged off his mask, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air that washed away the tension in his chest and made him feel better.


    Revitalized, he resumed his climb, pushing upward with renewed determination until the sounds of wind could be heard. Ten minutes later, he climbed out of the chasm and soon realized he wasn''t far from the pirate village, which was good for him.


    Raegar sat down behind a boulder and started gathering to recover the Aether he used to terrorize the pirate ships. A few hours later, he opened his eyes and felt slightly better, but the strain on his body was noticeable.


    ''''I need some rest after all this chaos,'''' he ranted while drinking a stamina potion. ''''Hopefully, the academy is peaceful.''''


    Following that, he got up and stretched before walking toward the village. When he got close, he heard the sound of an alarm ringing out which caught his attention. This caused him to grow curious and slowly approach.


    Moments later, Raegar noticed a monster wave attacking the walls while every pirate was fighting them off. ''Perfect,'' he thought, his red eyes glowing with resolve. ''This''ll be tough, but I''ve got this. Father''s training prepared me for exactly this kind of challenge.''


    He readied his daggers and scanned the crowds for the Tier Three Warriors and found one guarding the northern gate. The man was flinging spells into the horde of monsters, but that gave him a few ideas.


    Raegar snuck as close as he could get before throwing a few Fire Bombs at the wooden wall, which went up in flames, shocking the pirates, but as more of them flooded that part as monsters rushed in he made his move.


    ''''Here we go,'''' he mumbled as his battlelust soared.


    Thanks to Enhancemanet, he shot forward like a bullet. When closing in he used the monsters to jump onto the wall. Before landing, he spun with his blades held out and took out a few pirates.


    When landing Raegar grinned before casting Hydra Blades and sent them flying toward the Tier Three leader. As the enemy saw this, he tried to defend himself by blocking, but it was too late.


    He used Flash Step to travel toward the Pirate leader and quickly launched dozens of slashes while his Aether blades drew the man''s attention, but when he noticed him, the enemy swung at him.


    Raegar gulped before spinning over the blade just as he threw the daggers that buried themselves in the pirate''s chest. When seeing this, he backed off and summoned them back as enemies swarmed him.


    Without waiting, he used the Hydre Blades to kill the weaker pirates while readying for the leader''s counter that came seconds later. A massive axe swung toward his neck, forcing him to lean back just as the wind passed by.


    He reacted in a heartbeat, vanishing with Flash Step to materialize behind the man. His blade sliced through muscle with precision, drawing a scream of agony from his target, who tried attacking him.


    Leaping back, Raegar flung a smoke bomb that burst on impact, flooding the air with a dense shroud. The wall was soon cloaked in a thick, choking layer, tilting the fight in the monsters'' favor.


    Seizing the chaos, they surged over the barrier like a relentless tide and started attacking the surrounding pirates. The leader roared in anger but soon his senses warned him to move, which he did.


    Lightningfire Blast exploded from his feet as he was sent flying just as a greatsword shattered the spot he was just at and spells flew at him which he blocked with Stormfire Bullets.


    Raeger soon realized the second Tier Three Warrior appeared to help out the first. ''Fuck! This is bad,'' he thought before landing with a thud.


    After that, Raegar swept his gaze around his surroundings. He lobbed a handful of smoke bombs in every direction, their explosions cloaking him in. With those precious seconds, he summoned Titanfall, hurling it skyward.


    This slipped past the notice of the pirate leaders, their fury blinding them to the looming threat. He chuckled before spamming Stormfire Bullets at them and quickly fled from the village as the metal rod hung overhead.


    As Raegar got far enough away, he dropped his hand and moments later, a whistling noise rang out only to slam into the ground, killing everything in the village while he rode the shockwave toward Hollowood Forest.


    Before crashing he cast Flash Step to land on a branch as it washed past him. Following that, he quickly jumped to the ground while approaching the now-destroyed village that lay in ruins with no signs of life.


    He let out a soft chuckle before pressing northwest, bound for Duskmoor County to reunite with his family. After days of travel, he settled into a clearing as he set up camp for the night, the crackle of a small fire lighting the stillness around him.


    Raegar sat by the fire, a sharp snap of a twig behind him jolted him to his feet, senses flaring. He scanned the shadows, finding nothing, until a voice slithered through the air, chilling his skin. ''''Arthur. Come over here and help me.''''


    It was his older brother''s voice, but something twisted and unnatural laced the tone, setting his nerves on edge. Before he could process it, another voice cut through, this time a woman''s, familiar yet wrong.


    ''''Big brother! Come help me!'''' The plea hung in the air, its eerie edge sharpening his unease.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 84 84: I Love These Things

    Raegar''s entire body tensed at the sound of the voice, a chill running through him as he muttered the name etched deep in his memory. ''''Maria.''''


    The darkness swelled around him, thick and suffocating, as the forest seemed to twist into a silent death trap. An eerie sensation crawled up his spine, he was being watched, stalked by something lurking in the shadows.


    Moments later, a sharp snap of a twig pierced the stillness behind him. He whirled around, heart pounding, only to catch the faint rustle of a bush trembling in the gloom. That''s when it hit him, the oppressive, unnatural aura of whatever creature lay hidden.


    Without hesitation, he summoned the blades that appeared in his hands, steeling himself for battle as he called out. ''''Step forward, monster. That voice doesn''t belong in this world.''''


    Moments later, several Wendgio''s slinked out of the shadows, their tall gangly bodies and long limbs ending with sharp claws gleaming in the dying light. While standing there, the newcomer''s aura hit him, he instantly knew all of them were Tier Two beasts.


    Raegar sent fire and light Aether to his daggers that lit up the surrounding forest. One of them growled at him just as another eery voice echoed out but this time it was off and sent a chill down his spine. ''''Come with us or you will die.''''


    ''''Shut up,'''' he replied before throwing three smoking at his feet.


    A massive cloud erupted, allowing Raegar to dart forward to carve through the closest one''s neck. Its head flew through the air as he threw both daggers at the two creatures that lunged at him.


    The dark blades slammed home and pierced the enemy''s skulls, forcing them to collapse to the ground with a thud. He summoned the weapons just in time to defend himself from a deadly swipe.


    Sparks flew as the Wendigo''s face appeared inches from his, allowing him to stare into its dead black eyes. He shook his head before headbutting the monster, which shocked it into going still.


    Raegar moved in while his blade arched upward and sliced through the creature''s torso before hitting it with a Lightningfire Blast, burning it to ashes just as he raised his weapons and blocked another claw.


    Sparks flew everywhere before tilting his weapon forced the creature to fall over just as he stabbed it through the skull. Just after this, he started bobbing and weaving around the Wendigo''s attacks.


    ''These are too slow but still dangerous,'' he mused with an excited smile.


    One creature''s head parted from its body mid-leap, tumbling into the undergrowth as blood sprayed the earth. The second beast charged, its claws raking the air, but Raegar was already moving as his right blade thrust deep into its chest.


    With a twist, he shredded its rotten heart, flinging the corpse aside as it crumpled into a lifeless heap. Three more emerged, circling him like vultures, their dark eyes locked on their prey.


    Raegar smirked while he spun his blades once, then burst forward. Ducking under a slashing claw, he drove his left sword through one wendigo''s jaw and out the top of its skull, yanking it free as he sidestepped another''s lunge.


    His right blade met the second attacker mid-strike, severing its arm before plunging into its throat with a wet crunch. The third leaped from behind, but he rolled forward and spun as both blades slashed in a scissor-like arc that cleaved the creature in two.


    Following that, Raegar continued fighting the Wendigos and only stopped when the creatures stopped attacking. He was breathing heavily while his arms ached thanks to the constant use.


    Looking around, he noticed a cozy spot to rest. With a yawn, he shuffled over, climbed into the bustling space, and curled up comfortably. Hours passed until he woke up as the moon hung over the forest.


    Raegar climbed out of the bush and started making his way toward the Kingsway. A little while later, he appeared on the trader''s road and started heading west as the weaker monsters hid from him.


    On the odd occasion, a Forest Wolf tried to attack but he quickly finished them using Stormfire Bullets that pierced through the beast''s bodies with ease. Five days later, he arrived at Duskmoor County and was shocked at the scene.


    Fields burned as the border city lay in waste a couple of miles away, but the Kingsway was clear to travel. He readied himself to attack any enemies he saw before walking north toward his home.


    Hours passed until he came to the first group of enemies that was terrorizing a refugee caravan that was heading east. When Raegar saw this, he quickly threw his blades at the men who held the women.


    The blades pierced their head before he used his Aether to send the weapons into the other enemies and killed them without anyone realizing what happened until he summoned the daggers.


    ''I love these things,'' he thought with an excited expression.


    Raegar spotted an older human alongside a wolf man who was clutching his throat as the women tended to him. He didn''t say anything and passed by just as the stranger went to speak but more enemies caught his attention.


    Without waiting, he prepared as five more demons appeared causing his smile to widen before throwing his daggers at them while rushing in the soldier''s direction and casting magic into the crowd.


    They were caught off guard when the leader dropped dead with a knife buried in his right eye. Moments later, Raegar appeared and started killing the demi-human spearmen who tried to hit him from behind.


    The blades scraped across his mask, spurring him to hurl one of his weapons into the man''s forehead. In the same motion, he struck another attacker in the knees just as the enemy aimed a crossbow at him.


    Dodging a flurry of incoming strikes, he shrugged off the pain from the blows that landed, pressing forward undeterred. Raegar continued fighting until a bolt slammed into his shoulder, forcing him to grunt in pain.


    He spun around and cast a Stormfire Bullet into the soldier''s chest before the battlefield fell quiet. Following that, shouts echoed out as a dozen more enemies appeared but he smiled while throwing three Frost Bombs into the group.


    Perma Frost erupted and covered the incoming foes just as he threw a Thunder Bomb, which exploded. A loud clap was heard until the ice statues turned to chunks, shocking everyone who witnessed the scene.


    Raegar was pleased with the results before turning to the caravan and speaking. ''''Head east. The enemies aren''t in that area, so you''ll be safe.''''


    The older man and woman nodded in agreement before hurrying away. He pressed on with his journey until he reached Duskmore Manor, now engulfed in flames. Thick black smoke spiraled into the sky as Dawnfirian soldiers frantically worked to extinguish the blaze.


    Without hesitation, he lobbed several Frost Bombs into the burning structure. The icy explosions smothered the fire, and the soldiers collapsed in exhaustion and relief as the danger subsided.


    Afterward, the guards all spun on him and went wide-eyed when seeing the eery white mask he had to wear. He quickly left the scene and started heading home but grew tired along the way.


    Raegar scanned the scorched land all around him before spotting a massive Titenroot Tree that would be the perfect place to set up camp. Ten minutes later, he used Flash Step to appear on the highest branch.


    This spot offered him an excellent vantage point in nearly every direction, filling him with satisfaction. He pitched his tent and then set about preparing his meal over the fire that he set up using firewood from his storage ring.


    Raegar threw it on the fire before taking out a pan, putting some bread dough onto it while using a stick to cook some monster meat over the open flames. As he did this he laid down and watched the stars above.


    ''''This place is beautiful,'''' he murmured, his glowing red eyes taking in the scenery. ''''I just hope home hasn''t met the same fate as the Duskmoors, reduced to ashes.''''


    Following that, he took off his mask before flipping the bread only to see it was a golden brown making his stomach rumble. Five minutes later, it was down forcing him to grab it and douse it with melted honey.


    Raegar started eating, which was delicious and he closed his eyes while enjoying the crunchy sweet bread that he came to love. After a little time, the cooked meat''s aroma wafted into his nose, making his mouth water.


    He quickly took the food and started eating as the stars lit up the world around him. It looked like hell on Sylvana, causing him to think with a wicked chuckle. ''Wait until I attack them from the rear, they won''t know what happened.''


    After that, he grabbed the stick with meat and started eating before growing tired once he was finished.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 85 85: Must Be Uncles Army

    Raegar continued eating his bread and meat while admiring the colorful sky above, putting a smile on his face. After ten minutes, he finished with his food and crawled into his tent before falling asleep.


    The night slipped by until distant roars and chirps of monsters reverberated across the grasslands as herds of Plains Deer passed by. None of it stirred him; he''d long grown used to the wilderness''s noises.


    When Raegar finally awoke, he felt refreshed and climbed out of the tent before stretching and hearing his back crack just as he noticed a thick mist settled over the empty land that put him on edge.


    ''What''s going on here? Maybe some fun after all this working?'' he thought while looking over the edge.


    Following that, he packed away everything and jumped off the branch only to land with a quiet thud while putting his mask back on. Once on the ground nothing came to him so he carried on north.


    Hours passed, and he crested a hill only to spot a plume of black smoke drifting into the air, which caught his interest. He headed toward it only to see a small Lunathyrian army besieging a trade city on the banks of the Western River.


    ''''Let''s hit the rear with a Titanfall before rushing in to kill the survivors,'''' he muttered while rushing toward the palisade they erected behind them.


    Once close enough, he quickly cast the spell and flung it into the air with a burst of wind Aether. He watched it shoot into the atmosphere as he aimed it for the enemy''s rear so it wouldn''t damage the city.


    Without wasting time, he dropped his hand, and the metal tree-sized rod plummeted toward the ground. Seconds later, it slammed into the ground and caused utter chaos as the demi-humans were sent flying everywhere.


    As the shockwave died down, it allowed him to rush in so fast that he was just a blur before reaching the first enemy soldiers. Raegar danced around and cut them apart, causing their bodies to explode.


    He landed with a thud and his mask was stained with blood, which scared the survivors even more before he continued to attack by throwing his daggers that whizzed around thanks to his Aether.


    While doing this, he started casting Stormfire Bullets into the chests of the Lunathyrians chest. The reddish projectiles pierce through their armor and bodies with ease causing them to drop dead.


    When the Dawnfirians saw this, they cheered and rushed in to finish off the attackers. He watched as a group of heavily armored soldiers in silver armor with a black sun emblem on their chests approached while killing any demi-human who charged them.


    ''The Dawnfire army,'' he thought while cleaning his blades. ''I wonder is Jasper is down this way, I know father is in the north.''


    ''''Thank you, stranger,'''' the oldest man said with a friendly smile. ''''We were trying to figure out what to do when that star rock slammed into those dogs. Was that your spell, young man?''''


    Raegar looked at the commander and nodded. ''''Yes, I''ve been causing the enemies problems on my journey to the Blackwood Duchy. I want to see if my family is still there.''''


    The man yanked off his helmet, exposing a bald scalp crisscrossed with scars that carved down one side of his weathered face, lending him a battle-hardened air. His brown eyes narrowed. ''''You a Vaelthorne? That white hair of yours isn''t exactly common.''''


    ''Great, just what I don''t need, prying eyes,'' he thought, stifling a grimace before offering a curt goodbye. ''''Anyway, Commander, I''ve got to head north before sundown. Nightwalkers are spilling out of Bloodfang Forest thanks to all this chaos.''''


    Following that, Raegar left the battlefield as the man went to speak, but he wanted no part of the attention and just wanted to find his family. He continued along the Kingsway and noticed hundreds of refugees traveling toward Deadwater City.


    Hours passed and he spotted a camp in the distance with the Dawnfire army protecting civilians. When the people reached it, they were ushered into the protection of the wooden wall.


    Raegar didn''t follow them, instead looked for the commander who was giving orders to the soldiers before turning to him. ''''What do you want young man?''''


    ''''Where is the enemy?'''' he questioned.


    When the man heard this he sighed before pointing west. ''''A Korrvethian fleet alongside a pirate flotilla has landed on the western shore, General Darius Vaelthorne has held them back but the enemy are getting reinforcements every day.''''


    His eyes narrowed as he thought. ''Darius is mother''s older brother, maybe I can clear the way to the Blackwood Manor while meeting him?''


    Following that, he said his farewells to the Dawnfirians and started heading north through the war-torn land. While traveling, he spotted a battlefield littered with thousands of dead soldiers as scavengers picked the bodies.


    Without paying too much attention, Raegar continued on and soon spotted a Dawnfire army marching toward the western coast. As he caught up with them, he noticed they were reinforcements as they were too clean.


    He passed by the soldiers who looked at him like he was crazy just before the commander of the force approached him while speaking. ''''Young man, it''s not wise to travel the Kingsway wearing such a mask.''''


    Raegar stopped walking when hearing this causing him to look at the response while removing his hood revealing his hair. ''''I''m Dawnfirian, so me wearing this doesn''t matter.''''


    When the commander saw this his eyes widened as he quickly introduced himself. ''''I''m Gideon Duskmoor. Are you a Vaelthorne? Sorry for asking but it''s the hair, you see it''s a famous feature of one of the top families in the empire.''''


    ''''Yes, I''m Raegar Blackwood,'''' he introduced himself. ''''Son of Victoria and Alaric Blackwood.''''


    The old man''s eyes widened in disbelief and shock as he stammered, ''''You''re the Tetraarch Mage from the Vaelthorne family, aren''t you? I''ve heard whispers of you training deep in the far south.''''


    ''''I''m on my way home first, then heading northwest to Drakenwood Magic Academy,'''' he explained as they began their work together. ''''My grandfather was supposed to meet me, but he''s vanished.''''


    The older man nodded while speaking in a frustrated tone. ''''Yes, those filthy devils ambushed them, but the empire believes him, and Lady Elysia will return soon. Nothing can beat that couple, they are monsters.''''


    Raegar let out a weary sigh, though a flicker of understanding stirred as the sun dipped below the horizon. He turned to the man, his voice low. ''''See to it your camp is well-protected. Nightwalkers have overrun the southern reaches of the empire.''''


    Gideon and his commanders halted in their tracks when the old man''s voice cut through the air. ''''What''s a Nightwalker?'''' he asked, bewildered.


    The question was so absurd it nearly made Raegar stumble, but he steadied himself and replied sharply. ''''Foul creatures that stalk the night, preying on unwary travelers and lone caravan guards.''''


    ''''Thank you for that, young master,'''' one of the women said before rushing off to sort it out.


    He stayed with the camp until it was fully set up and the Dawnfirian soldiers. Once that was done, he said his goodbyes to Gideon and his commanders. This shocked the soldiers as one of them stepped forward.


    ''''Young master, it''s too dangerous out there if what you speak of is the truth,'''' the younger man said.


    Raegar waved him away while summoning his daggers. ''''I''ll be fine. I''ve spent months in the dark among the monsters of Bloodfang; Nightwalkers are nothing to me,'''' he replied with a confident expression.


    Following that, Gideon and the others reluctantly agreed before saying their farewells before he continued north as the night grew darker, and by the time he came across the first group of creatures he could hear explosions in the distance.


    ''Must be uncles army fighting,'' he mused before attacking the Nightwalkers and Tier One Night Wolves.


    Raegar darted forward with blinding speed, his blades flashing as they carved through the monsters before they could react. He leaped from one spot to the next, striking with skill, his swords piercing their skulls in seamless, deadly arcs.


    When he finally came to a stop, the creatures froze mid-motion, then collapsed in lifeless heaps, hacked into pieces. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he thought. ''This is getting easier. Tier Two beasts are no match for me now.''


    Afterward, Raegar continued until he came across a massive battle that was underway as the Lunathyrians, Korrvethians, and Dawnfirians were engaged in a fierce fight that looked like it was a stalemate.


    Excitement washed through his body just as his daggers appeared in his hand before he cast Titanfall. He sent the metal rod into the air with a boom that caught the enemy camp''s attention.


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed as he spotted dozens of soldiers charging toward him. With a flick of his wrists, he spun his blades, dropping into a low crouch. He cast Enhancement, and a surge of power coursed through him.


    In an instant, he launched forward like a thunderbolt, meeting the enemy head-on with unstoppable force.

 Chapter 86: Thanks For The Warning

    Raegar dashed across the battlefield with an excited smile while casting Hydra Blades that were made from lightningfire, he flung them toward the incoming soldiers. He watched as the flying blades sliced through the air before taking out the enemy with ease.


    Seconds later, he clashed with the closest enemies as he redirected the spear with one of his daggers and stabbed the man in the throat. With blinding speed, he evaded every strike, a whirlwind of death as he hacked through the nearest enemies.


    His Aether-forged weapons shredded the Tier One soldiers like paper, their ranks crumbling before him. In a flash, he vaulted onto one foe, driving his blade through their eye with a sickening crunch.


    Following that, he sprang off the corpse just as another swung at him, the air crackling with the thrill of battle. Raegar threw a few Smoke Bombs into the swarm of soldiers before he controlled the Hydra Blades to kill even more.


    After this, he darted through the throng of enemies while killing any he came across. Bodies dropped behind him leaving a trail of death as screams echoed out that spooked the demons and demi-humans.


    By the time he came to a stop, dozens of soldiers lay dead, and he was covered in a layer of blood, causing him to think with a wild smile while covered head to toe in the proof of his slaughter.


    As the enemy caught sight of Raegar, his eerie white mask loomed like a specter, sending icy dread rippling down their spines. In a blur of motion, he unleashed the Hydra Blades, their gleaming edges weaving a deadly dance around him.


    With a mumble he cast Titanfall to give the enemy army a shock. Moments later, a massive metal rod erupted skyward, streaking through the air like a thunderbolt. The battlefield froze as the enemies turned to him.


    Raegar chuckled when most of the rear charged against him. He used Flash Step to escape the incoming shockwave, just as the rod slammed into the ground, wiping out thousands of demon and demi-human soldiers.


    The force hurled him through the air only to land on his feet without an issue, a grin spreading across his face. A massive dust cloud exploded around him, throwing the enemy army into chaos.


    Seizing the moment, the Dawnfirians surged forward with renewed vigor, striking down the scattered survivors in a relentless assault. Some tried to attack but were quickly dispatched using his Hydra Blades before dismissing them to save Aether.


    Once they were gone, Raegar spotted his uncle Darius approaching as the long white hair tied into a ponytail gave him away. The man looked stern and knew from his mother that he was rude on occasion.


    ''''So what Vaelthorne are you, boy? We share the same hair; it''s clear you''re not Rhaelor, Draevor, or my son Kaelith,'''' the older man said in a serious voice. ''''Those three have long hair like me, and none of the branch families share our features.''''


    ''''I''m Raegar, son of Victoria,'''' he replied while putting his daggers away after cleaning them.


    When Darius heard this his eyes narrowed before muttering. ''''So you''re my baby sister''s son, you don''t seem anything like Jasper. That boy is a tactical genius, highly regarded by everyone within the empire.''''


    ''''Well yes, but I''m also a Tetraarch Mage, or did you forget that? Even grandfather knows about it,'''' he shot back with a smirk concealed behind his mask.


    The older man bristled before speaking as his red eyes glowed with Aether, letting out a mocking chuckle. ''''Still Tier One, a shame really because Rhaelor just reached Tier Four and will be getting rewarded by the empress personally.''''


    Raegar tilted his head while answering the strange man. ''''Well, whatever game you''re playing here is useless. I don''t care what the family thinks of me, your opinions don''t matter, to be honest.''''


    Following that, he stored his blades away before informing his uncle, as it was the least he could do. ''''The enemies in the south are scattered. You''ll be able to pick them off thanks to me.''''


    When Darius listened to his words, his suspicious expression intensified. ''''How do you know this? Who gave you this information?'''' he questioned.


    Raegar shook his head and waved the man away without answering as he continued north. ''''I''ll see you around, uncle. I''m going to see how Mother is doing before going to the academy.''''


    The older man was about to reply, but he was already gone while mumbling. ''''It''s true what Father said, the Vaelthornes aren''t as united as the outside world thinks, Darius is a judgemental dick.''''


    Following that, he left the Dawnfirian army behind while ignoring his uncle''s shouts as he continued through Duskmoor County, where villages lay in ruin, fields were on fire, and bodies littered the road that concerned him.


    As Raegar pressed on, he didn''t encounter enemy soldiers but soon noticed a steady stream of people moving toward Deadwater City, nestled along the banks of the Western River. Not long after, the familiar sight of Dawnfire soldiers came into view.


    They were helping people into massive tent cities, which was better than nothing as the end of winter was still cold. While he was busy people-watching, a group of soldiers approached him with wary expressions and hands on their weapons.


    An older woman with a pair of wolf ears stepped forward and spoke in a serious tone. ''''Young man, is everything okay? You know it''s dangerous to be out here as bandits have taken advantage of the terrible situation.''''


    Raegar was surprised; he nodded. ''''I''m fine, thank you, and I''m fully aware of what this land is like. I''ve traveled from Nytheria, where the demons and demi-humans are running rampant. It seems like someone spooked them, allowing our forces to break through.''''


    When the soldiers heard this, their eyes widened as he warned them. ''''If I were you, I''d lock down the tent cities. Nightwalkers have left Bloodfang Forest thanks to the war.''''


    ''''Thanks for the warning,'''' she said in a thankful tone. ''''I hope you don''t mind me asking, but why are you wearing the mask?''''


    Raeger started eating some bread before answering. ''''I was disfigured during a fight with a Devil Lord a while back. I''m waiting for my grandmother to be found; when she returns, she''ll heal it.''''


    Following that, the older woman informed him about the monsters roaming the Kingways toward Deadwater City, which is heavily guarded thanks to the ongoing war. He thanked the soldiers before continuing.


    Two days later, Raegar arrived at the crossroads that led toward the Blackwood Manor and quickly made his way toward it only for a horrible feeling to wash over him which made his hand shake.


    ''''What is this?'''' he muttered while glancing around.


    A dense forest swallowed the road leading to his home, leaving him no choice other than to venture into its depths. Twenty minutes later, he froze, his eyes widening at the sight of a Blackwood Carriage engulfed in flames, a few guards strewn lifeless across the ground.


    While searching the area he spotted a trail leading into the forest scream rang out causing him to dash toward the sound while readying his daggers and casting Enhancement that caused a boom to echo out as he rushed through the underbrush.


    ***


    Sometime before Raegar reached the road to the Blackwood County, a carriage barreled toward the forest on the opposite side. Yuki was leading the staff of the manor to Deadwater City for protection with the remaining guards.


    The maid was leaning out of the window while speaking to the commander in a concerned tone. ''''Edmund, are you sure the Veilwood is the quickest way to the city?''''


    ''''Yes, we''ve traveled through here many times with the Count, my lady,'''' the grizzled veteran replied in a respectful tone.


    Yuki smiled when hearing that but waved him away. ''''No need to talk to me like I''m a member of the family. I''m just a maid.''''


    The older man burst into laughter, joined by the other soldiers, as one of them chimed in with a playful tease. ''''Yuki, young master Raegar is your future husband. It''s no secret; everyone knows and backs it. That boy''s head over heels for you. Haven''t you caught the way he looked at you before he left?''''


    Hearing this, the young woman''s cheeks flushed a vivid red as she slipped back into the carriage. Yet, despite her embarrassment, a soft smile crept onto her face as thoughts of her boy filled her mind. ''I hope you''re okay, young master. You have to come back.''


    While daydreaming, Saki spoke in a worried tone. ''''Daughter, are you sure this is the best road to take? I''m getting a bad feeling.''''


    The other staff members nodded in agreement, and Yuki nodded. ''''It is. The other roads are littered with Korrvethian and Lunathyrian patrols causing havoc all across the County,'''' she replied.


    Following that, they continued traveling until the air changed just as explosions rang out from the front of the carriage which threw them everywhere.

 Chapter 87: Raegar… Is That You?

    Yuki was thrown forward as her ears were ringing, by the time the sound vanished the sound of fighting echoed out. She stood up and shook her head before speaking. ''''Stay here Mother and protect the others, I''ll go help the guards.''''


    The cat maid stepped outside only to realize that they were surrounded by an untold amount of bandits that slammed against the Blackwood shieldwall, but it wasn''t enough as some broke through.


    When she saw this she quickly cast Enhancement magic before rushing into the group of enemies while throwing several knives into the bandits that tried attacking the soldiers from behind.


    The projectiles found their targets, allowing Edmund to rally everyone, but the older man turned to her with a concerned expression. ''''We need to get out of here, my lady! Get the others ready to move!''''


    Yuki did as he said and rushed over to the carriage just as several fire arrows slammed into the wood beside her head. She yelped before pulling everyone out as three guards shielded them.


    She quickly used her daggers to kill several enemies while moving fast using her Enhancement magic. The Blackwood staff saw the young woman moving so fast that she was creating a pink blur.


    ''''They''re so alike,'''' Saki remarked while remembering watching the young master training when he was still in the manor.


    Moments later, Alfred, the family''s butler, stepped into view. The older man sprang into action, aiding Yuki. He dispatched several bandits who aimed their crossbows at her, his blade flashing as he cut them down like a master swordsman.


    The Blackwood guards watched in stunned silence, taken aback by his skill just as he appeared beside the staff and answered. ''''Yes, they are, but she''s only one person facing a horde of outlaws, my dear.''''


    Following that, Yuki continued killing the bandits, but there were too many, forcing Edmund to shout. ''''Surround the house staff! We will flee into the forest for safety!''''


    As the cat woman parried a man''s sword with her daggers, her breath came in heavy gasps. Blocking another strike, which was making her tired, she thought desperately. ''I wish the young master were here!''


    Just after that, the Blackwood guards escorted them into the trees while others held back the horde of enemies. They rushed through the Veilwood Forest, looking for safety, but found nothing but death.


    Hours dragged on as soldiers fell, overwhelmed by bandits who stormed in with reckless abandon, sacrificing their lives to kill a single guard. When the group reached a clearing, they were hemmed in on all sides, with Edmund standing alone as the last soldier still on his feet.


    Yuki stood beside the older man who was seriously injured and could barely lift his left arm as the other staff members were scared behind them. She was exhausted as the outlaws closed in, and the leader approached with a knowing smile.


    Edmund rushed forward and went to strike but the enemy dodged the attack before knowing the man out with a single punch forcing her to realize this enemy was Tier Three like her but stronger.


    She swallowed hard, glancing back at her mother, then steeled herself and charged at the enemy. This time, the leader struggled to block the swift strike, caught off guard by her unexpected speed.


    But her advantage was fleeting as time passed by as the two continued fighting and the other bandits watched while cheering the leader on. Moments later, the man recovered quickly, landing a powerful slap that sent her hurtling backward, crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud.


    ''''Looks like the cat bitch is strong, but not strong enough to take me on,'''' the leader said with a cocky smile while approaching her.


    Yuki tried to get up but the injuries and exhaustion were taking their toll on her as she got to her feet. She cast Enhancement again that sucked even more Aether from her dwindling pools.


    ''''I can''t die here!'''' she muttered while wiping blood from her lip. ''''Young master needs me.''''


    The cat woman twirled her daggers and lunged forward, sidestepping a wild swing with a spin. She struck swiftly, landing several blows, but only managed to nick the bandit leader''s cheek, a shallow cut that fueled his rage.


    Enraged, he retaliated with a lightning-fast swing. She raised her blades to block, but they shattered under the impact, and the sheer force snapped one of her arms, sending a jolt of pain through her body.


    ''''AHHHHH!'''' she screamed in agony before crashing to the ground, which caused explosions to ring out in the distance.


    The leader''s sneer twisted his scarred face as he strode toward her, his voice dripping with malice. ''''Filthy demi-human wretch,'''' he spat. ''''I''ll chain you up, make you a springtime toy for me and the lads to break.''''


    Her heart thundered, terror clawing at her chest as his words sank in. But then, like a beacon piercing the storm, a memory flared to life. She saw Raegar, his short white hair catching the sunlight, sitting beside her in the garden just before he''d departed for the Bloodfang Forest.


    ''''You know I''ll always come back to you, Yuki,'''' he''d said, his voice a promise, his charming smile igniting a fire in her soul. ''''And when danger finds you, I''ll be there to save you.''''


    The bandit leader''s rough hand seized her by the neck, yanking her cruelly from the memory. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut. In the darkness, her heart cried out. ''Save me, save me, Raegar!''


    Moments later, the bandit leader jerked her forward, his lips curling into a wicked smirk as he prepared to speak. But before a word could escape his lips, a shadow streaked past them. The man''s smirk froze, replaced by a gurgle of shock as blood bubbled from his throat.


    His iron grip faltered, and the man collapsed in a lifeless heap. Yuki''s blue eyes fluttered open, her breath catching as she saw a figure standing before her, a mysterious guardian cloaked in tattered armor, their face shrouded beneath a mask.


    Before a word could pierce the silence, the stranger erupted into motion, a blur of deadly speed. Twin daggers flashed, carving through the night as the figure leaped and spun with skill that shocked her and the staff who were watching.


    Bandits fell in droves, their cries swallowed by the wind, as the hooded avenger danced through the fray, slaying everyone. When more enemies swarmed the clearing, Yuki watched as their savior threw the weapons into the enemies.


    Moments later, two glowing weapons appeared and the stranger let them on the remaining group of bandits as they whizzed through the air killing everything in their path like angels of death as the figure continued fighting the enemy alone.


    Not long after that, all the bandits lay dead, and the stranger was breathing heavily but soon approached the downed Edmund. Yuki noticed the stranger poured a health potion into the older man''s mouth.


    Afterward, she watched the stranger approach only for a scent to hit her nose that she recognized but it was different as the figure stopped in front of them as a voice rang out. ''''Sorry it took me so long to find you, Yuki.''''


    At the sight of those glowing red eyes piercing the darkness, her own widened in awe. A trembling question slipped from her lips, barely above a whisper. ''''Raegar... is that you?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered, his voice low as he swept her into his arms.


    Yuki smiled as she melted into his embrace while being carried to a nearby stump, setting her down gently. Her shock held her still, wide-eyed, as he continued, ''''It''s good to see you, though I''d rather you weren''t hurt.''''


    ***


    Raegar watched the young woman smile with red cheeks and a swaying tail, which caught his interest. He quickly took out another health potion and poured it over her arm before giving her the rest to drink.


    ''''Here, take this, it should repair the damage,'''' he revealed.


    Yuki nodded silently while taking the bottle and drinking the remaining liquid that healed the remaining injuries, but the pain lingered. When he saw this, he commented. ''''Give it some time and you''ll feel better.''''


    Following that, he checked on the remaining Blackwood staff who were shocked when they saw him but as he arrived back to the cat woman she asked in a curious voice. ''''Why are you wearing a mask young master? Has something happened to your face?''''


    Raegar stiffened at her words, causing his head to drop as she grabbed his hand. ''''You know I would never judge you, right?''''


    ''''I know, but it''s horrible and makes me feel sick,'''' he replied in an uncertain voice.


    Yuki got angry and booped him on the head before reassuring him with a love-filled smile. ''''Do you think anything will stop me from loving you, young master?''''


    As those words left her lips she realized what she said, forcing Raegar''s head to snap in her direction. ''''What did you just say?'''' he asked with a gleam.

 Chapter 88: Hollowborns

    Raegar stood frozen, stunned by Yuki''s confession, her sweet smile melted his shock into something warmer as she spoke cheerfully. ''''Yes, I have feelings for you. I''d like to see where things go when you come of age, just under a year now that you''re sixteen.''''


    His heart pounded, words forming on his tongue, but before he could respond, the cat woman pressed on. ''''Now show me your face and let me prove you wrong.''''


    Afterward, he slowly peeled off the mask, the cool air grazing his exposed skin as he turned. Yuki caught sight of the scars, and she lunged forward, cradling his face in her hands, her voice trembling with concern. ''''What happened to you? Who did this, young master?''''


    Raegar froze, startled by her touch as she gently traced the scar running down the side of his face. He shook his head and revealed. ''''Months ago, I joined a Strike Squad. We were dispatched to a dungeon and faced a Devil Lord. I killed it, but not before it left its mark on me.''''


    Upon hearing his story, Yuki suddenly leaned in, pressing a kiss to his scar before stepping in front of him, her face beaming with a wide smile. She leaned forward again, showering his face with soft kisses.


    ''Huh? What''s happening!'' he thought, but he didn''t stop as he enjoyed her affection.


    Raegar went completely still and didn''t know how to react until the young woman stopped attacking him. She stepped back with bright red cheeks and quickly changed the subject. ''''Now that''s over with. Once Mistress Elysia returns, she''ll be able to heal this handsome face of yours, young master.''''


    Following that, Saki and Edmund approached forcing him to put the mask back on as the older man spoke with an exhausted smile. ''''Thanks for the help young master, those bandits took us by surprise.''''


    ''''They were from the Roguehold Lands in the far south,'''' he revealed while taking out several necklaces. ''''I believe the Outlaw King is taking advantage of the war and raiding the southern part of the empire.''''


    When the three heard this, their eyes widened in surprise. Yuki glanced at him before asking. ''''How do you know this, young master?''''


    ''''Wiped out a gang of heavily armed outlaws just down the road, banners and all,'''' he said with a chuckle, rising to his feet and surveying the clearing. As the sunset cast a warm glow, his expression turned grave.


    ''''We''ll make camp here tonight. You''ll sleep in the tents I''ve prepared, but once night falls, stay inside, no exceptions,'''' he warned.


    Following that, Raegar set up all the tents he took off the the enemy soldiers for this very purpose. While setting up the tents Saki approached with a worried smile. ''''Young master. You seem different compared to the young man I knew a year ago.''''


    ''''It''s good to see you too, Saki,'''' he responded. ''''And to answer your question, when you survive against all kinds of horrors and end up injured like I was, it changes you.''''


    The older woman nodded as she informed him. ''''Your mother has traveled north to help your father. Rumors speak of strange humanoids giving the border guards trouble alongside the war.''''


    ''''Strange humans? Are there any descriptions?'''' he questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    Saki took out a letter before handing it over. ''''I think you should read this, young master; it''s your father''s account of the first battle. This prompted the Lady to fly north even after I warned against it.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' Raegar responded while taking it. ''''I''ll read it shortly. I need to get you inside before the Nightwalkers or other creatures appear.''''


    The older woman trembled and looked around, causing him to reassure his mother''s friend. ''''Just stay inside the tents, ignore any voices you hear, and do not reply to anyone calling to you.''''


    Saki looked scared before she said her farewells and rushed toward the closest tent as Yuki approached with a warm smile. ''''All the maids are settled, the injured guards will need a day or two to recover young master.''''


    ''''That shouldn''t be a problem,'''' he replied while scanning the treeline surrounding the clearing. ''''I''ll stay guard after drawing the Protection Runes around the camp, but that will only keep the Hollowborns back.''''


    When the young woman heard, her eyes widened in shock, but Raegar reassured her. ''''I''ve been fighting them for the last few weeks; they are more annoying than anything. Also, I did see them slaughter a small Lunathyrian camp.''''


    Yuki sat down next to him with a smile as she spoke. ''''It seems like you''ve learned a lot being out here, it''s an impressive young master.''''


    Raegar was about to reply, but an eerie voice echoed from behind them. ''''Help... me!''''


    ''''Damn,'''' he muttered before jumping up while summoning his dagger to draw the Protection Runes around the tents.


    Following that, he turned to Yuki who was gazing into the darkness as a child spoke just out of sight. ''''Cat lady.. come help please!''''


    ''''Yuki!'''' Raegar spoke before grabbing her hand. ''''Don''t listen to them, they''re trying to lure you out into the forest.''''


    The young woman trembled in fear as the duo stepped across the Runes just as sad crying echoed across the clearing. Edmund and a maid named Sarah appeared from one of the tents.


    ''''Young master, who are those people calling out to us?'''' the older man asked.


    ''''They aren''t people,'''' he answered before throwing his dagger into one of the creature''s heads that was trying to sneak closer. ''''They are Tier Two creatures that come from the Forgotten Wastes.''''


    Raegar struck a spark, coaxing a fire to life that cast flickering light across the surroundings. ''''The books I read called them a lost tribe, but that''s beside the point. "As you heard, they draw people into the dark, then haul them off to their cave before eating.''''


    The cat woman shivered as Edmund spoke with a pale face. ''''And how can you keep us safe? You''re just one person?''''


    Without answering, he summoned his weapons before throwing them into the shadows, only for two strange noises to ring out. Raegar used Flash Step to appear outside the camp and stood there.


    Yuki looked worried and started to panic, he raised his hand as the creepy humanoids appeared from the trees. They stood nine feet tall and were extremely skinny, but their aura radiated horror.


    Their limbs had three fingers used to grab a hold of people, it was their teeth that sent shivers down everyone''s back; they looked like shark teeth covered in blood and jutted outward.


    Everyone in the camp was rooted to the spot as the monsters moved. Raegar''s smile grew wider as he summoned his daggers and threw them at the closest Hollowborns which pierced their heads.


    That wasn''t it, though, as he used Aether to control the blades. He watched as his weapons sliced through the air and started killing even more creatures who let out spine-tingling screeches.


    Moments later, he leaned back as one of the enemies swiped at him. Raegar quickly ducked under the attack before he dashed forward and plunged his blade into its side with a wet crunch, then yanked it free as the creature howled and collapsed.


    Another leaped from the side as its jaws snapped at his throat, but he ducked low, letting it sail over him. With a pivot, he drove his dagger upward, impaling the monster mid-flight. It crashed to the earth, twitching once before going still.


    The air grew thick with their shrieks and the stench of death, but Raegar pressed on, relentless. A final beast, larger than the rest, barreled toward him, its claws raking the ground as its eyes locked onto him.


    He feinted left, then spun right as it slashed at his body, its talons tearing through the air. With a roar, he surged forward, slamming his blade through its chest. It staggered just before he pulled out the blade, causing blood to fly everywhere.


    Raegar noticed its glowing black eyes dimming, and with a final thrust, he twisted and sent it sprawling into the dust. Breathing hard, he stood amidst the carnage, his blades dripping dark blood into the soil.


    The firelight flickered over the fallen, casting long shadows as silence reclaimed the night. He wiped his brow, turned back to the camp, and muttered, ''''Stay in the tents. They''re not done hunting yet.''''


    As Yuki watched him fight, his movements were so swift she could barely follow, her heart pounding with a mix of awe and fear. She thought to herself. ''He''s a monster! A Tier One, tearing through these powerful creatures like they''re nothing.''


    Edmund and Saki appeared beside her with amazed expressions as the older man spoke with a voice full of pride. ''''The young master has become a skilled warrior, and I have no doubt the other Vaelthornes will be nothing compared to him.''''


    Yuki was amazed and excited as she knew her young master always wanted to become strong and now he''s achieving his goal which made her heart swell with pride as her blue eyes glowed with love.

 Chapter 89: Sleep Well Young Master

    Raegar cut down the last Hollowborn, forcing the others in hiding to flee deeper into the forest to get away from him. Once the battle was done, he cleaned his daggers using his Aether.


    Moments later, he returned to the camp where Yuki, Saki, and Edmund were standing there staring at him. While walking, he up out some cold water before taking a big gulp which made him feel better.


    ''''Get some rest. We''ll be leaving for Deadwater City in two days,'''' he said to the trio. ''''This place should be safe since I killed the creatures.''''


    With nods, they returned to their tents to prepare for the night ahead. Raegar set up his tent and started a fire, the flames crackling as he began to cook some bread. As the warm aroma wafted through the air, Yuki drew near, her face lit with a gentle smile.


    ''''What are you cooking, young master?'''' she sweetly asked.


    Raegar looked up with glowing red eyes as he answered while not taking his eyes off the food. ''''Campfire bread, would you like some?''''


    The cat woman nodded and sat down next to him, they sat in silence as the sound of crackling flames and the sizzling of bread echoed throughout the clearing prompting Yuki to question. ''''When did you start making this?''''


    ''''Nearly a year now. I first started when I bought the ingredients from Dreadshade City down south,'''' he responded before flipping the bread. ''''It''s delicious after adding honey butter that I harvested from the forest.''''


    Following that, the duo sat there chatting as Raegar inquired. ''''What do you know about these creatures in the north?''''


    Yuki was just about to speak, but the Hollowborns'' voices sounded from the darkness. ''''Boy.. Come with us, we want to eat you.''''


    ''''You murdered us, now come here,'''' another said from behind them.


    Raegar sighed before speaking to the cat woman. ''''Ignore it. These things can''t do anything while we stay behind the runes.''''


    The young woman nodded in understanding while scooting closer to him as her tail stood straight and her ear flattened. When he saw this he suggested in a concerned voice. ''''Why do you stay in my tent tonight? It''ll block out the noise.''''


    Her cheeks went red before replying with a small smile. ''''Yes, please.''''


    Following that, Raegar continued cooking just as the first piece of bread was down, prompting him to take it out. He soon doused it with melted butter mixed with honey and gave it to the cat woman.


    ''''Here you go, make sure to eat it while it''s hot,'''' he said as she took the bread. ''''It''s better that way.''''


    Yuki settled in to eat, and as she sank her teeth into the steaming bread, her blue eyes flared wide with delight before she savored the bite. Raegar''s lips curved into a grin at her reaction as he turned to prepare his meal, this time pulling out a slab of monster meat.


    He retrieved the sturdy stick he used for cooking, skewered the thick chunk of meat onto it, and suspended it over the fire. The flames licked at it, sending up a hiss and sizzle that made his stomach growl in anticipation.


    When Yuki saw this, her eyes widened, prompting her to ask. ''''What creature is that?''''


    Raegar glanced at her before thinking briefly as he answered with a smile. ''''Forest Boar, there were thousands of the damn things that decided to chase me up a tree because I ran out of Aether.''''


    ''''What happened?'''' she asked in a curious tone.


    ''''Well, I had just escaped a Tier Three Swamp Crocodile that tried to ambush me,'''' he said while spinning the meat before continuing. ''''As I got away, I stumbled into an empty clearing, but all of a sudden, I was surrounded by massive boars.''''


    Yuki''s eyes sparkled with fascination when hearing the first part and she quickly urged. ''''Then what? Don''t stop there, young master.''''


    Raegar let out a low chuckle as he indulged her curiosity. ''''Well, I was running low on Aether but managed to take down three of them. The rest of those stubborn creatures hounded me up a tree. Trapped up there, I figured I might as well gather while the boars snorted and paced below, waiting me out.''''


    After speaking, he checked on his meat and realized it was near but soon he heard the sweet sound of Yuki''s laughter. This made his heart race, but she spoke with a smile. ''''What happened next?''''


    Raegar turned his attention back to the sizzling meat, sprinkling it with a blend of spices that sent a savory aroma curling into the air which made his stomach rumble causing the cat woman to giggle.


    Once he was done seasoning, he eased back into his spot, a contented smile crossing his face as he finished his tale. ''''I stayed up there gathering for a bit, waiting it out. Then, when the moment was right, I unleashed my Hydra Blades. They cut through those Forest Boars like they were nothing.''''


    ''''It seems like you''ve been through a lot, but I''m glad you''re alive,'''' Yuki said after he finished speaking. ''''I worried about you every day. It only got worse when Master Griffin and Mistress Elysia vanished thanks to the devil''s attack.''''


    Raegar let out a soft sigh at her words, his gaze drifting to the fire just as he noticed the meat was ready. He snatched it from the flames before it could char, blowing on it gently to cool it down before responding.


    ''''Yeah, I''m sure it did,'''' he said with a reassuring nod. ''''But no need to worry anymore, I''m perfectly fine."


    ''''I guess so,'''' Yuki replied as he offered her some of the meat after cutting it in half. This surprised her. ''''Thank you, young master.''''


    After that, the two carried on their conversation while eating the freshly cooked monster meat, which was delicious, tuning out the eerie whispers of the Hollowborn that reverberated through the surrounding darkness.


    Twenty minutes passed, and Raegar let out a wide yawn, rising to his feet and stretching his arms overhead. ''''I''m going to get some sleep,'''' he said, glancing at the cat woman with a casual tilt of his head. ''''Care to join me?''''


    Yuki''s cheeks flushed a deep red, but she gave a shy nod. The pair slipped into his tent, and once inside, the older woman gently took his head in her hands, drawing it down to rest against her chest, soft and warm, a surprising comfort.


    She began to toy with his hair, her fingers threading through it as they both settled in. His eyes closed as the pink-haired beauty spoke quietly. ''''Sleep well young master, you''ve done so much since we''ve reunited.''''


    After settling in, she gently lifted his mask away, her fingers brushing over his face in a tender, familiar caress, one he had adored since he was a child, a ritual she''d kept through the years.


    As her touch lulled him, Raegar drifted into sleep, and a radiant smile spread across her face. In a soft, delighted whisper, she murmured, ''''Still the same young master, even after all this time.''''


    Moments later, Raegar''s arms tightened around Yuki, pulling the cat woman closer until her head rested snugly against his chest. A faint smile appeared at the embrace, and soon, she fell asleep comfortably in his hold.


    Hours passed, and a horrifying scream echoed out across the camp, forcing him to jump out of the tent. He spotted one of the Blackwood guards approaching the runes, only to trample over them.


    Raegar''s eyes widened in shock before he quickly cast Hydra Blades and controlled them to circle the camp to keep the monsters from rushing the others. Without waiting, he dashed toward the Hollowborn that was reaching for the crying man.


    He cast Flash Step to appear between the two as he summoned his dagger and threw it into the forehead of the creature. Following that, the flying weapons were killing everything that tried to rush into the camp.


    With pure focus, Raegar quickly killed any nearby Hollowborns with speed and skill that the beasts couldn''t keep up with before redrawing the rune that the soldier accidentally destroyed.


    Once that was done, he dismissed the Hydra Blades before spinning on the man. ''''What the fuck were you doing!'''' he raged. ''''You could have got us all killed if the maid hadn''t screamed!''''


    The soldier avoided his gaze but muttered. ''''I heard my dead brother; he was calling out to me. I forgot about the monster, young master.''''


    Raegar sighed before cleaning off his blades before speaking. ''''It''s the Hollowborns. They read some of your thoughts and use them against you. Now get some rest; this will get worse now their prey got away.''''


    Following that, Saki was standing near Edmund which made him laugh, causing him to ask Yuki when he approached the cat woman. ''''Are they a thing now? I noticed the old man was protecting her.''''

 Chapter 90: Could It Be A Werewolf?

    Raegar watched Yuki giggle as she shrugged before answering. ''''No, Master Alaric and Mother have a thing going on with your mother''s permission. It surprised me, but they have been friends for years now.''''


    ''What the fuck? Father and Saki are a thing?'' he thought in shock. ''Mother is letting him have a harem?''


    After that, the two slipped back into the tent, and he pulled Yuki into a warm cuddle, making her smile as she melted into his embrace. Time passed quietly, and they fell into a comfortable sleep, lulled by the birds chirping overhead.


    Moments later, the sound of roars of monsters echoed through the night while others circled their camp but couldn''t approach thanks to the runes he set up. The next morning, Raegar awoke to the soft snores of the cat woman, still peacefully asleep beside him.


    A warm smile spread across his face as he quietly slipped out of the tent, the crisp, cool air brushing gently against his skin. He glanced around only to notice a fog descending on the clearing that blocked his view.


    ''''Damn winter weather, hopefully, it ends soon,'''' he muttered in annoyance.


    Following that, Raegar sat down and got comfortable before starting a fire thanks to the stockpile of wood in his storage ring. Once the flames roared to life it beat the cold weather back and heated him while he wrapped a cloak around him.


    ''''Morning, young master,'''' Edmund spoke up from his right, catching him off guard. ''''The weather is getting worse.''''


    Raegar turned to the older man with a startled expression before replying with an amused smile. ''''Hello Edmund, what are you doing up so early? And yes, the end of winter is always the worst, especially out on the road.''''


    The Blackwood Commander settled down with a weary sigh, stretching his hands toward the fire''s warmth as he spoke. ''''Too cold to sleep, and those roars were getting on my nerves until they finally stopped.''''


    No sooner had Edmund finished speaking than a chilling howl sliced through the air, reverberating from the north. The older man''s eyebrow arched in suspicion as he turned toward the sound, a flicker of unease crossing his face.


    ''''That''s no ordinary monster,'''' Raegar muttered with narrowed eyes. ''''Could it be a werewolf?''''


    When the older man heard this his face paled before speaking in a worried tone. ''''Werewolf? They are here in the South? Aren''t they hunted whenever they step foot in the empire?''''


    Raegar shrugged. ''''Normally you''d be right, but many monsters are following the armies so they can feed on the dead. I''m honestly surprised we haven''t come across any Ghouls or Blood Fiends.''''


    Edmund shivered when hearing his words as the creatures were notorious for raiding caravans and rest stops in the far north. Raegar chuckled at the man''s reaction before reassuring him.


    ''''We should be fine, though. There''s a town in between us and Darkwater City, we''ll rest there before continuing on the Kingsway,'''' he revealed. ''''I''ll fight off the Werewolves, but I may need the guard''s help.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me, young master. We will help you without needing to ask, it''s the least we can do,'''' the older man replied with a friendly smile.


    Following that, the two of them spoke for a while before Edmund decided to patrol the camp which left him alone just as his stomach growled with hunger. He pulled out some flour and started making his campfire bread for breakfast.


    A while later, Raegar reclined lazily, savoring the warm, freshly baked bread as he watched the sun spill golden light across the awakening world. The camp stirred to life around him, and just then, Yuki emerged from the tent.


    He glanced at the cat woman, her hair a chaotic, tousled tangle, and a grin tugged at his lips despite himself. Spotting him, she beamed back, her voice lilting with a sweet warmth. ''''Morning, master! That bread smells delicious.''''


    Raegar let out a soft chuckle as he noticed her tail swishing eagerly behind her. With a nod of agreement, he gestured to the spot beside him. ''''Come sit with me,'''' he said warmly. ''''I''ll get started on cooking some for you now.''''


    Following that, the two of them sat in silence until Yuki turned to him. ''''How long will it take us to get to Deadwater City?'''' she questioned with a curious expression.


    ''''Two days,'''' he responded while focusing on her breakfast. ''''Depends on how far we travel. There''s a town called Ravenhollow where we can stock up on supplies and rest.''''


    ''''I heard of that place,'''' she revealed. ''''It''s where merchants and travelers pass through on their way north for trade.''''


    Raegar was surprised but soon was distracted when Yuki''s bread was finished cooking as the aroma hit his nose, prompting him to cover it in honey butter. After doing that, the smell was delicious causing their stomachs to growl.


    The older woman let out a soft giggle, her bright smile lighting up as she accepted the food, sending Raegar''s heart into a sudden sprint. The day slipped by in a blur after that, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the distant howls grew louder and more frequent.


    This sudden scene worried the people, but he reassured them. ''''Stay in the camp and don''t leave the tents; tonight will get wild.''''


    After that, the monsters went crazy forcing everyone apart from Raegar to hide inside the shelters. Yuki went to comfort her mother just as he spotted several monsters lingering in the growing darkness.


    ''Sneaky fuckers,'' he thought while spinning one of his daggers. ''Let''s see how they react.''


    He rose to his feet and moved toward the runes, drawing the newcomer''s gaze. Their piercing yellow eyes tracked his every step as he crossed the camp, sparking a flurry of thoughts in his mind.


    ''''What is this thing? A Wendigo? A Hidebehind?'''' he muttered, unease prickling at his senses.


    With a thought, he summoned his daggers before vanishing using Flash Stop. This shocked the watching creatures, who started looking around. He materialized behind a humanoid wolf that was crouched in the bush.


    ''So it''s a werewolf!'' Raegar mused with a wicked smile. ''Thier strong Tier Twos, this is going to be fun.''


    Without waiting, his blades sliced through the air and decapitated the monster just as the others'' heads snapped in his direction. Seconds later, he started casting Lightningfire Blasts into the group of surprised beasts.


    The shocking flames took the creatures by surprise, causing them to scatter in all directions, which made him laugh. He sensed them fleeing into the distance as one lay on the ground while trembling thanks to the lightning Aether.


    Raegar threw his blade into its head to finish it off as the guards started waking up back at camp. Once the Werewolves were gone, he returned to the tents only to see Saki and Yuki standing there with concerned expressions.


    When he got closer, the younger of the two commented with a worried smile. ''''Is everything alright, young master? Where did you go?''''


    ''''Monsters were hanging around in the shadows,'''' he revealed before sitting down and letting out a sigh. ''''Werewolves are stalking us, but we have fire, so it should be fine.''''


    After that, Raegar, Yuki, and Saki sat together, exchanging stories about the recent events in the Dawnfire Empire as the day passed. He learned that the army had driven the enemy forces into the southern region and was now working to crush them.


    ''Hopefully, none of them are lurking around Darkwater City,'' he mused, his thoughts drifting to the possibility that made a shiver run down his spine.


    By the time the sun set, the Blackwood guards were fully recovered and could continue, but they wanted to wait until the morning when it was daytime thanks to all the monsters and horrors lurking in the forest.


    As everyone went about their business monsters circled the tent which scared the maids as the guards shielded them. Raegar''s eyebrow rose with curiosity. ''''A small wave it seems, they are fleeing north.''''


    ''''Running from what?'''' Yuki asked from behind him while getting ready to cast a spell.


    He cast a glance at the cat woman before explaining. ''''Tier Four and Five monsters that started the wave. When the weaker beasts grow too numerous, they go berserk, rampaging through, killing anything they can get their claws on.''''


    No sooner had the words escaped his lips than a horrible aura crashed over them, sending a jolt through Raegar. He jumped to his feet, blades appearing in his hands as he turned to the pink-haired beauty, his eyes wide with fear.


    ''''Get them to the city, now!'''' he commanded with a tremble. ''''I''ll hold the monsters off before running.''''


    When Saki and Edmund heard his warning, their faces paled before they urged the people to flee toward the Kingsway. He smiled in relief as they fled, causing him to turn to the cat woman. ''''Go, Yuki, you need to protect the others while I hold these nightmares back.''''


    ''''You cannot fight them!'''' she protested while bordering on panic. ''''You''re Tier One! They are on another level, Raegar!''''

 Chapter 91 91: Only The Gods Know

    Raegar let out a shaky chuckle, sweat streaming down his face as his nerves teetered on the edge. Yet, with a deep breath, he steadied himself while pushing the fear down so he could protect the woman he cared about.


    ''''I know that, Yuki, but what else can I do?'''' he said, his voice filled with resolve. ''''Stand by and watch the woman I like die in some meaningless fight? No, go now, and I''ll meet you at Darkwater.''''


    The older woman hesitated, her cheeks flushing red as his words sank in. She quickly tugged off his mask, planted a quick kiss on his cheek, and turned to flee. The ground beneath them began to tremble violently, urging her onward as she ran.


    Raegar shook his head to get rid of the creeping fear and cast Enhancement and Titanfall before sending the projectile into the air as a massive Mountain Troll and what looked to be a massive Salamander appeared, only to stop when seeing him.


    ''''Oh shit, this is bad,'''' he muttered just as determination took over as the fear faded. ''''But I need to protect her.''''


    Without hesitation, Raegar unleashed the spell, dropping it onto the monster in a deafening, earth-shaking explosion. To his shock, the two beasts emerged from the blast, battered but still moving, their resilience catching him off guard.


    The Salamander lunged, but he vanished out of its path just in time. Just then, the Mountain Troll swung its massive wooden club, prompting him to use Flash Step to appear on top of the massive weapon before dashing toward the surprised monster as he aimed for its eyes.


    As his dagger sliced through the air, the beast jerked its head aside, the blade grazing its cheek instead of striking true, forcing blood to fly everywhere. In an instant, its massive fist swung at him.


    ''''Fuck!'''' he exclaimed.


    Without waiting, he managed to block the sudden blow. But thanks to the sheer force of the punch, it sent him hurtling through the forest, crashing through branches and undergrowth before slamming into the ground.


    Raegar''s head was spinning, and his body ached; the pain was intense, but he ignored it as he needed to continue fighting and rose to his feet just as the Salamander moved it. Its massive jaw tried to swallow him while forcing him to jump to the side.


    A dust cloud exploded into the air, but he darted aside with speed as the monstrous Titans launched their assault. Unleashing a Lightningfire Blast, he rocketed skyward, flames and sparks trailing in his wake.


    The Mountain Troll''s massive arm swung with earth-shaking force, but he twisted midair with skill, landing atop the hulking lizard''s scaly back. Without a moment''s hesitation, Raegar roared his command, "Fusion Overdrive!"


    A torrent of radiant Aether surged through his veins, igniting his very soul as it propelled him to the heights of a Tier Five warrior. Empowered beyond mortal limits, he faced the monsters, his power rivaling their primal fury.


    The creatures scrambled to escape, their instincts screaming retreat, but he locked onto the troll like a vengeful storm. The beast reared back, its colossal fist hurtling toward him with bone-crushing intent.


    With a flick of his wrists, Raegar hurled his daggers that sliced through the air, disrupting the troll''s aim. Seizing the moment, he launched skyward, only to pivot and slam into the monster''s body.


    Fists blazing with unleashed fury, he rained down a relentless barrage, dozens of punches that echoed like thunder across the battlefield. Raegar''s attacks hammered into the Mountain Troll, each blow a cataclysm of raw power.


    ''''Gotta get stronger to protect her!'''' he roared with determination.


    The troll staggered after one deadly strike, its guttural roars faltering under the onslaught, but he pressed on, his muscles burning with pain that he ignored. Dust swirled around them, the ground trembling beneath the sheer force of his assault.


    It swiped desperately, a clumsy attempt to dislodge him, but Raegar''s senses were razor-sharp. With a twist, he spotted his daggers falling. His fingers closed around the hilts as he caught them.


    Gripping the blades tightly, he planted his boots against the troll''s chest for leverage. A primal roar tore from his throat, a sound of triumph and wrath that shook the very air. He started slashing the monsters so fast that it couldn''t be seen.


    Blood flew everywhere and this scene scared the Salamander who fled into the forest and away from Raegar as the troll was sluggish when trying to attack thanks to its thick hide being opened by his dark blades.


    He dodged every attack it threw, and by the time the consequences of using Fusion Overdrive appeared. Blood poured from his mouth and ears while his muscles started to tear thanks to the force.


    Raegar jumped back and could barely stand, just like the Mountain Troll, who collapsed to the ground with a crash as it died still on its feet. He chuckled before glancing at the fleeing Salamander and exclaimed. ''''You''re not going anywhere, lizard!''''


    Moments later, he crouched down and burst forward like a comet and crashed into the giant monster which sent it flying but lucky for the Salamander it fell into a murky lake causing him to stop.


    ''''Damn thing escaped!'''' he raged before blasting the water with Lightningfire Blast that sent all the creatures hiding.


    Following that, Raegar walked back to the Mount Troll and climbed onto its body, not bothering about all the gore. He carved out the Tier Five Aether Core, its yellow glow pulsing like captured sunlight.


    He slipped it into his ring just as Edmund and a handful of guards emerged from the trees, eyes wide with awe and disbelief. When spotting them, he jumped off the Troll and landed with a thud, but the pain shot through his legs as the bones fractured.


    This caused him to collapse as the agony began, thanks to his damaged muscles and cracked ribs. Raegar pulled out some health potions and drank one before pouring the other over his body.


    Edmund knelt beside him with a concerned look in his eyes. ''''What happened here, young master?''''


    ''''Consequences of my actions,'''' he answered with a chuckle while trying to stand up but his legs were like a baby deer.


    The older man supported him and spoke with a chuckle. ''''Lady Yuki will be angry but happy that you survived that young master.''''


    Edmund ordered the surrounding guards to loot the Troll while he helped Raegar toward the waiting women. Five minutes later, he was being checked over by the worried cat woman.


    ''''Young master!'''' she said after making sure he wasn''t injured. ''''Don''t rush to fight such creatures like that again. I can see all the blood on your armor.''''


    Raegar chuckled before reassuring the older woman. ''''I''ll be fine. I just need some rest to let my body recover from using my ability.''''


    Yuki nodded with a relieved expression as she noticed her mother was too busy scanning the forest and took off his mask and kissed his cheek again. This made his cheeks go red before he put the mask back on.


    The maid giggled at his reaction before Saki approached them with a smile. ''''It''s good that you''re okay, young master. Only the gods know what your parents or grandparents would do if anything happened to you.''''


    After that, the trio lingered in the forest, waiting for the guards before trekking through the trees until they reached a peaceful-looking river. They decided to settle beside the water as it would be a perfect spot for Raegar to recover.


    Once the tents were pitched and a roaring fire crackled to life, he rested in front of the flames, gazing up at the vast sky stretching endlessly above him. Shooting stars passed by and lit up the endless Kingways they could see from their spot.


    ''I do love this world,'' he mused with glowing red eyes. ''Much better than Earth.''


    Lost in the scene, Yuki appeared with a warm smile while offering him a cup of hot tea. ''''Drink this, young master. It will help relax you.''''


    Raegar propped himself up, accepting the drink with a nod. As he took a sip, a shiver raced through him, the potent liquid coursing like wildfire through his veins, invigorating every fiber of his being.


    The older woman joined him before curiously questioning. ''''How can you drink with the mask?''''


    ''''It doesn''t stop me and I''ve kept it on for weeks until meeting you,'''' he revealed while finishing the tea.


    Five minutes later, he felt better thanks to the special tea just as Yuki spoke while stoking the fire. ''''Hopefully, there won''t be any more fighting on the road to Deadwater City.''''


    ''''The monster wave would have driven off any bandits and enemy soldiers,'''' he revealed while pulling out some bread. ''''Between them and the Dawnfire armies marching south would drive the invaders back to their homelands.''''


    Following that, Raegar offered her some of the freshly cooked food which she accepted with a smile. ''''Thank you, young master, this stuff is delicious.''''

 Chapter 92 92: Lets Make Something To Eat

    Raegar watched as Yuki went to check on the rest of the camp as he drew runes to keep any Nightwalkers or Hollowborns away. It took him twenty minutes to protect them before he climbed into his tent.


    Moments later, he settled beneath the sheets, finding a rare pocket of comfort as the soft voices of the two cat women filled the air, their conversation drifting to tales of their journey to Dreadwater City.


    Thanks to their words and the fatigue from using Fusion Overdrive, he soon slipped into a heavy, dreamless sleep. Raegar started to recover, and everyone outside the tent felt the Aether pouring into him.


    Yuki glanced in his direction as her mother commented with a curious expression. ''''I wonder what happened to him for that to happen?''''


    The young woman opened her mouth to respond, but Edmund cut in, his voice brimming with excitement. ''''The young master''s a monster in the making, mark my words. I''ve never heard of a Tier One Warrior taking on enemies leagues above his rank.''''


    She caught the fire in the man''s eyes as he continued. ''''Did you see how he sliced through that Mountain Troll? Like a legend ripped from the old stories I grew up on. The way he moved, those daggers flashing, it''s uncanny. He''s got the makings of the last Aether King, the one who forged the continent into one a thousand years back.''''


    When Yuki heard that, she would have normally dismissed such a notion, but watching her young master fight like he was, forcing her to change the way she thought about him as he was born to harness Aether like it was breathing.


    ''''He''s going to cause chaos wherever he goes,'''' she muttered. ''''I''m afraid trouble will find him sooner or later as he will outshine every Vaelthorne as he grows stronger, and that shouldn''t take long with that skill of his.''''


    Edmund nodded before declaring. ''''When Master Alaric returns, I''ll ask him to put me on the young master''s guard detail. I want to see how far that boy can go.''''


    ''''To the heavens,'''' Saki declared. ''''Just wait until he climbs Levels or becomes a Tier Two Spellblade. Once he wins the tournaments, explores the Gates, and conquers the dungeons, I''d wager the empress herself will set her sights on him; he''s that extraordinary.''''


    The older woman turned to her daughter, her face etched with seriousness. ''''That boy cherishes you. Never let him slip away; he''ll always stand by you regardless of how high he climbs. I''ve seen it in his eyes; he loves you, even if he hasn''t realized it yet.''''


    Yuki felt her cheeks grow red, but Edmund only added to the torture with his cheerful voice. ''''All the Blackwood staff already consider you two a thing; we''re just biding our time until the official announcement is made.''''


    Following that, she rushed toward her young master''s tent, which made her mother and the older man laugh. This added fuel to the fire and she blushed before climbing inside only to stop when seeing him asleep.


    ''So handsome,'' she mused with a smile as her tail swayed side to side. ''Now let''s get some sleep and take advantage of the situation.''


    Yuki settled beside him, and without hesitation, he suddenly drew her into a warm embrace, her heart swelling with happiness as she drifted into sleep. They were wrapped in thick blankets that kept the cold away.


    The next morning, Raegar stirred awake, blinking in confusion at a haze of pink, until he realized it was the soft hair of his gorgeous catmaid nestled against him. He let out a yawn before climbing out of the blankets.


    ''Let''s make something to eat,'' he mused as his stomach growled with hunger.


    Raegar put on some thick clothes and wrapped a cloak around him before stepping outside and plopping down next to the dead fire. He used Lightnfire Blast to start another, after throwing more wood into the pile.


    The flames surged to life, casting a wave of heat across his skin as he pulled out a pan and tossed a generous slab of butter into it. A sharp sizzle cut through the air as the butter melted, filling his nose with its rich aroma.


    He prepared the bread dough, shaping it with practiced hands before sliding it into the pan to cook. While doing that, Raegar noticed the sun hadn''t risen yet, and everyone was still asleep.


    ''The stint in Bloodfang Forest has messed with my sleep,'' he mused while sticking a piece of meat over the fire.


    Ten minutes later, he finished cooking, pulling freshly baked bread from the pan alongside a juicy chunk of meat, its savory aroma mingling with the crisp morning air causing his stomach to rumble.


    Raegar dug into the meal, the warm bread and tender meat working to heal his body from the strain. With each bite, he felt vitality seeping back in, and a little while later, he finished the food before leaning back.


    He pulled out a bottle of sake and took a generous swig, the sharp, fiery liquid jolting him awake, igniting his senses and making him feel better. While sitting there, a twig snap caused his head to snap in the sound''s direction.


    A cluster of cats perched nearby. They were completely black, which hid the little family in the shadows, but thanks to all the time he spent in Bloodfang Forest and its darkness he could see them.


    Raegar noticed their wide yellow eyes fixed on him before drifting to the scraps of food next to him while keeping smaller versions back in case it was dangerous, but he wouldn''t hurt them he wanted to help.


    ''Let''s give them some food,'' he mused.


    He smiled as he beckoned them closer, and this caught their attention. The little family hesitated, their wild instincts fighting against it, but soon deemed him safe and scampered into his lap with eager abandon.


    They resembled tiny jaguars, yet their untamed, rugged features gave them a wild look that he loved. Moments later, he tore the leftovers into eight portions, enough for the two parents and their six cubs, ensuring each got their share as they nuzzled against him.


    One bold kitten scampered up his chest, settling snugly on his shoulder after delivering a grateful lick to his cheek. He chuckled, running a hand over its soft fur as it let out a faint, resonant meow that rippled through the air.


    The father cat swiveled in his direction, eyes narrowing as a low hiss rumbled from its throat. But before anything could escalate, the mother intervened, swatting her mate with a paw as if scolding him.


    With a calm stride, she approached herself, undeterred. He reached down and started stroking the female cat, who headbutted his hand while purring, which earned him another growl.


    He looked at the male cat before speaking. ''''Look, I have no intention of hurting your wife or children. I just want to help, I know food must be hard to find thanks to the monster wave that passed through.''''


    Upon hearing his words, the small creature cautiously approached, settling beside the female, who greeted it with a tender lick. A moment later, it let out a gentle meow, prompting him to reach out and pet the fluffy cat.


    In response, the little creature leaned into Raegar''s touch, affectionately headbutting his hand, which prompted him to speak. ''''See, I mean you and your family no harm. The woman I care for is a cat demi-human, so you could say I have a fondness for your kind.''''


    Following that, the mother and father jumped on between his legs before eating the meat and bread he took out. All eight of them stuffed themselves full, and ten minutes later, the six kittens were lying all over him, sleeping.


    The female nestled comfortably in Raegar''s lap, her soft black fur gliding beneath his gentle strokes, while the male sprawled out fully, finally able to relax without the constant need to stay vigilant.


    While this happened, he pampered each one, but Saki appeared only to go wide-eyed when seeing the newcomers. She pointed at him and exclaimed in amazement. ''''How are you playing with a family of Nyxari? They''re almost extinct!''''


    As the words left her lips, the father cat jumped up and hissed at her before they vanished, causing Raegar to jump up while scanning his surroundings until something bit his ear, making him yelp.


    Just then, a meow echoed out as the male appeared on his shoulder from his own shadow, forcing his eyes to widen in shock as Saki muttered in horror. ''''They are right about you! You''re a monster, young master.''''


    ''''Thank you, mother,'''' he teased the older woman.


    When Saki heard this her cheeks went bright red as she stammered. ''''Young master, you don''t have to call me that. Me and the master are seeing how things go before taking that step, with Victoria''s permission of course.''''


    Raegar chuckled at her reaction and continued. ''''Well, second mother, luckily for you, my mother loves you like a sister and will probably allow you two to marry when he returns from the war. You know the type of woman she is.''''

 Chapter 93: Join Them For Security

    Raegar watched as Saki dismissed herself while heading back to the tent with a smile. Once she was done, the Nyxari Cats appeared from his shadow and continued eating, making him laugh.


    He gently stroked the creature''s father and spoke. ''''Shy little things, aren''t you? Well, if my shadow feels like a safe place for you, then your family is welcome to stay. I''ll make sure you''re treated to some of the finest food I can find.''''


    As the cat heard his words, it nudged his hand with a headbutt, sending a sudden spark coursing through his entire body. Raegar tensed, ready to leap up, but a soft meow halted him mid-motion. ''''Meow~~.''''


    He turned to the male cat, confusion flickering in his eyes as he asked, ''''What do you mean taking my Aether? How am I even understanding you?''''


    ''''Meow~~ Meow,'''' it replied.


    Raegar looked confused. ''''You like my energy? Don''t take too much, I need it to level up,'''' he warned with a raised eyebrow.


    Suddenly, the kittens swarmed him, a flurry of tiny paws. They licked his face, allowing all of them to get some Aether just as the mother did. He gently swatted them away, then paused as he counted, three girls and three boys, plus the parents.


    With a shrug, he thought to himself before clarifying anything with the creatures. ''I''ll just gather more monster meat along the way. Once I''m at the academy, I can hit the dungeons and Gates.''


    Following that, the Nyxari cats got comfortable around him as he cooked himself some bread just before Yuki stepped out of the tent. Raegar smiled when seeing the young woman. ''''Morning, would you like something to eat?''''


    ''''Good morning, young master,'''' she replied while letting out a yawn. ''''And yes, please, it smells delicious.''''


    Just then, the young woman spotted the black cats lingering around him, belly up as they peacefully relaxed. This shocked Yuki to the core as she muttered. ''''Why do you have these creatures? Where did they come from?''''


    Raegar glanced at her with a big smile. ''''They are new friend who I''m feeding after appearing from the nearby bush, but do you know if they''re any good at fighting?'''' he explained.


    When the father cat heard this, he bit his hand, forcing him to boink it on the head while warning. ''''Why do that for? Can you fight?''''


    ''''Meow!'''' it retorted before vanishing into the shadows with all but one kitten.


    The little girl let out a growl at her father before scampering up his arm, settling comfortably on his shoulder with a possessive air. The sight drew a soft giggle from Yuki as she sat down, her warm smile lighting up her face.


    ''''Nyxari are stealth fighters,'''' she explained. ''''They strike from the shadows with their claws and teeth. But I suspect the older two are hiding their true size.''''


    Just as those words left her lips, a massive cat appeared and pinned Raegar to the ground with glowing yellow eyes. He raised his hand to stop Yuki from attacking as he realized it was the mother.


    She let out a purr before licking his face after removing his mask and pampering him like one of her cubs after slumping on his body like a lazy house cat. When the maid saw this she started to laugh uncontrollably as he started laughing.


    ''''So the stories were true,'''' Yuki commented with a big smile. ''''They choose who to follow, and it seems this whole family have chosen you, young master.''''


    When the big cat heard this her head snapped toward the cat woman who raised her hands as she revealed with a teasing grin. ''''I love him a different way, Lady. He may be your future master but will be my lover.''''


    The Nyxari mother rose to her feet and padded over to the pink-haired woman, sniffing her curiously before her eyes widened in surprise. Yuki let out a light giggle, slipping her hood down to reveal a long, feline tail swaying behind her.


    ''''Rrrrumble~~,'''' the cat''s chest rumbled.


    This caused Yuki to smile as she answered. ''''I would love to be friends, but first you need a name?''''


    Following that, the two of them turned to him with expectant looks in their eyes, causing Raegar to start thinking as he came up with one. ''''Tomoe, she was a famous warrior empress from Kyoshara Continent. You''re powerful, considering you''re Tier Three monsters and growing.''''


    Just then, the other jaguars appeared, waiting for their names. He looked at the father and gave him one. ''''You will be known as Max, a great general who fought in the Northern Wars decades ago alongside one of my ancestors.''''


    The giant jaguar got happy and licked him before returning to the shadows as he grabbed the little girl from his shoulder. Raegar looked at her with a smile. ''''Your name will be Nyx, the ancient Dragon of Chaos.''''


    ''''Mraow~~,'''' the little creature answered.


    Raegar watched as the little kitten got excited and started darting around the tent while letting out happy noises. Following that, he picked up the two girls and gave them their own names.


    ''''You two will be Mae and Asha,'''' he said with a smile before grabbing the three boys. ''''And you guys will be, Leo, Don and Ted.''''


    The kittens got happy and started celebrating with a big play fight involving five of the jaguar babies. While that happened, Tomoe looked at him and growled. ''''Grrrrr~~.''''


    Raegar looked at her and answered. ''''Yes, I know they can''t fight. I never planned on using them if you ever stayed with me, girl; calm down.''''


    ''''Rrrrrrrr,'''' she continued.


    ''''Let them explore the world?'''' he replied with a curious expression. ''''Aren''t they too young?''''


    Max shook his head as Yuki explained with a big smile. ''''Nyxari Cat''s let their children go at a certain age to brave the world to see if they survive.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Raegar said before lining up the six kittens who were staring at him with their big yellow eyes. ''''One day you guys can fight beside me, maybe when I enter the dungeons or Gates.''''


    They all nodded like good cats as he continued. ''''How long will they be gone for? And would you like to go with them?''''


    ''''Gwwwwrr~~,'''' the big jaguar responded in shock.


    When hearing the answer he felt bad but started pampering the kittens who loved every second of it. While doing that, Yuki spoke. ''''Sometimes the parents join them for security. But I''m sure they''ll come back, young master. Their shadow cats remember; they will be able to track you.''''


    He let out a chuckle just as Max emitted a low growl, a signal that sent the kittens scampering into his shadow. Moments later, Edmund approached, his brow furrowing in confusion as the jaguars vanished without a trace.


    This left the older man staring at an empty scene where the creatures had been only seconds before. The commander shook his head before speaking. ''''Young master, we are ready to get back on the road. Ravenhollow is our next stop, right?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Raegar replied while standing up. ''''Get the tents packed away, I''ll scout the road ahead.''''


    Yuki jumped up with a big smile as she went to help her mother with the other maids. He watched her go before Edmund left to tend to the guards. Once they were alone, Max looked at him and meowed. ''''Mraow~~ Grrrrr~~.''''


    ''''No need to explain,'''' he replied with an honest smile. ''''They''re your children, and I wouldn''t keep you two from them.''''


    Following that, the two Nyxari Cats said their farewells by bumping him with their large heads before the kittens did the same. Once that was done, he gave them all the meat he had in his storage ring.


    Tomoe was happy and stored it in her shadow as the family vanished into the nearby treeline. Raegar watched them go, not knowing that they would meet again, but he was happy with the encounter.


    Hours passed, and the group found themselves on the Kingways as refugees headed toward the nearest safe place. He didn''t have to fight too much, thanks to the Dawnfire armies clearing out the invaders.


    Raegar didn''t have to fight apart from a few random Forest Wolves that appeared, but thanks to Stormfire Bullet, they dropped dead within moments. Once the last creatures dropped dead, the journey to be peaceful.


    By the time the sun set, they spotted Ravenhollow surrounded by a sea of tents from the army stationed down here. While he was walking, Yuki appeared beside him with a smile. ''''You were kind to those Nyaxri; I''m sure they''ll remember that.''''


    ''''Maybe,'''' he answered just as a group of soldiers approached them, but Edmund said he''d deal with them.


    After that, the older man turned to the commander, explaining the situation, and was met with a warm welcome. Just then, they crossed paths with more Blackwood soldiers, clad in heavy armor, marching alongside his older brother, Jasper.


    ''I thought he was deployed somewhere else?'' he mused.

 Chapter 94: Master Vaelthorne?

    Raegar watched as the Dawnfire Commander suddenly stop when the one in front spoke in an amazed tone. ''''Saki? Yuki? What are you two doing here?''''


    An armored man got off his horse and approached, removing his helmet to reveal blue hair like their father''s but red eyes like their mother''s. Jasper looked to be in his mid-twenties, with a stern aura around him.


    While he was thinking to himself, Saki stepped forward with a warm smile. ''''It''s good to see you, young master Jasper. Lady Victoria didn''t tell me you''d be down here.''''


    After that, his older brother completely ignored him, which caused Yuki to look in his direction. He waved her away with a smile behind the mask. ''''Let''s see if he asks. He has never hated me, but didn''t like me either.''''


    The cat woman nodded as Jasper looked at his second-in-command. ''''Luthian, go on patrol while I take these laides. When you return, we can head to my grandfather''s mansion, Mother should be there.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened at that, but the young man continued. ''''I was heading to Deadwater as the enemies have been dealt with thanks to the help of an unknown masked warrior who attacked the kingdoms allowing our armies to push through.''''


    ''''We''ve heard the rumors,'''' Yuki commented while glancing at him with a knowing smile. ''''Merchants mentions the warrior on the road.''''


    Jasper looked curious but soon noticed Raegar standing there causing the young man to question him with narrowed eyes. ''''Who are you?''''


    When hearing the young man, he removed the hood and revealed his white hair before answering. ''''Can''t recognize your little brother?''''


    As the words slipped from his mouth, the blue-haired man froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. ''''Raegar?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied with a warm chuckle. ''''Good to see you''re doing well, big brother.''''


    Jasper shook his head, still processing, before asking, "Didn''t Grandfather take you to Bloodfang Forest?''''


    Raegar nodded and answered. ''''Yes, he did, but King Vlad told me he went missing alongside Grandmother, so here I am traveling north to Drakenwood Academy.''''


    ''''So you decided to attend an academy like Isabella and Lyra,'''' the young man commented.


    Moments later, Jasper stepped forward and suddenly hugged him with a big smile. ''''It''s good to see you, baby brother. What''s with the mask, though? We can''t have you hiding that handsome face, can we?''''


    Raegar laughed but explained. ''''A Devil Lord mutilated my face. I have to wait for Grandmother to return before I can get it healed.''''


    His older brother''s eyes widened in shock before asking. ''''You''re the masked warrior helping the empire?''''


    ''''That would be me. I couldn''t directly attack them, but I have a spell that does a lot of damage on impact, so I used that against the kingdoms,'''' he revealed.


    Yuki and Jasper looked at him like he was a monster, causing him to laugh while scratching his head. ''''They were only weak Tier Two soldiers; the commanders were harder to fight, but I killed them.''''


    Following that, his brother laughed before guiding them toward Ravenhollow, which was heavily fortified and had hundreds of Dawnfirians patrolling the walls and streets, prompting the young man to glance at him.


    ''''I''m getting married to Alisa Sunfire and Elise Northwood,'''' Jasper revealed proudly. ''''Will you attend? It won''t interrupt your academy test.''''


    He grew curious and questioned. ''''Why are you tying the Blackwoods to the northern and eastern noble families?''''


    His older brother sighed before revealing. ''''Uncle Darius thought I should take the Vaelthorne name because it would get me recognized, and it did once I was confirmed a member. I didn''t have a choice as High Commander was ignoring me because Father is a Count.''''


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed while listening, but he chose not to say anything and answered his previous question. ''''Yes, I''ll come. Yuki will be my date, and I don''t care what the family has to say.''''


    When the cat woman listened to his words a big smile appeared on her face only for her cheeks to go red. This made Jasper laugh before leading them through the town''s gates after the guards let them pass.


    ''''Of course, baby brother. Everyone knows you''re fond of each other,'''' his brother spoke with a knowing chuckle. ''''Just be aware of Ismeria and Calista, they are bitches and love to judge people.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about them, Jasper,'''' he replied with a smirk. ''''I''ve fought Dark Ones, Devils and Nightwalkers. A stuck-up noblewoman won''t do anything to me or Yuki.''''


    The three of them laughed before the group started chatting about what they''d been up to. Raegar found out that the empress made his older brother into a general thanks to his war in the east against the mountain tribes.


    While walking, he turned to his brother and asked something that had been bothering him. ''''What is father fighting in the north?''''


    Jasper''s face twisted into a grimace as he responded, ''''We don''t know their names yet, but they''re massive, human-like creatures. They''ve been raiding the northern villages, snatching people, and dragging them back to their lands.''''


    ''''Human-like?'''' he questioned with a raised eyebrow. ''''Do they look like us? Or just have our shape?''''


    ''''If I remember Father''s letter, he said they stand at eight feet tall, extremely muscular and hairy, and also love the taste of human flesh,'''' Jasper answered while the group was led to an Inn where he was staying.


    Once there, Yuki spoke with a smile. ''''I''m going to check on my Mother. You two catch up while you can. We should be in the square relaxing until we leave town.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he suddenly hugged the cat woman, who beamed while returning the hug. Following that, she rushed toward Salo, Edmund, and the Blackwood Guards, who were slumping down to rest.


    ''''Looks like you two aren''t fooling anyone about how you feel,'''' his brother teased with a grin. ''''I''m happy for you, little bro. She''s a good woman, been looking out for you since the day you came into this world.''''


    He nodded in agreement before replying. ''''She wants to take things further once I come of age, which is just under a year away.''''


    Jasper ruffled his hair. ''''Let''s get something to eat before we head toward Grandfather''s house where the wedding will be held,'''' he commented.


    ''''What about the old man and Grandmother?'''' he questioned. ''''Aren''t they missing?''''


    His brother let out a hearty chuckle as he explained, ''''Nothing can take down those two. The Lion of Dawnfire and the Healing Witch of the North, they''re a legendary duo that make our enemies tremble. They''re not going down so easily, little bro.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding before asking one last thing as the duo stepped into an inn. ''''Why not wait for them to return?''''


    Jasper shivered while looking over his shoulder. ''''That crazy old man will beat me if I let those girls go thanks to him liking them, he already suggested that I marry the two at the first chance I got.''''


    Following that, he started laughing at the man''s reaction as he knew what their Grandfather was like. Just then, the two of them sat down as a young woman approached the table as Jasper turned to her.


    ''''Miss Jessica, can you bring me and my brother today''s special? Also, some Dragons Breathe Ale; we''re celebrating,'''' he requested politely.


    Her head tilted to the side when hearing that before smiling. ''''You have a younger brother, Master Vaelthorne? And what''s the celebration?''''


    ''''Raegar here survived just over a year in the Bloodfang Forest,'''' he revealed with a proud expression. ''''He fought Devils, monsters from your nightmares, and cutthroat bandits only to reappear in the same town I stopped off at.''''


    When the young woman known as Jessica listened to Jasper''s pride-filled voice, she commented with a seductive smile. ''''So brave, especially for a young man like you.''''


    ''''It was no big deal,'''' he replied, brushing off the praise with a wave. ''''Just the result of training most of my life.''''


    Following that, she tried to praise Raegar more, but it went in one ear and out the other as he didn''t realize the young woman was trying to flirt with him, which annoyed her before she returned to the kitchen.


    Once she was gone, Jasper commented with a chuckle. ''''Not interested in her little bro?''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he replied. ''''Why would I be? I have Yuki.''''


    ''''So you won''t have multiple wives when you grow up?'''' his brother questioned.


    Raegar shrugged, then answered honestly. ''''I don''t know. I haven''t thought about romance with anyone but her. She once told me I could have more women, but my focus is on getting stronger. What''s the point of a harem if I can''t even protect them?''''


    His older brother nodded his head with a proud smile. ''''Good, this is a good mindframe to have, Rae. The world is a dangerous place, especially with the way things are going.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' he asked with a curious expression hidden by his mask.

 Chapter 95 95: Grandfather Would Love This

    Raegar watched Jasper''s face change to one of stress as he revealed. ''''The northern realms have broke the truce with the empire, pirates are raiding from the east. Then there''s the remaining demon and demi-human armies lingering in the south.''''


    ''''So, everything is chaos, and a major war is due?'''' he commented with a chuckle. ''''Just like every ten years, it''s a regular thing here on Kaldorra.''''


    His brother laughed as he agreed. ''''You''re right, brother. I forgot you love history and reading books.''''


    Following that, the two of them started eating when Jessica brought over their food, which consisted of a steak, mashed potatoes, and some unknown vegetables he had never seen. This caught his attention, but the young woman spoke.


    ''''This is a Tier Three forest boar steak, elvish creamy mash, and some southern veggies,'''' she said with a big smile.


    ''''Thank you, Miss Jessica,'''' Jasper replied with a smile while handing over a gold coin.


    The young woman beamed before thanking the payment and rushing off to get change, which made them laugh. He was about to eat, but his brother interrupted him. ''''Can I see your face?''''


    Raegar stiffened at the words, but Jasper quickly cast a spell that hid their table from prying eyes with a chuckle. ''''Sorry, I forgot to cover us.''''


    He shook his head, peeling off the mask and letting the cold air sweep across his skin. His brother gasped, then exclaimed, ''''Bless the gods! That''s a battle scar any soldier would wear with pride.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' Raegar mumbled, caught off guard.


    Jasper burst into laughter as he elaborated, ''''I get why you''d hide it with a mask, but walking away from a Devil Lord with just a scar? That''s something to brag about, brother; not even Tier Two warriors have walked scarred. Most have lost a limb or their lives.''''


    Raegar put the mask on while replying with glowing red eyes. ''''It was hard, but I did it, and would do it again as devils deserve no mercy along with bandits and outlaws,'''' he declared with a burning determination.


    ''''Oh wow,'''' his brother muttered in amazement. ''''Grandfather was right, you''re a determined little shit who will end up changing the world but there''s something else, something different about you since awakening your Aether.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' he curiously asked.


    Jasper rubbed his chin before revealing with a smile. ''''You remind me of the warriors from old, especially with your skill when taking out the Korrvethians or Lunathyrians. I''ve heard the stories the merchants are spreading.''''


    He gazed at him, pride shining in the familiar red eyes as he concluded. ''''The white blur that strikes down the empire''s enemies or leaves explosions echoing for miles, you''ve become truly something extraordinary. Keep pushing forward, little bro. I can''t wait to see how high you''ll rise in this world.''''


    Raegar didn''t know what to say, but Jasper urged them to eat after saying. ''''Once we''re out of town, do you want to spar with me?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered near instantly, as he wanted to see how strong his sibling was.


    Following that, the two of them continued eating and chatting about their lives. Jasper was amazed when listening to his stories about fighting he devil, monsters in the forest and his rewards from the City Lord in the Nytheria Kingdom.


    When his brother heard that, a proud smile appeared on his face as he exclaimed. ''''Father will be happy that you took out the bandits; he hates them as much as you.''''


    After finishing their meal, the pair headed toward the town square where Yuki, Saki, Edmund, and the Blackwood Guards awaited. As the group caught sight of them, the cat woman broke away and strode straight toward him.


    ''''Young master,'''' she said with a big smile. ''''The road to Deadwater City is clear. We spoke to a group of adventurers that arrived from the north.''''


    Raegar was curious, just as Jasper explained. ''''Yes it is, I cleared it with the soldiers I came with but High Command has allowed me to go get married. My guards and I will be traveling alongside you.''''


    ''''That''s fine,'''' he replied to his brother before greeting Yuki with a hug.


    This made the cat woman''s cheeks go red just before they left Ravenhollow with two hundred heavily armed Dawnfire soldiers that led the with Jasper leading. Raegar and the others were sitting in the carriage.


    As they traveled, the mother and daughter duo chatted excitedly about the upcoming wedding and reuniting with his mother while he focused on gathering Aether to replenish his pools.


    The Dawnfire soldiers stood guard of the perimeter from any monsters that dared to approach. Raegar was happy he didn''t have to fight and could relax for a while as he tried to level up but failed.


    ''''There''s no point in trying until you arrive at the academy,'''' Yuki''s soft voice reached his ears. ''''If I remember, leveling up from Vapour to Mist is risky and can damage your Aether Pools if not done correctly.''''


    Raegar shivered at her words but stopped attempting as he only had to wait a month until he would be attending classes. Following that, hours passed as the three of them spoke, just before the caravan came to a stop.


    ''''We camp here for the night!'''' a soldier''s voice echoed out.


    When Saki heard this, she quickly stepped outside while speaking. ''''I need to stretch my legs. Come, Yuki, let''s set up our tents.''''


    Raegar watched as the two maids went about their business as Edmund commanded the Blackwood Guards to rest. His brother''s soldiers patrolled the edge of the night camp, prompting him to start drawing runes around it.


    While he was busy doing that, two Dawnfire commanders appeared with doubtful expressions as one of them questioned. ''''What are you doing?''''


    ''''Creating runes to stop the Nightwalkers from abducting you or your soldiers,'''' he answered before turning to the men. ''''They plague Nytheria and the southern realms. The bad news is that they have made their way into the empire thanks to the war.''''


    ''''What kind of creatures are they, young master?'''' the second man asked.


    Raegar took out the guide he had gotten months ago and showed the two a picture of a Nightwalker, which made them tremble. The first commander questioned. ''''And these runes stop these vile creatures from ambushing us?''''


    ''''Yes, I learned it from the people who used to live in Redwood Village,'''' he revealed. ''''Just make sure your soldiers don''t follow the voices. The Nightwalkers that roam the empire must be strong thanks to all the victims along the way.''''


    The two men nodded in respect as the first spoke. ''''Thank you for the information, young master. We didn''t know such creatures roamed these lands.''''


    ''''You''re welcome, commander,'''' he replied before getting back to work.


    Raegar circled the entire camp just in time. The creatures'' voices echoed out, but he soon realized the Hollowborns were with them. He made his way over to the command tent and entered.


    Jasper''s face lit up with a warm smile as he spotted him entering, calling out, ''''Hey, little bro! What brings you here?''''


    ''''Tell your mages to shield the camp and order the soldiers inside the tents,'''' he warned. ''''Hollowborns are surrounding us. These creatures are good at luring in soldiers and travellers, but I can deal with them if I''m not watching this place.''''


    When Jasper and the commanders heard this, one of them, a young man with blonde hair, jumped up, exclaiming. ''''We can leave our protection to a masked stranger!''''


    Raegar''s head snapped toward the voice, but Jasper cut it off with a stern voice. ''''Yes we can, Luthian. My little brother is the sole reason the empire took back the land. If not for his attacks, we would have lost thousands retaking the fortresses.''''


    The second-in-command got annoyed and grew quiet just before Jasper turned to him. ''''Take care of the creatures, keep the Aether Cores. I know you young mages love those things, but I''d have to give it up to the empire.''''


    ''''Thanks,'''' he replied and left the camp.


    Raegar approached the runes while summoning his daggers just as some of the soldiers were listening to the Hollowborn voices. He crouched down while casting Enhancement on him before exploding forward and appearing in front of the leader.


    The creature was shocked, but he quickly sliced its body into pieces just as howls rang out, prompting the rest of the monsters to lunge at him. He moved so fast that they couldn''t keep up with him or his blades.


    Hollowborns and Nightwalkers dropped in heaps, the survivors scattering into the shadows. Raegar didn''t bother pursuing them, he knew the creatures would steer clear of him from now on.


    Instead, he moved through the battlefield, calmly gathering the scattered Aether Cores. They were only Tier Twos, but he''d take anything. While busy with this, Jaspers voice sounded from behind him.


    ''''You''re turning into a loot gremlin, little brother,'''' he teased. ''''Grandfather would love this.''''

 Chapter 96: Why Not Take This Route

    Raegar turned to his older brother with a smile while pointing a dagger at him. ''''Let''s fight now. I want to see what you can do, considering you''re a Dawnfire General who Father brags about.''''


    Jasper chuckled before a sword appeared in his hand, an excited expression appearing on his face. ''''Let''s do it, little bro, but be warned, Father, Grandfather, and Rodric just like you and Lyra.''''


    Without warning, Raegar crouched low, surging power into his body as he cast Enhancement as he knew his opponent was strong. In an instant, he exploded forward like a streak of white lightning, catching his brother off guard.


    Forced onto the defensive, Jasper barely managed to block the relentless barrage of strikes coming from him. He was moving so fast that the older sibling was barely keeping up until he struck back.


    He raised his daggers to block the attack forcing him back with a smile as he skidded to a stop while speaking as his eyes gleamed with excitement. ''''Impressive, big bro, but it''s not enough.''''


    With a sudden burst of energy, Raegar launched to the side before shooting forward, his body enhanced with Aether, moving like a phantom. His brother barely had time to react before he was upon him; his strikes were so fast that they turned into a dark blur.


    Jasper gritted his teeth while being shocked at his sibling''s strength, he quickly braced himself as he raised his arms to block the relentless onslaught. Each strike sent sharp jolts through his body, forcing him to retreat step by step.


    As he watched his younger brother move with blistering speed, a thought flashed through his mind. ''Damn, he''s faster than before.''


    Raegar pressed the advantage, weaving between his brother''s defenses like a predator closing in on its prey. A smirk tugged at his lips as he saw an opening; Jasper''s stance was slipping.


    With a sharp pivot, he drove a powerful kick toward Jasper''s ribs, who barely managed to block the sudden attack. The impact sent him skidding backward, leaving deep trenches in the dirt.


    ''''You''re getting sloppy,'''' he taunted, his red eyes glinting with amusement.


    Jasper exhaled sharply, shaking his arms to dispel the sting. ''''And you''re getting cocky, little brother.''''


    Then, with a stomp of his foot, the earth rumbled. Raegar''s instincts screamed at him to move, but it was too late. The ground beneath him erupted as thick pillars of rock shot upward, forcing him to leap back.


    His brother wasted no time, slamming his palms to the ground. The earth obeyed, surging forward in jagged waves, chasing him like a living beast. He twisted in midair, barely avoiding the stone spikes that threatened to impale him.


    Jasper smirked, confidence surging back as he raised both hands. With a sudden tremor, the ground beneath Raegar split apart, swallowing him in an instant. The earth closed in, trapping him inside the pit that his brother had masterfully sprung.


    Tendrils of earth surged upward, wrapping around his limbs like chains, locking him in place. He thrashed against the stone, muscles straining, but they held firm. Above him, Jasper stood with a smug grin, arms crossed as he watched his younger brother struggle.


    ''''Remember, my cocky little brother,'''' he said, his voice laced with confidence. ''''I''m a Tier Five Warrior Mage. But I''ve got to admit, you''re impressive and will be able to beat me one because I know you''ll go far once you reach the higher Tiers.''''


    ''''Alright, but let me out of here now,'''' he said while struggling to free himself from the rock chains that held him in place. ''''This stuff feels like it''s ripping into my skin.''''


    After that, Jasper raised his body with a chuckle before dropping him on the ground while speaking. ''''Now get some rest; the incoming family drama is worse than fighting monsters. The Vaelthorne''s never cease to amaze me with their behaviour.''''


    Raegar chuckled as he knew they loved to compete and argue with each other, forcing his Grandparents to break up several fights over the years whenever the entire family gathered a couple times a year.


    Afterward, the duo returned to the tents, and he noticed Yuki was watching him with glowing blue eyes. The pink-haired beauty beamed as he got closer, causing Jasper to ruffle his hair. ''''Night, little brother. It''s good to see you after so long.''''


    He watched the man walk off as the cat woman appeared beside him with a big smile. ''''I love watching you fight, young master. And you''ve only used what you''ve learned so far, but I am excited to see what you learn at the academy.''''


    Raegar chuckled with red cheeks, he couldn''t help but smile at her words. ''''I hope I can move to Mist. That would improve my Aether Pools and overall powers,'''' he replied while sitting down and getting comfortable as the fire blazed.


    Yuki joined him and wrapped a blanket around them as she softly spoke. ''''I can''t wait until you''re in your second year; that''s when classes calm down. You get more freedom to explore the Gates and Dungeons in the academy.''''


    He grew curious when hearing her words, prompting him to question. ''''What do you mean?''''


    ''''I''ll get to visit and see you more,'''' she answered, avoiding his gaze while continuing. ''''Plus I have a surprise for you, young master, but it will have to wait until classes start.''''


    Raegar grew curious but chose not to ask before cooking some campfire bread for the two of them, They sat in silence as the sizzling sound echoed out. Yuki was pleased he didn''t prod her for an explanation.


    Minutes later, the young woman accepted some of the freshly cooked food when it was finished. The duo sat in comfortable silence, eating beneath the vast expanse of stars twinkling above.


    While doing that, Yuki glanced at him with a hopeful expression as she questioned. ''''Does it bother that I''m ten years older than you, young master?''''


    ''''No,'''' he instantly answered after swallowing his mouthful of bread. ''''I love how mature you are, if I''m honest.''''


    Yuki couldn''t help but beam before asking something that caught her attention when they reunited. ''''Those daggers of yours, young master, I noticed you can summon them at will? So they''ve got runes?''''


    Raegar raised his hand and called for one of the blades, and it appeared like a ghost, which surprised the older woman, but he started speaking. ''''Yes, Grandfather added a rune that connected with my Aether, so only I can wield them.''''


    ''''Amazing,'''' she muttered when admiring the dark metal. ''''Those are Aether weapons, better and much more expensive compared to normal daggers.''''


    ''Interesting,'' he mused with glowing red eyes. ''I wonder how much Grandfather paid for them?''


    Raegar shrugged as it didn''t matter as the two continued eating. After some time, exhaustion crept over him, and he let out a small yawn before rising to his feet as the sounds of night monsters echoed out across the landscape.


    Stretching, he turned toward the cat woman and spoke while yawning as exhaustion set in. ''''I''m going to get some sleep. Want to join me?''''


    ''''Yes, please, young master,'''' she replied softly, her tail swaying side to side in anticipation as he helped her up.


    Following that, the duo entered the tent before he removed his dirty armor and boots so the inside wouldn''t get muddy. The cat woman commented with a sweet smile as the Aether Lights lit up the inside. ''''Take the mask off, I want to see your face.''''


    Raegar stiffened at her words but slowly nodded, reaching up to remove it. As the cool air touched his face, Yuki gently cupped his cheek, her touch warm and reassuring. She smiled, a soft, radiant expression that sent his heart racing.


    ''''So handsome,'''' she murmured, tracing the faint scars with her fingertips. ''''These don''t change how I feel about you, young master. So stop being paranoid over them, please.''''


    He swallowed hard, her words striking deeper than any battlefield blow, his heart pounding in his chest. Just then, she tilted her head and asked abruptly, ''''Do you care what others think?''''


    Raegar hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice quiet but firm. ''''I only care about what you think, Yuki.''''


    When the young woman heard his words, her smile widened, a radiant beam that lit up her entire face. Without a word, she curled up beside him, and he instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.


    As he spooned her, the warmth enveloped them both, a silent understanding passing between the duo as they settled into the comfort of each other''s presence. He soon fell asleep while Yuki followed behind.


    The next morning, Raegar woke up the tent shaking thanks to a storm, prompting him to step out only to feel the muddy ground and heard the complaints from the surrounding soldiers as they cleaned their gear.


    He approached his brother''s tent only to see him and two commanders standing around a map. Jasper looked up and informed him with a grimace. ''''The Kingways has been flooded by the Western River. We need to travel around, which is more dangerous.''''

 Chapter 97: Just Wants To Grow Stronger

    Raegar''s eyes narrowed before pointing at a gorge that led north and was a shortcut. ''''Why not take this route? It''s the quickest way to Grandfather''s city?''''


    One of the commanders, who was an older woman, replied. ''''That''s the Black Gorge. A few months ago, many patrols, bandit groups, and enemy soldiers have gone missing while traveling through it.''''


    ''''I can clear it out,'''' he suggested with a gleam in his red eyes. ''''It won''t be so hard with my speed.''''


    Jasper looked concerned but sighed. ''''It would help, Rae. I don''t want to have to deal with the cannibal tribes ambushing us as we travel through the Deathwood Forest.''''


    Raegar chuckled before heading out of the tent, only to hear the commander ask his brother about the scars. This made him paranoid, but he chose to ignore it while he walked back to his tent where Yuki was just waking up with an adorable yawn which put a smile on his face.


    She looked at him and questioned with dazed blue eyes. ''''Where are you going, young master?''''


    ''''I''m going to scout the Black Gorge,'''' he revealed. ''''The Kingsway is flooded for a few miles, forcing us to either travel through that or Deathwood Forest.''''


    When the young woman heard this, her eyes widened in shock before grabbing his arm with a panicked expression. ''''Will you be okay, young master? I''ve heard it''s dangerous.''''


    ''''I''ve read about it years ago, but it doesn''t seem to bad compared to the Bloodfang Forest or that damned dungeon,'''' Raegar replied while checking his bombs and blades.


    Yuki quickly hugged him while whispering. ''''Promise you''ll come back to me, Raegar?''''


    ''''I promise,'''' he replied with a confident smile. ''''I''ll return in no time. If there are any monsters above Tier Three, I''ll retreat to get Jasper. I won''t risk missing the academy tests that''s happening in a few weeks.''''


    Raegar said his goodbyes to Yuki and Saki who appeared outside their tent. The older woman beamed while looking at them. ''''I see you two are getting only well. It makes me happy to see my daughter smile like that. The last time I saw it was the day you were born, young master.''''


    His cheeks got hot at the older woman''s works before he quickly changed the subject and said his farewells. ''''Anyway, ladies, I have to go clear the path so we can get to my Grandparents'' place.''''


    Yuki suddenly hugged him tightly with a big smile as she warned in a concerned voice. ''''Be careful out there, young master.''''


    ''''I will be,'''' he replied while sensing some newcomers approaching them.


    Moments later, a Dawnfirian commander appeared alongside a soldier. They stopped just as one of them spoke respectfully. ''''Young master. General Vaelthorne ordered us to guide you to the Black Gorge so we can get on the road.''''


    Raegar agreed with a nod as he started following them. ''''Are you sure about this, young master?'''' the second man asked. ''''It''s is a horrible place to explore; many adventurers have vanished in there.''''


    He glanced at the soldier with a smile and replied confidently. ''''I''ll watch my back, so don''t worry about me. The more pressing question is, are you both standing at the entrance?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' the first man answered. ''''The General ordered us to make sure you return to the camp once you''ve finished in that horrid place.''''


    Raegar let out a low chuckle as he summoned his daggers with a sharp ching as they materialized in his hand. ''''I''m no weakling myself," he replied. ''''I''ve crossed blades with devils, monsters, and bandits alike, but to be safe, I''ll signal if there''s any danger to the caravan.''''


    Following that, he burst forward and rushed into the darkness after sensing something nearby. When the Tier One Goblins spotted him, it was two late as he spun like a tornado and killed every one of them.


    When Raegar stopped, a dozen monster bodies dropped dead, but something told him that they were just the beginning. He trekked through the gorge only to see a dirt road piercing the darkness.


    ''This place is a nightmare, we would have been ambushed if I hadn''t come here,'' he mused before sending fire Aether to the daggers, which lit up his surroundings.


    With a flick of his wrists, he threw them into the shadows, this revealed several lion-like monsters crawling up to him. Raegar''s eyes widened as he mumbled. ''''Tier Two Shadow Lions.''''


    After that, the monsters lunged, but he was fast and dodged the first swipe while jumping on the back of another. His daggers appeared in his hands as he slashed through the lion''s neck.


    Blood splattered the ground before using the corpse as a spring to launch himself toward another creature. He spun mid-air using Lightningfire Blast and cut apart another two Shadow Lions.


    Raegar landed with a thud as three more closed in on him, but that''s when he noticed something that put a smile on his face. He pointed at the creature with an excited gleam in his eyes and exclaimed to its master. ''''Monster tamer, you will die by the time I clear out this gorge.''''


    Seconds later, he quickly killed the remaining creatures with ease as he moved to the first and moved so fast while unleashing dozens of slashes that left an afterimage thanks to his speed.


    The other two died without even knowing how and when Raegar was done, he was basking in the kills. He flicked his blades before rushing into the darkness, looking for his next target, which amused him to no end.


    While Raegar was busy slaughtering monsters and tracking the tamer across the Black Gorge, Yuki stood at the edge of the camp looking in the direction that he left and thought with a worried expression.


    ''''I hope he''s okay. Always the first to run into the jaws of death,'''' she muttered as her tail swayed nervously.


    A sudden noise behind Yuki snapped her into action. In one fluid motion, she drew two daggers, spinning around to plant herself in a fighting stance. To her surprise, Jasper Vaelthorne stood there.


    The young man let out a laugh before speaking. ''''Just like him, I see. Are you sure he''s not a demi-human?''''


    Yuki calmed down and put her weapons away while confidently answering. ''''I was there when he was born. Young master is human as much as you are.''''


    Jasper''s laughter rang out again, but his demeanor shifted, a probing edge to his tone as he asked. ''''Do you truly love my little brother?''''


    The question caught her off guard, but Yuki met it with a resolute nod, her expression unwavering. ''''With all my heart. And I have your parents'', grandparents'', and Lyra''s blessing to stand by his side.''''


    ''''I''m not questioning that. I''m happy he has a woman like you that cares about him, but between the scars and his quirky personality, he won''t find many friends among the young nobles,'''' he answered with a sigh.


    Yuki was about to retort but stopped herself as she knew they were brutal and judgemental and also let out a sigh before speaking. ''''Yes, that''s what I was afraid of when he went off to the academy.''''


    The cat woman looked into the darkness as she continued. ''''Raegar is an unusual young man as he doesn''t care about rank or prestige; he just wants to grow stronger.''''


    Jasper chuckled at her words but nodded. ''''Yes, he''s determined. Even when I fought him, I was worried as his strikes were powerful for his size. My arms were shaking after the battle,'''' he revealed.


    Yuki giggled. ''''He fights like the tiger demi-humans in the south; they use similar techniques, but I have no idea where he learned them from,'''' she said with an amused expression.


    Following that, explosions rocked the gorge, causing the two of them to look worried as roar, howls, and other monster noises echoed out. She went to move forward but Jasper stopped her.


    ''''Don''t go down there. He can survive in such a place, but I doubt we''ll be able to deal with the swarm of creatures,'''' the young man revealed.


    Yuki''s heart sank, but she placed her trust in her young master. Steeling herself, she stepped toward the entrance, prompting Jasper and the Dawnfire soldiers to follow. Together, they moved forward until they reached the two guards.


    While the cat woman, Jasper, and the soldiers waited outside, Raegar was fighting with more Shadow Lions. He was jumping around like a rabbit, which angered the monsters, but his blades sliced across two of their throats.


    Blood poured out like a waterfall just as he threw the daggers into the heads of two lunging lions, which were the last creatures. They crashed to the ground with sickening thuds as he summoned his weapons.


    Once the fight was over, he collected everything just before sensing nearby Aether. Raegar cut out the glowing brown and green Aether Cores alongside the lion claws, which would sell for a lot once he reached Deadwater City.

 Chapter 98: It Was Hiding Its Strength!

    While standing there, Raegar felt his senses scream, causing him to cast Flash Step. Without waiting, he vanished just as a powerful Jungle Tiger slammed into the spot he was just in letting out a growl.


    He landed atop a boulder moments later as the Tier Two beast spun, letting out a fierce growl that he shrugged off. ''''Seems like your master is getting desperate, bandit tamer maybe?'''' he muttered with an excited gleam in his red eyes.


    It lunged toward him, but he jumped off the stone and threw the blades at the incoming monster. He watched as it dodged to the side. This caused him to grin before sending his Aether into the weapons.


    When Raegar hit the ground, they slammed into the tiger''s rear end, slowing the big cat down as it let out a pain-filled roar that echoed through the gorge. The beast somehow lunged, and he ducked under its sharp claws while hitting it with a powerful punch.


    The force sent the tiger flying into the air thanks to the Enhancement magic that boosted his strength and speed. As that happened, he cast a dozen Stormfire Bullets into its torso, causing an explosion to erupte as it lit up the gorge.


    Just as the monster''s dead body slammed down, dozens of men and women surrounded him from all over the gorge as a robed figure stood on an overhang as a command rang out. ''''Kill the Vaelthorne while I deal with the others.''''


    Upon hearing that, Raegar wasted no time. He raised his hand and sent a Stormfire Bullet skyward. The moment it detonated in a dazzling explosion, he thought. ''Jasper better have the defenses ready before the bandits strike.''


    Then, the enemy''s war cries shattered the air as they rushed toward him. With a burst of Aether, he became a blur, tearing through the battlefield. He weaved between foes, his blade flashing as he slashed, stabbed, and cut down any who dared come close.


    Each strike was lethal, each movement a dance of destruction as chaos erupted. Raegar was bouncing all over the place, using the enemy bodies to jump from one bandit to another while killing them.


    Panic swept over them as dozens died within a few minutes, prompting the enemies to back off. Just then, he spotted the robed figure, causing him to cast several Stormfire Bullets at the stranger.


    He followed that up by throwing his daggers behind the magic, but the enemy tamer vanished when a massive eagle picked them up. His eyebrow rose at this scene until a man screamed while rushing at him.


    The bandit''s sword slashed through the air, but Raegar raised his blades, blocking the strike in a shower of sparks. The force of the blow reverberated through his arms, the enemy''s strength marking him as a high-end Tier Two fighter.


    Even so, he killed the man with ease, redirecting the sword with a twist. In a flash, his dagger plunged into the bandit''s throat, silencing him. Without missing a beat, Raegar threw his second blade, the steel whistling as it buried itself in the chest of another foe.


    Following this, he started using Stormfire Bullets that slammed into the remaining outlaws who were shocked when seeing the strongest among them drop dead with a couple of moves.


    Raegar noticed they weren''t moving and rushed into the crowd while slashing, stabbing, and casting magic. Lightningfire Blast slammed into the closest ones turning the bandits into ash before floating away on the breeze.


    Ten minutes later, the last enemy dropped dead when she was decapitated after he threw his daggers at her. Once the gorge had gone quiet, he heard explosions in the distance but decided against going back.


    ''Let''s clear out the Black Gorge so we can keep moving,'' he thought before looting the bandit camp.


    By the time Raegar was done, he ended up with a few hundred gold coins, a thousand silver and a chest full of copper. This wealth shocked him, but he sent it all into his storage ring while checking on the pile of Aether Cores.


    ''''These will be useful if I ever run out of energy,'''' he muttered while holding a Tier Four core that glowed a beautiful red.


    Just then, an eerie voice echoed from around him. ''''Come here, human child.''''


    Raegar whirled around, blades ready for action, but the gorge around him lay silent and empty. A chill prickled the hairs on the back of his neck as his instincts screamed of unseen danger.


    His eyes swept the shadows between the trees, finding nothing, before he reluctantly pressed onward down the winding path. As he distanced himself from the ravaged bandit camp, a new unease settled over him.


    He could sense multiple presences stalking just beyond his line of sight. This unnerved him more than any attack would have; they were steering clear of him as if wary of his lethal prowess.


    ''Why are they hiding?'' he mused while spotting the road out of the gorge.


    A concerned expression crept across Raegar''s face, but as he turned, the expression shattered. Standing before him was a hideous mockery of a child, a humanoid abomination that froze his blood.


    His eyes raked over it, an icy dread coiling in his gut as every instinct screamed that this thing was wrong. Its hairless skin was a sickly, ashen gray, stretched taut over its body. Sunken black eyes, lifeless yet glinting with a horrifying fascination, bored into him.


    Then it smiled, a slow, unnatural stretch of its lips revealing jagged, blood-streaked teeth that glistened wetly in the dim light of the gorge. A shudder ripped down Raegar''s spine, his breath catching in his throat.


    ''''What the fuck?'''' he rasped, voice trembling as he summoned his daggers with a sharp ching. ''''Not a Nightwalker or Hollowborn. Neither Wendigo nor Wild People.''''


    The creature''s grin widened, splitting its face into a nightmare, and his senses flared, prompting him to act. He whirled, casting Lightningfire Blast in a searing arc behind him, causing screeches to echo out.


    Older, more withered versions of the monstrosity had been slinking through the shadows, their gnarled limbs and hollow stares closing. Raegar instantly reacted and started attacking the creatures.


    When his daggers flew toward one of the adult''s neck, as this happened it smiled at him before blocking the swing. The creature let out a strange clicking sound before vanishing into the shadows, leaving him shaking.


    ''Tier Five!'' he thought with wide eyes. ''It was hiding its strength!''


    Raegar was worried but decided to head back to the caravan while using Enhancement magic to sprint across the gorge. He killed any monsters he could until he reached a few feet from the exit.


    A shrill, eerie whistle sliced through the air behind him, yanking Raegar''s attention around. His gaze locked onto the Tier Five humanoid standing there alongside dozens of its kin, its hollow eyes piercing straight through him as if stripping his soul bare.


    A creeping, primal fear slithered into his bones, rooting him to the spot, his breath shallow and heart pounding against the cage of his ribs. This caused a thought to run through his mind. ''They''re waiting to ambush us!''


    When coming to this conclusion, Raegar rushed toward the entrance only to see Yuki, Jasper, and a dozen soldiers standing there looking concerned. When the group saw him, they smiled in relief.


    ''''Young master!'''' the cat woman exclaimed with a big smile. ''''Did you get to the other side?''''


    ''''Yes, but there are creatures in there that are smart and waiting for us to pass through,'''' he revealed while storing away his daggers.


    Jasper and his second-in-command, Luthian, stepped forward as his brother questioned. ''''What type of monsters?''''


    Raegar glanced at the older man before telling everyone everything he came across, including the bandits, tamer and creepy humanoids. By the time he finished explaining, his brother''s friend disputed it.


    ''''I don''t believe such a story, general,'''' the man said. ''''There aren''t smart creatures, especially in the Black Gorge.''''


    ''''Then you''re a fool,'''' Raegar commented before looking at Jasper. ''''You can travel through there, but I''m not taking Yuki, Saki, or any of the Blackwood Guards into that place.''''


    Following that, he walked back to the tent to get some rest and eat something. While doing that, the cat woman appeared beside him with a concerned expression. ''''It sounds like they were something new, something horrifying.''''


    ''''The things were a creature straight out of the stories or a stupid drunken soldier babbling in the local tavern,'''' he said with a sigh as his hands shook. ''''They concealed their strength until I was surrounded.''''


    ''''You''re shaking, young master,'''' Yuki said while grabbing his head.


    Raegar laughed before answering. ''''Who wouldn''t? Tier Five hunters that can hide are smart and have a plan.''''


    The young woman looked concerned, but he continued. ''''Those things were strong and will show themselves again. The leader looked at me like it was running through plans only to settle on one that will get them the most food.''''

 Chapter 99: Im Sure This Will Be Useful To Me

    Raegar and Yuki were sitting in front of the fire as the others slowly made their way back to the camp. By the time Jasper appeared, he looked tired as he slumped down next to him with a wary smile.


    ''''Little brother, did those things truly scare you?'''' the older man asked with a sigh.


    ''''Yes, they were unlike anything I''ve met apart from the Devil Lord,'''' he answered. ''''The leader sent out a child to distract me as the rest surrounded me, only to be stopped by the Tier Five.''''


    He looked toward the Black Gorge and knew the creature was watching the camp before continuing. ''''It was deciding whether to kill me or not and decided on leaving me alone so we could travel through there. I''m not certain that we''d be attacked, but that''s how I felt.''''


    When Jasper heard this, he nodded with a stern expression before revealing. ''''The commanders want to take the path now that you''ve cleared out the bandits. Do you think you could accompany us? I''d feel more comfortable with my little brother there.''''


    Raegar sighed as he glanced at Yuki, who nodded. ''''It''s the quickest way into the Vaelthorne Duchy. Otherwise, there might be a chance you''d be late for the academy test.''''


    ''''Damn,'''' he muttered while glancing at Jasper. ''''Okay, but have that fool Luthian lead us through. That idiot can get taken first.''''


    His older brother chuckled before ruffling his hair and spoke with a smile. ''''Get some rest, we''ll leave camp in an hour.''''


    Following that, Raegar turned to Yuki with a serious expression. ''''I''ll protect you and your mother, but if anything goes wrong, run for the other side while I keep them off the caravan.''''


    ''''So you''re still going to help?'''' the young woman asked with a smile.


    ''''We are the highest, and they are the lowest. We must lift them as high as they will go. Anything less is simply not worthy of our name,'''' he quoted with a chuckle. ''''Mother''s teachings have always stuck with me.''''


    ''''You''re doing it for the soldiers and Blackwood staff?'''' she questioned.


    Raegar smiled before nodding. ''''Yes, Dawnfire Commanders are known for not caring about troops of the lower noble houses, and Father respects his, so it''s the least I can do for the training.''''


    Yuki agreed and the two of them started chatting while the soldiers went about taking down the tents. While sitting there, Saki approached with a worried expression as she asked. ''''Are we traveling through the Black Gorge?''''


    ''''Yes, but stay in the carriage and don''t come out,'''' he responded. ''''I''ll be on the roof to protect it from monsters.''''


    The mature woman nodded with a relieved smile as she joined the two after pushing Yuki closer to him. This made her cheeks go red just before she started making tea for them all as she daydreamed.


    An hour passed in relative peace as the Dawnfire Soldiers took the front, and the Blackwood Guards surrounded the carriage. Raegar was sitting on its roof while scanning their surroundings.


    Once the caravan entered the mist-covered gorge, his stomach dropped, and his Aether rushed out, washing over the surrounding landscape only to find nothing. He was confused but shrugged as the soldier''s heads were on a swivel.


    Nothing happened at first until Raegar spotted something moving toward the Blackwood Guards. He vanished from the roof while summoning his daggers, only to block a swipe from one of the humanoid creatures.


    His arms felt the strain but he shocked the humanoid and hit it with a Lightning Blast that sent it flying into the mist. Without waiting, he cast Hydra Blades made from fire and threw them into the air.


    Raegar used his Aether to control the weapons to fly around the Blackwood Guards and carriage, which warded off the creatures. He noticed one of the creatures moved in, but the blazing weapon took it out.


    The men and women stood stunned, their faces pale, but they quickly rallied into formation, bracing for the inevitable ambush. Moments later, anguished screams tore through the ranks of the Dawnfire soldiers, shattering the tense silence.


    In a blur, Raegar vanished from sight, only to reappear midair above a monster. It was poised to lunge at a mounted soldier. He descended, driving his blade into its skull with a sickening thud, the sound echoing as it crumpled.


    Moments later, one of the Hydra blades rushed toward Jasper and took out another two humanoids. Following that, he started killing the monsters while pushing himself to the limits, as some of them were strong.


    By the time the leader enemy leader let out a screech, prompting the remaining monsters to retreat as he dismissed the Aether Weapons. He noticed the Tier Five creature was staring at him for a few seconds before vanishing into the darkness.


    While standing there, Raegar heard an apologetic voice coming from behind him. ''''I''m sorry for doubting you, young master. I never expected them to be those creatures.''''


    He spun around, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Luthian, his brother''s second-in-command. A flicker of irritation sharpened his tone. ''''I have no reason to lie, but I''m curious, what are they?''''


    The older man moved close and whispered as he didn''t want the soldiers to hear what he was about to say. ''''In the east, we call them the Watchers, humans from an ancient empire that was lost to history.''''


    ''''What turned them into these horrible creatures?'''' he asked.


    Luthian looked nervous but took out a book and handed it to him. ''''Your brother told me you like to read. This is everything my cousin documented before they got her. It was a bad time for my family, but I managed to save her work.''''


    Raegar reached for the book and was about to start reading when the man held up a hand to stop him. ''''Wait until we set up camp. It''ll be easier then.''''


    He nodded while putting it in his storage ring before speaking. ''''Alright. Thank you, I''m sure this will be useful to me.''''


    ''''I''m grateful that you''re unlike most young nobles that would have gloated or punished me for being a commoner that became a commander in the Dawnfire Empire,'''' Luthian explained.


    ''''We are the highest, and they are the lowest. We must lift them as high as they will go. Anything less is simply not worthy of the Blackwood name,'''' Raegar quoted while watching the caravan preparing to continue on the Kingsway.


    He looked back at the Black Gorge before concluding. ''''My parents taught me that whether commoner or noble, we are all the same, we live, we love, and, in the end, we all face the same fate, death.''''


    Luthian nodded with a friendly smile as he returned to his brother, who was organizing the soldiers. He then noticed Yuki stepping out of the carriage with a relieved smile as she spotted him.


    The cat woman rushed toward him and gave him a tight hug while whispering. ''''I''m so glad that everything went okay. I thought those creatures were going to swarm us.''''


    Raegar chuckled before returning to gesture as the soldiers screamed out for the caravan to move. He ushered the smiling maid back into the carriage and jumped on the roof while he started gathering.


    Sometime later, Aether was pouring into his body like a flood and filled up his pools, causing the strain to make him sweat. When he was finished he opened his eyes only to realize he felt tired.


    ''Overuse, maybe?'' he mused while looking at his shaking hand. ''No, it''s an Aether blockage. I need to move up to Mist to increase my pool size.''


    Following that, the Black Gorge faded into the horizon, which made him feel better but something in the pit in his stomach said he would see the Watchers again. Hours later, a rest stop appeared in the distance.


    ''Finally!'' he internally celebrated. ''Maybe I can get some noodles like the stop near Ravensguard.''


    Moments later, Jasper and Luthian rode up to the carriage, and his brother spoke. ''''We''ll rest here for the night. By midday tomorrow, we''ll reach Grandfather''s estate.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied, hopping off the carriage as Yuki and Saki stepped out.


    Jasper and Luthian greeted the women before explaining the plan. With their agreement, the caravan continued its journey down the road. Once they arrived at the rest stop, he noticed it was busy.


    Merchants rushed around while Dawnfirians kept order to the chaos. While Raegar took in the sights, Yuki appeared with a smile. ''''Young master. Would you like to get a room in the inn? It would be nice to sleep in a comfortable bed,'''' she suggested.


    ''''That sounds good,'''' he replied. ''''I need a bath; washing in lakes and rivers is nothing like relaxing in hot water.''''


    Following that, Raegar took out a small pouch with a dozen gold coins and gave it to the older woman. ''''Get the best room for us and rent out one for your mother and Edmund. Can''t have them sleeping in a tent while we stay in the warm.''''

 Chapter 100 100: Will You Lower The Price?

    Raegar watched Yuki rush off, followed by a group of Blackwood Guards who were fiercely protective of them. This amused him to no end while thinking. ''At least she''ll be fine and won''t be bothered by adventurers.''


    Once they vanished into the crowd, he followed the aroma of stall food, which instantly caught his attention. He was just about to walk down one of the streets to find some food, only to see his brother.


    Jasper appeared by the entrance while speaking with the rest stop''s commander. ''He can deal with official stuff, I want nothing to do with it,'' he thought.


    Ten minutes later, Raegar arrived to a section which was home to all kinds of stalls selling food from all across Kaldorra. But he was here for some noodles and found the place that was serving them.


    He sat down at the eastern-looking stall where the older woman behind the counter looked up only to freeze when seeing his scars, but quickly shook her head as she gave him a friendly smile.


    ''''Hello traveller. What can I do for you? Maybe I could suggest today''s special?'''' she greeted in a professional tone.


    ''''I''ll take one, please,'''' he responded while taking out a handful of silver coins and handing them over.


    The owner took it with a smile before turning toward the kitchen, where she started preparing his order. While watching the woman cook, he pulled out some sake and started drinking, which burned his throat.


    ''''You like eastern drinks?'''' the stall owner curiously asked.


    ''''I do,'''' he answered. ''''I bought loads from a trader a while back but haven''t found anymore.''''


    The young woman smiled as she introduced herself. ''''I''m Li Hua, owner of the Far Eastern Food Stall here in the sticks, but it earns me a living and keeps me away from the main cities.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he became curious and questioned. ''''I''m Rargar Blackwood. Do you come from the place where the Eastern Hero is?''''


    Li Hua grimaced, shaking her head. ''''No, she comes from Yamota, which is in the south, while I was born in the Zhenhai Empire in the north, but luckily I was able to buy some Shochu from a trader in Eryndor City a few months back.''''


    The woman ducked below the counter and reappeared holding a bottle as she took out a second one, concluding. ''''Here, I''ll sell both of these for a gold coin, traveler.''''


    When Raeger saw this, he took the new drinks and stored them in his ring for safety as he handed over the payment while asking, ''''What''s in the second bottle?''''


    ''''It''s called Mijara Moonleaf Wine,'''' Li Hua revealed. ''''It will go well with the spicy noodles I''m cooking for you.''''


    ''''Well, thank you,'''' he said while drinking some sake.


    The hot liquid coursed through Raegar, thawing the chill that lingered from winter''s final, stubborn days. He sat patiently, the promise of warmth and sustenance mere moments away.


    Soon, the older woman set a bowl in front of him, its rich aroma curling into his nostrils and coaxing a hungry rumble from his stomach. He dove in without hesitation, the first spoonful igniting his tongue with a fiery burst of spices.


    Yet the noodles were delicious, and he couldn''t help but savor the dish. He reached for the wine and took a sip. Raegar felt his mouth was burning as the heat was too much for even him which made Li Hua laugh.


    ''''I see you''ve not ventured into the hot foods from the east,'''' she teased. ''''This is a good start.''''


    He put down a few gold coins while speaking with his mouth full. ''''Cook as much as you can. I''ll buy the bowls unless you have something I keep the food in as I travel.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her dark eyes sparkled, and she nodded. ''''We have spare containers. I''ll cook up thirty dishes for you, it''s the amount of ingredients here.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied as he started eating again.


    Raegar polished off the last of his meal, the lingering heat of the spices tempered by the Moonleaf Wine''s honeyed sweetness. Each sip left him pleasantly lightheaded, a gentle buzz settling in as the wine worked its magic.


    Though his bowl was nearly empty, he couldn''t leave yet as Li Hua was nearly done with his food. While waiting, he checked out the menu and decided to buy everything he l liked the look of, thanks to all the gold he earned from the bandits.


    ''''I want you to cook me everything you can,'''' he revealed as he put more gold coins down. ''''I''m going to check out the nearby market which looks lively despite it being night time.''''


    When the older woman heard this, she beamed before flipping the open sign to closed as she agreed. ''''There will be hundreds of meals, but I''m sure you''ll like it.''''


    Following that, he strolled through the market, where he spotted some of the Blackwood Guards shopping as Dawnfirians went about their business. He couldn''t find anything of use as it was catering to merchants.


    As Raegar roamed the bustling market, his gaze swept across dozens of stalls brimming with adventurer''s wares, gleaming gear, and vials of shimmering potions catching the light. He drew near one where a young man lounged, nose buried in a book.


    He watched the vendor stand up with a professional smile as he introduced himself. ''''Evening traveller. I''m Fredric, owner of the Potions and Peddlers stall. What can I do for you?''''


    ''''I need ten mana and health potions, please,'''' Raegar replied while scanning the stall''s stock. ''''How much?''''


    ''''Two gold,'''' Fredric said with the smile of a merchant. ''''It''s ten silver per bottle.''''


    His eyebrow rose when hearing that causing him to start bartering. ''''If I buy twenty, will you lower the price?''''


    ''''Eight silver, which will cost you one gold and sixty silver,'''' the young man replied. ''''The lowest I can go.''''


    Raegar let out a sigh, taking the coins from his ring and sliding them across the counter. Fredric, with a knowing smile, handed over the ten mana potions, their glass vials glinting faintly in the daylight.


    ''''Thanks for doing business, traveler,'''' he said, tipping his head in a casual farewell.


    With the exchange done, Raegar turned from the stall and set off toward the food stall to wait for the order. When he arrived, Li Hua was still cooking, but there were containers stacked off to the side.


    ''''I assume this is for me?'''' he questioned while sitting down.


    The older woman turned to him with an exhausted smile and nodded. ''''Yes, Raegar. I got a few more to dish up then we''re done here.''''


    Ten minutes later, she handed him the last meals before he stored them away and standing up. ''''Thank you for that, I wish you all the best Li Hua,'''' he said.


    Afterward, Raegar left the stall behind after the woman said her goodbye and made his way to the inn where Yuki had booked a room. Fifteen minutes later, he paused before the posh-looking building.


    His eyes narrowed as he spotted the Dawnfire and Blackwood Guards relaxing outside, enjoying themselves. When he got close they cheered and welcomed him inside as Yuki met him at the door.


    The beautiful cat woman beamed at him while softly speaking. ''''Hello, young master. You''re going to love the room we got, it has a private bathroom.''''


    Raegar followed Yuki as she led him into the inn as the surrounding people watched him and gossiped about his scarred face but she looked back with a warm smile before speaking. ''''Don''t worry about what they say, young master.''''


    He smiled at the pink-haired beauty causing her tail to sway excitedly as she gave him a radiant smile. The two continued, and while walking, his eyes roamed down her hourglass figure and long slender legs.


    Her silhouette was a masterpiece, the ideal harmony of waist, hips, and thighs weaving a spell over him. Raegar found her utterly alluring, her presence unraveling his composure and muddling his thoughts.


    Moments later, a flush of heat surged through him as his gaze traced along her sexy, smooth legs. The sudden rush of desire baffled him, a tangle of instinct and bewilderment warring within.


    ''What is this feeling?'' he thought as it was all new to him.


    Yuki turned around with a knowing smile as she turned in his direction and leaned forward, giving him a view of her deep cleavage as Mistress Victoria gave her blessing to take the next stop.


    ''Now he''s growing into a handsome man I have to take my chance before a young noble girl takes his heart first,'' he thought with glowing blue eyes. ''I''m going to be the first woman he has.''


    Raegar felt something shift within his catmaid, making him gulp, but moments later, her seductive voice reached his ears. ''''I can feel your eyes roaming over my body, young master. Do you like what you see?''''

 Chapter 101 101: Its Nice Once You Eat It

    Raegar shivered when hearing her seductive voice that sent a chill down his spine, but he quickly steeled himself and nodded as his cheeks went red, ''''Yes. I find you beautiful, and you''ve known this for years already.''''


    Her smile grew wide as she leaned in close enough for her lips to brush against his ear. ''''Once you come of age young master, we can make our official if that''s what you still want, my future husband.''''


    ''Oh fuck! She''s making me feel all kinds of things,'' he thought as her sudden change caught him off guard.


    Raegar nodded with a confident grin before answering. ''''Yes, I still want that.''''


    Yuki beamed and quickly leaned forward to kiss his cheek, which sent a spark shooting through their bodies. They started walking toward their room with something growing between the two.


    Following that, the duo continued down the corridors when people who were staying in the nearby rooms appeared on the floor. Moments later, they arrived at a quieter part of the inn just as she pushed open the door to their room.


    The moment he stepped inside, a savory aroma enveloped him that made his stomach growl even though he had eaten recently, teasing his senses with the promise of a hearty meal. Yuki turned to face him, a warm smile lighting her features.


    ''''I ordered us some of the specialties,'''' she said, her voice bright with anticipation. ''''I thought you''d enjoy them.''''


    Raegar quickly sat down with a smile. ''''Thank you. I think my body is pulling in small amounts of Aether; this caused my body to burn through the food I eat,'''' he explained.


    The pink-haired beauty nodded in understanding. ''''That''s normal for a man of your age, young master. Enjoy the meals; if you need more, just let me know.''''


    ''''It''s fine, Yuki. I brought loads of food a little ago,'''' he revealed while taking out some of the spicy noodles.


    The cat woman''s sharp eyes caught the scene, her brow arching with feline curiosity. She tilted her head, tail flicking, and fired off a question with a teasing edge. ''''Since when do you fancy eastern fare? The cooks never whipped up anything like it, yet here you are, indulging.''''


    Raegar chuckled, answering. ''''Remember after the fight with the Devil Lord? I woke up in a Royal Nytherian Hospital, then made my way back to the forest but stopped off at the rest stop on the road and ate some there.''''


    Yuki looked curious so he offered her some of the noodles. ''''Here, try some. It''s delicious.''''


    Following that, he started eating some of the steak only to realize it was Aether infused meat, which helped him get rid of the exhaustion that was creeping over his entire body, prompting him to think. ''What was that?''


    He gave a nonchalant shrug, digging back into his meal with relish. The cat woman, meanwhile, leaned in to sample the eastern dish, her nose twitching as she sniffed the container.


    In an instant, her tail shot up like a flagpole, ears perking straight, every fiber of her being alert with intrigue at the unfamiliar, tantalizing scent. Yuki let out a shocked yelp and started rubbing her nose, which went red.


    He found it adorable, he chuckled before explaining. ''''It''s the spices; it makes the meal hot, but it''s nice once you eat it.''''


    The pink-haired woman looked dubious but nodded. ''''Okay, young master, I''ll try it because you suggested it.''''


    Raegar nodded as the duo started eating while chatting about the journey to the Vaelthorne mansion. He found out the cat maid would be going back to the Blackwood County with his mother.


    When hearing that his expression changed, but Yuki gave him a dazzling smile. ''''Just wait until the first academy break comes. I''ll come visit you and spend a few days with you.''''


    ''''That sounds good to me,'''' he answered, prompting the pink-haired woman to smile. ''''When will I get my surprise you mentioned?''''


    The cat woman smile gave him a sly grin before answering. ''''The day you leave for your test, young master.''''


    Raegar squinted at the cat woman, his suspicion met with a laugh from her as they both continued with their meal. By the time the plates were cleared, Yuki turned to him, a giggle bubbling up as she tossed out a playful jab. ''''If you ever fancy a girl your age, just give me a heads-up, alright? It''s the only thing I ask.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he mumbled, brow furrowing. ''''So you''re just angling to be my first woman, is that it?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' she honestly answered. ''''Especially now that you''re getting older, I find myself drawn to you even more, young master.''''


    ''''Good,'''' he replied with a knowing smile.


    Following this, the two of them started speaking until the young woman ushered him into the bathroom. While pushing inside she complained with a crinkled nose. ''''Get in the bath, young master, you smell like a Goblin.''''


    The couple laughed before he started taking off his armor only to go stiff when the door didn''t shut. Reager turned around only to notice Yuki removing her dress, which revealed her seductive body.


    She was wearing white panties and bra that struggled to hold in her big boobs. He gulped at the view, but the young woman pretended not to notice his wandering eyes as she tied her hair into a ponytail, which made the right parts jiggle.


    ''''Now get in the bath before your eyes bore through me, young master,'''' she teased.


    Raegar got embarrassed, thanks to his staring. Moments later, he slipped into the hot water and felt it over his entire body. Just then, Yuki stepped into the bath while holding a sponge with a wicked smile.


    He felt a chill shoot down his spine when certain memories from his childhood popped into his mind, forcing him to back off as he warned. ''''Don''t do it. I''m not a baby anymore!''''


    The young woman giggled before pouncing in his direction and pampering him all over as she washed his back, hair, and every other part with a pleased smile on her face. He was defeated and let her do it.


    ''''You cannot win against me even after all these years, young master,'''' she purred in his ear. ''''But it''s different now as your handsome self is making me want to jump you.''''


    Raegar chuckled and enjoyed Yuki washing his body, which lulled him into a peaceful state before the young woman appeared in his view with a smile. ''''Can I clean your scars, please? I bought some special oinments to help heal the skin around them.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered.


    After that, Yuki gently nudged him out of the bath, having just finished washing his hair with care. She guided him back to the room and settled him into a chair. Raegar''s eyes followed her as she gathered an array of creams and sponges.


    With a soft hum, she scooped some into her palms, rubbing her hands together until they glistened. ''''This might sting, young master, but it''ll do you good,'''' Yuki warned, her voice steady and gentle.


    Moments later, a searing heat blazed across his back as she smeared the ointment onto his scars. Instinctively, he jolted, muscles tensing to leap away, but her firm hands pinned him down with surprising strength.


    ''''Stay still,'''' she soothed. ''''The burning will ease soon enough.''''


    He heeded Yuki''s calm instruction, holding still as she tended to the lattice of small scars etched across his body. Her fingers moved with practiced care, smoothing the ointment over each mark.


    When she finished, she stepped around to face him, a wide, reassuring smile lighting her features. ''''Now for your face,'''' she said brightly. ''''This''ll hurt the most, but by the time Mistress Elysia works her magic, this will have paved the way.''''


    Moments later, Raegar saw white as the pain seared through his entire being, causing him to grunt in pain. Her fingers quickly worked their magic and made sure she didn''t miss an inch, as it wouldn''t help otherwise.


    After some time, he was breathing heavily as the ointment took its toll on him but Yuki handed him a bottle of sake while speaking. ''''Drink some, young master, it will help in the long run.''''


    He took it and downed some, which burned his throat, but once the alcohol settled, he relaxed into the sofa. Yuki dragged him toward the bed and pushed him onto him before joining him.


    She rested her head against his shoulder before the duo fell asleep thanks to exhaustion setting in. The following morning, he woke up after hearing people down below going about their business.


    This caused Raegar to wake up only to see the cat woman cleaning up the room as she smiled and greeted him. ''''Morning, young master. Looks like we slept in later than expected.''''


    She giggled before concluding. ''''Mother knocked not long ago, saying your brother came to get you, but told her to meet him at the northern gate so we can depart from your Grandparents.''''

 Chapter 102: Thats Right Darling

    Raegar rose to his feet and stretched when hearing the cat woman''s words, an audible crack of his bones popping through the air. Yuki''s ears flicked at the sound, a subtle twitch betraying her keen senses.


    With a warm smile, the pink-haired beauty stepped forward, offering him a sandwich as his stomach growled. He was embarrassed, but she waved him away with a sweet smile before he took the food.


    ''''Here''s breakfast,'''' she said cheerfully. ''''Eat up, and we''ll hit the road.''''


    The two continued eating before leaving the room behind as adventurers left the inn. Raegar grabbed Yuki''s hand, which made the young woman smile as the two headed toward the northern gate to meet Jasper.


    Ten minutes later, she was back in the carriage with the Blackwood staff while he sat on the roof as they headed north. As the caravan travelled, thousands of people tended to the war-torn land.


    ''What are they doing?'' he pondered.


    Just then, Luthian''s voice sounded from below. ''''The empress has sent out mages to heal the land from all the battles that happened all across the south alongside the Nytheria Kingdom.''''


    ''''Is it over then? The war, I mean?'''' Raegar questioned. ''''I haven''t seen any Korrvethians and Lunathyrians in a while.''''


    The older man nodded. ''''Yes, General Vaelthorne routed the last enemy armies just before you two met, but after the wedding, we are heading north to aid Count Blackwood in his war against those strange creatures.''''


    ''''I wish you luck up there,'''' he replied. ''''I''ll be Drakenwood in the northwest. I hope these monsters stay away, I want a break from all the fighting I''ve been doing.''''


    Luthian chuckled. ''''Yes, a whole year in the Bloodfang Forest, then battling to the rest stop,'''' he said.


    Following that, the hours passed by quickly until they crossed over a bridge and entered the Vaelthorne Duchy. He noticed the soldiers visibly relax as cavalry patrols appeared to find out who they were.


    When the group discovered Jasper was among them, they were swiftly escorted to the mansion, though the guards brushed him off, their eyes sliding past him as if his differing surname rendered him invisible.


    The newcomer strode ahead, leading the way, while his brother glanced back, catching his eye with a look heavy with apology, a silent acknowledgment of the slight. Raegar waved him away as he didn''t care about the Vaelthorne games.


    Sometime later, the caravan arrived at his grandparents'' place. It was massive and looked like your typical noble house, but there was a flare thanks to his Grandmother. He always loved coming here when he was younger.


    By the time the carriage came to a stop, his mother was already greeting Jasper with a big hug and kisses all over the young man''s face like the loving parent see was. This made Luthian laugh just as Yuki and the other staff exited.


    Victoria spotted Saki and greeted her with a tight hug along with Yuki, only to stiffen as her eyes spotted him. He turned in the older woman''s direction, which earned a gasp of shock when she saw his past injuries.


    Raegar paid no mind to the sidelong glances from the Blackwood Guards stationed around them, their stares lingering but irrelevant. Instead, he turned to her, a genuine smile breaking across his face.


    ''''Hello, Mother,'''' he said warmly. ''''It''s good to see you''re doing well.''''


    ''''What happened to you, darling?'''' she muttered after he jumped off the carriage and landed with a thud.


    He smiled before telling her about the Devil Lord he had fought down south, which horrified her as she touched his face and whispered in a rage-filled voice. ''''That fiend destroyed your handsome face, but luckily when Grandmother returns she will be able to heal this.''''


    ''''It doesn''t bother me anymore,'''' he revealed with a nervous chuckle. ''''Well, that''s a lie as I get paranoid when people stare at me.''''


    Victoria nodded with an understanding expression before suddenly hugging him as she beamed. ''''Regardless of the injury I''m happy you returned to me. I''ve been worried this past year and have debated heading south.''''


    Following that, they were led inside as he spotted the Vaelthorne staff rushing around getting things ready for Jasper''s wedding. While walking, his mother glanced at him with a smile.


    ''''I want you to meet Alisha and Elise,'''' she said. ''''They are lovely girls who will be a good match for your brother.''''


    ''''Why?'''' he questioned with a raised eyebrow. ''''I have no doubt they''ll judge me by the scars or my weird behaviour.''''


    The two women circled on him with narrowed eyes as Yuki spoke. ''''What does that mean, young master?''''


    Victoria agreed with a nod, causing him to laugh before honestly answering. ''''I''m not like your regular sixteen year old. I tend to be anti-social and prefer my own company. I also hate social gatherings as I''m always compared to Rhaelor.''''


    Raegar got annoyed when saying the name as his cousin annoyed him to no end. When his mother heard this her smile grew wide while hugging him. ''''Don''t worry about that fool, he''s like his idiotic mother, Calista.''''


    He chuckled, but a memory appeared in his mind of a certain meeting many years ago that was the start of his feud with Rhaelor Vaelthorne, the oldest in their generation.


    ***


    Raegar was turning five and was invited to his grandparents'' mansion to meet the rest of his family at a party to celebrate his aunt Serenya''s birthday. He didn''t want to go as he was busy reading as the family headed toward the closest Skyhaven port.


    ''''Darling, you can''t read once we reach my parents, its rude and impolite,'''' his mother said after she finished speaking with Saki.


    He looked at her with wide eyes and a look of horror as his bottom lip curled. ''''Why?''''


    Victoria''s heart twisted with a pang of guilt as she watched the scene unfold, but Yuki moved, gathering Raegar into her lap with a gentle ease after the older woman gave her blessing.


    She wrapped her arms around him, her voice soft as she reassured him. ''''We can read, young master,'''' she promised, ''''But first, you''ll need to say hello to your cousins and the others.''''


    Raegar''s big red eyes looked up at the cat girl as she nodded before looking at his mother. ''''I''m sure the mistress will let you read if you greet everybody and spend some time at the party.''''


    ''''That''s right darling,'''' Victoria commented with a smile. ''''I''ll have Yuki here take you to my old room. It is in a quiet part of the mansion, so your cousins will leave you alone.''''


    ''''Thank you, Mother,'''' he chirped as he nestled against the cat maid.


    She hummed contentedly, her nimble fingers weaving through his hair in playful patterns. By the time their journey brought them to the towering gates of Vaelthorne Mansion, Raegar had drifted into a peaceful slumber.


    Yuki''s gentle voice broke through the haze, coaxing him awake. ''''Open your eyes, young master,'''' she murmured, her tone a tender nudge back to the waking world.


    Raegar woke up with a yawn before stepping out of the carriage only to see a group of white-haired adults talking. He noticed two younger women rushing up to them with big smile.


    The first figure to emerge was tall and lithe, her short white hair catching the light like a halo. She appeared older than the second woman trailing behind, but as she drew near, she stopped with a grin and swept his mother into a tight, eager embrace.


    ''''Little sister!'''' she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. ''''I''m so glad you made it, and look, you''ve brought this handsome little man with you!''''


    His eyes followed her as she crouched down to his level, her face splitting into a wide smile. ''''Hello there,'''' she said warmly. ''''I''m your Aunty Serenya, your mother''s eldest sister. It''s a delight to finally meet you after four years.''''


    ''''Five,'''' he corrected with an adorable chuckle. ''''I''m turning five soon, Aunty Seren.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her red eyes widened in surprise as she looked at his mother. ''''Can I hold him, Vic?''''


    She waved her away with a proud smile. ''''Ask him, not me, he''s an independent little boy who only lets me and Yuki so it.''''


    Serenya giggled before looking at him. ''''Can I hold you, please?'''' she asked politely.


    ''''Will you let me read, aunty?'''' Raegar asked in a cute voice which melted the two older women''s hearts while Yuki beamed.


    His mother bopped him on the head while scolding him. ''''I told you, didn''t I? There''s no need to ask big sister.''''


    ''''Shhh, little sister,'''' Serenya commented while picking Raegar up as she questioned. ''''So you like reading, nephew? How about me and you check out my father''s library? That old man collects all kinds of things.''''


    ''''Yes!'''' he exclaimed, causing Victoria and Yuki to shake their heads before giggling.


    His mother quickly said. ''''Introduce him to Nessa, big sister. I want him to meet my best friends.''''

 Chapter 103: Couldnt King Arthur Find Them?

    Raegar''s gaze fixed on the blonde woman as she extended her hands toward him, a silent request to hold him. Hesitantly, he reached out his own, and her smile bloomed even brighter, lighting up her face.


    She scooped him into her arms with gentle confidence, her voice soft and welcoming as she spoke. ''''Hello, little one. I''m Vanessa, your mother''s younger sister.''''


    ''''Hello, Aunty Nessa,'''' he greeted her with an adorable big smile.


    When the older woman heard this, a big smile appeared on her face as her head snapped toward Victoria who giggled as she revealed. ''''He''s very smart for his age, even more so then Isabella and Jasper.''''


    Serenya and Vanessa looked shocked, but the white-haired woman quickly grabbed him with a smile. ''''Let''s go check out the library while your mother and girlfriend get sorted as the other family members appear.''''


    Following that, he waved as the three women, as Serenya started walking toward the library. She glanced down at him with a smile. ''''You''re adorable. Don''t tell anyone this, but you''re becoming my favourite nephew.''''


    ''''Don''t you like big brother Jasper or big sissy Isabella?'''' he inquired.


    The older woman nodded, then elaborated. ''''I do their my family after all, but they were different from you when they were little. If I recall correctly, neither of them enjoyed being held the way you do.''''


    When Raegar heard that, he leaned against her shoulder, this made Serenya beam as they entered the library, which surprised him. There were books all over the place as his eyes bulged.


    ''''So you''re a lover of books?'''' his aunty sweetly asked.


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied as she put him down with a smile. ''''I always read at home when mother and Yuki let me.''''


    Serenya giggled while ruffling his hair before grabbing his hand and leading him toward one section. ''''Do you like monsters and legends?'''' she questioned.


    Raegar nodded with an excited expression. ''''I do. I''ve read about the big sea monsters that roam the Sirens Sea,'''' he revealed.


    ''''Have you heard of the northern Forest Giants?'''' the older woman questioned with a sparkle in her red eyes.


    He got excited at her words but quickly shook his head while answering. ''''No, aunty.''''


    Serenya beamed and quickly picked him up with a yoink as she started beelining toward a certain shelf. He waited patiently as the woman scanned all the books until she found the one she was looking for.


    A few minutes later, she settled into a chair by a window overlooking the Vaelthorne garden. He was amazed but the older woman''s voice sounded. ''''The author claims that the Forest Giants are a lost peoples who once lived in the Old World.''''


    Raegar''s head tilted to the side in curiosity as he questioned. ''''Old World? What is that?''''


    Serenya pulled out a teapot and some cups while speaking. ''''Let''s have a warm drink; the cold weather is invading the library, and the story is a long one.''''


    He looked confused but nodded anyway as she started filling the cups while talking. ''''Did you know that Kaldorra was splintered into hundreds of small petty kingdoms and growing empires?''''


    ''''No, all I''ve read about is Dawnfire''s history and the founder King Arthur who created this place out of a small city in the southeast,'''' he revealed what he knew.


    Serenya was amazed at his knowledge, prompting a big smile to appear as she revealed. ''''Well, that''s good because the Forest Giants come from his time, according to all the evidence we have.''''


    His aunt flipped through the pages and pointed at a map. ''''The scholars believe that when King Arthur rode out of Greenshade City and started conquering the surrounding realms with his fusion magic, it forced people to retreat north to their death.''''


    ''''Fusion magic?'''' his little voice sounded out. ''''What''s that?''''


    The older woman nodded as she took a sip of the tea before speaking. ''''It''s an ancient form of magic that lets the user wield every form of Aether, from fire to dark and everything in between.''''


    His eyes sparkled, and he started getting excited to learn even more as Serenya commented. ''''Try some of my tea. I made it a few hours ago.''''


    He followed her instructions but struggled to reach the cup, prompting a soft giggle from the woman. She hoisted him up and set him down on the table, then handed him the steaming drink.


    Ragaer took a sip, smacking his lips with satisfaction when he was done. "Nice!" he declared.


    Following that, Serenya continued telling him everything about Fusion magic before moving on to the Forest Giants. She grimaced as she started speaking. ''''Rumors speak of the survivors of the Great War fled into the giant northern forests, only to vanish.''''


    ''''Vanish? Couldn''t King Arthur find them?'''' he curiously asked as a map appeared on the page.


    On the next page, Kaldorra lay fractured, overshadowed by a burgeoning black sun emanating from Greenshade City. The map was detailed but very old, as the paper was yellowed with time.


    Serenya shrugged before offering her take on it. ''''They disappeared into the mists, and all the documents I located about that period believe it''s a rough timeframe of when they began transforming into those creatures.''''


    ''''How?'''' he asked while scanning the page and realized it was an account of a Dawnfire Commander. ''''And why would they give up their lives to become monsters?''''


    The older woman paused to reflect before responding. ''''Dark magic runs deep up north, evil creatures, corrupted Aether, and mages devoted to the Dark Gods. I suspect they were ensnared and transformed into the Forest Giants as part of some twisted experiment.''''


    Raegar shivered when hearing that, but his curiosity was too much. ''''What do these creatures look like? And what do they do for people to be scared of them?''''


    Serenya flicked through the book until landing on a picture of it only for his entire body to go stiff. He recognized the creatures prompting him to think. ''Bigfoot! What is it doing on Sylvara?''


    After that, the two of them pored over the book for a while, sipping her delightful tea. Raegar perched on the table''s edge, listening closely as the woman shared everything the book revealed about the beasts.


    By the time they finished, his Grandmother Elysia walked into the library and beamed when seeing them. ''''There''s my baby! Look at you, my little gremlin has become a handsome man,'''' she said.


    Elysia rushed forward and wrapped Raegar in a warm, affectionate hug, sparking a giggle as she peppered kisses across his face. The playful affection tugged him back to the present just as a voice rang out.


    ''''Young master, stop daydreaming and get ready to greet your aunt,'''' Yuki said with a smile.


    Raegar shook his head, suddenly aware he was standing in the Vaelthorne garden. Only a few seconds had slipped by, prompting another quick shake of his head. ''''Sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment,'''' he said.


    ''''Don''t worry about it, darling,'''' Victoria said with a smile before hugging him as two women appeared.


    She turned to them with a welcoming expression and introduced him. ''''Ladies, this is my youngest son, Raegar Blackwood. He''s been down south training and made his way home to take the academy test.''''


    The first women stepped forward and she had light brown skin, blue hair and green eyes with a welcoming smile as she greeted him. ''''The famous White Devil of Bloodfang is my fiancee''s little brother, interesting.''''


    Raegar was shocked when hearing this causing the woman to continue. ''''I''m Alisha Sunfire, second daughter of Duke Tyrone Sunfire. The south is fully aware of your deeds and are grateful for routing the invaders.''''


    Victoria''s eyes went wide at Alisha''s words, prompting her to question. ''''Daughter, what did he do while down there?''''


    At that moment, Jasper appeared with a wide grin, pulling both of his women into a tight hug before speaking. ''''We''re witnessing the birth of a legend, Mother! I''ve seen little brother fight, and it''s incredible, straight out of those Aether King tales you used to tell me.''''


    The older woman glanced at Raegar, who shrugged with an innocent smile before another figure stepped forward, a woman with blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and an icy presence reminiscent of his sister Isabella.


    She froze upon seeing his face, a flicker of disgust crossing her features as she forced herself to speak. ''''I''m Elise Northwood, eldest daughter of Duke Leonard Northwood.''''


    Suddenly, the air thickened with menace as Yuki surged forward, her blazing cat eyes cutting through the tension. A low growl rumbled from her throat as she warned. ''''Wipe that look off your face. Don''t you dare gaze at my young master like that!''''


    Shock rippled through the gardarn, but Elise''s eyes narrowed into icy slits. ''''Who do you think you''re addressing, you lowly animal maid?'''' she spat, her voice dripping with disdain.


    Everyone went silent when hearing this as Victoria''s gaze narrowed at the young woman but something happened that shocked the group.

 Chapter 104 104: Still Playing These Games, Rhaelor?

    In that instant, a sharp cling pierced the air. Raegar lunged toward the woman, but Jasper intercepted, blocking a lightning-fast strike. Sparks erupted in a dazzling cascade as his brother gritted his teeth, skidding backward under the force of the clash.


    Raegar looked at Jasper, who was struggling to hold him back, but kicked back just as their mother got in the way with an enraged expression. ''''Stop fighting now!''''


    Elise looked shocked at the sudden turn of events and stepped back as he pointed his dagger at her and warned with a voice full of promise. ''''The next time you insult her, my brother won''t be there to stop me.''''


    ''''Raegar! She''s your sister-in-law!'''' his mother barked, her voice slicing through the chaos before she whirled on the blonde, her eyes blazing with fury. ''''And you, Elise Northwood, never speak ill of Yuki again! Apologize and behave like a proper lady, not some petulant child. What would your father Leonard say if he saw this?''''


    Victoria ushered Yuki and Elise away from the carriage, leaving him alone as Saki and the others went to relax. He quickly noticed Jasper trailing close behind their mother, eyes fixed on him.


    Before a word could be spoken, a mocking voice he dreaded hearing cut through the air from behind. ''''See, cousin Draevor, this is exactly why he''s a Blackwood and not a Vaelthorne like us,'''' the young man said.


    Raegar spun around to face Rhaelor, Cassian''s eldest son, standing there with a smug, cocky grin. The smile stretched even wider as his cousin''s gaze landed on his face, his tone dripping with glee.


    ''''Oh, look what we have here, seems someone''s gone and ruined that face of yours, cousin,'''' he teased. ''''Who do I have to thank?''''


    ''''Still playing these games, Rhaelor?'''' he answered with a chuckle. ''''They''re getting boring now, and I can become a Vaelthorne whenever, just like big brother, but I like the Blackwood name, so I''m keeping it.''''


    The older boy got visibly angry, prompting an attack on his face, which amused him even more. ''''I see the ugly scars have given you some unknown confidence, but as the academy tests are nearby, I hope to see you at the Dawnfire Magic Academy.''''


    Raegar knew what he was trying to do and ignored it just as his mother, brother, and Yuki reappeared alongside a downtrodden Elise and a smiling Alisha. Victoria looked at Rhaelor, who gave her an innocent smile.


    ''''Hello, aunty, it''s good to see you, but I have to go find father to help him with the preparations,'''' the young man suddenly said before leaving.


    Just then, the blonde woman stepped forward and lowered her head. ''''I''m sorry, Raegar. It was wrong to judge me from the scars. I didn''t expect you to have fought a Devil Lord to save a strike squad.''''


    He waved her away with a smile. ''''I''m sorry for trying to attack you. I''m protective over Yuki, and you insulted her so I reacted on instinct.''''


    ''''It shows how much you care for her,'''' Alisha said with a smirk. ''''Jasper is the same with us so we understand.''''


    Following that, Victoria led them into the mansion while speaking with a big smile. ''''Raefar, Yuki. I have your outfits in my room, so relax until tomorrow as the family are still arriving, along with the nobles.''''


    The group walked through the Vaelthorne only to bump into Serenya, who was organizing the maids and their duties. Raegar smiled when seeing the older woman who turned to them only to go stiff.


    ''''Is that you, Rae?'''' she asked in a low voice.


    He nodded, causing his aunt to burst forward and wrap him in a tight hug as she continued. ''''What happened to your face? It looks like a monster tore it apart.''''


    Raegar returned to gesture with a smile before telling her about his fight with the Devil Lord, which shocked the older woman. She stepped back and cupped his cheeks with glowing red eyes.


    ''''Father is going to be so proud of you,'''' Serenya revealed. ''''A Vaelthorne Devil Hunter, what a legacy to have, nephew.''''


    ''''More like the Aether King,'''' Jasper added from behind with a snicker.


    Victoria bopped the young man on the head making everyone laugh as Serenta ruffled Raegar''s hair before greeting everyone. ''''Hello, little sister. It''s good to see you with your boys. But I''m curious, where''s the girls?''''


    ''''They should be getting ready back at my quarters,'''' his mother answered. ''''Come by my room tonight; we should catch up; it''s been months since I last saw you.''''


    Serenya nodded in agreement. ''''Of course I will. I''ll get to little Raegar some more,'''' she replied.


    Following that, his aunt resumed her work just as a flurry of maids rushed in, their voices overlapping in a frantic clamor about the wedding set for tomorrow. Their faces, tight with worry, betrayed the mounting pressure of the looming celebration.


    When Victoria saw this, she hurried them along to get out of the way of the preparations, guiding the group through the sprawling mansion with steady resolve until they reached a calmer wing.


    There, Blackwood Guards stood watch while some patrolled the halls, others stationed along the corridor. When the men and women spotted Raegar, they were shocked at his faces but didn''t react too much.


    At that moment, Jasper, Alisha, and Elise moved toward a nearby room as his brother paused to offer a farewell. ''''Mother, I''ll see you at dinner. For now, I need some rest and a bit of time with these two,'''' he said with a nod.


    The older woman hugged all three of them as his brother turned to him and apologized. ''''I''m sorry for Elise''s words, Raegar. Her history with demi-humans is bad, so please leave what happened in the past.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' he replied with a friendly smile before approaching the blonde who was standing off to the side talking to Yuki.


    The maid was chatting, but when he appeared, her expression lit up, and Elise looked nervous, but he held out his hand. ''''Would you like to put what happened behind us? You will be my sister tomorrow, and I''d prefer to get on.''''


    Everyone was shocked as Victoria and Jasper smiled as the young woman took his hand. ''''I would like that Raegar. I''m sorry about my reaction to your scars. I was just shocked that someone so young received them.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it,'''' he said with a wave. ''''One day you''ll have to take me and Yuki up north to see the Bleakspire Mountains. I heard just looking at them creeps you out.''''


    Elise nodded with a smile. ''''I would love to, but be warned, the northern part of the empire is freezing. I suppose you know that thanks to attending Drakenwood Academy,'''' she warmly responded.


    Following that, Jasper dragged the blonde away as Yuki did the same to him, speaking. ''''Come on young master, I want to make you some food, but you go take a bath and relax until I call you.''''


    Raegar let out a soft chuckle and followed her instructions, stepping into the bathroom as he shed his clothes. An hour later, the cat woman, Yuki, tugged him out with a playful insistence, presenting him with a steaming bowl of stew and a chunk of warm bread.


    The unexpected gesture caught him off guard. ''''This smells incredible,'''' he remarked, tearing into the fresh bread.


    Raegar dipped a torn piece of bread into the hearty stew and popped it into his mouth, relishing the burst of flavors across his tongue. As he ate, his mother swept into the room, her face lighting up with a wide smile as she looked at the cat woman.


    ''''See, Yuki, I told you he''d love it. No need to worry over the food; he''s always been one to enjoy a good meal,'''' Victoria said.


    The cat woman giggled before nodding in agreement. ''''You''re telling me? He''s has a horde of eastern food in his storage ring.''''


    ''''So what?'''' he defended himself. ''''I like to taste all kinds of food.''''


    The trio laughed as the pink-haired beauty suddenly stood up with a smile. ''''I''m going to check on mother; she''s been quiet since arriving,'''' she informed.


    Raegar noticed his mother avoided the young woman''s eyes prompting him to smile. Once Yuki left, he questioned her. ''''Did you accept her as a sister wife then? Saki is a wonderful lady who could help you with father.''''


    Victoria''s cheeks flushed red before she shot back, trying to hide a smile. ''''How''d you figure that out, you little shit? But yes, I gave her my blessing to be with your father. Does that trouble you?''''


    ''''No, I''m not sure why you''re bringing another woman into the mix, but Saki''s a good woman just like Yuki, and its not like we''re related, so it doesn''t affect us,'''' he replied with a shrug. His acceptance eased the tension in her shoulders, a visible wave of relief washing over her.

 Chapter 105 105: Used To The Stuff By Now

    Raegar watched his mother relax just as Isabella stepped into the room, only to stop short when seeing him sitting there, eating his stew and bread like it was his last meal. Her red eyes narrowed. ''''What happened to you, brother?''''


    ''''A Devil Lord attacked me during a dungeon run, mutilated my face just as I defeated it,'''' he revealed while chewing on a piece of bread, finishing it with a big smile. ''''As you can see, I''m still here and fine.''''


    Isabella didn''t answer and stared at him with a steely gaze, but the aura around her changed, prompting their mother to jump up. ''''It''s not his fault, Bel. He was a part of a strike squad that helped the Nytheria Kingdom,'''' she revealed.


    The young woman stepped closer, halting in front of Raegar as her aura bored down. In that fleeting moment, he caught her expression shift, worry flickering across her face like a shadow.


    She quickly masked it and spoke firmly but with a slither of care. ''''Be careful out there, little brother. The empire''s crawling with dangerous monsters nowadays. Some of my classmates were ambushed by High Orcs.''''


    Once Isabella finished speaking, she turned around and headed toward the bedroom, leaving them baffled. He looked at his mother, asking. ''''Is Bel okay? The last time I saw her, she was icy with me, and I don''t even remember the last time she called me brother.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it darling,'''' she answered. ''''She''s a busy young woman with loads of friends and stress thanks to being the top student in the Dawnfire Magic Academy.''''


    Following that, his mother suddenly stood up and informed him with a sigh as the sounds of a carriage echoed out from the entrance. ''''I have to go talk to Cassian and Vanessa. Make sure you get some rest.''''


    Raegar nodded, his eyes trailing after her as she slipped out of the room. Taking out a bottle of sake, he poured himself a drink and began sipping, the warmth spreading through him until, some time later, a pleasant tipsiness settled in.


    Just then, arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind, startling him into a brief panic until his sister''s familiar voice cut through. ''''I''m so happy that you''re okay, baby brother,'''' Lyra cheerfully murmured.


    ''''Hello, sister, yes I''m okay,'''' he replied with a smile when hearing that. ''''Would you like to join me? I have some sake from the east?''''


    The blue-haired woman tilted her head with narrowed eyes and questioned with narrowed red eyes. ''''When did you start drinking?''''


    Raegar drank some and poured some into another cup, sliding it toward Lyra as he answered. ''''When you''re hunted by Nightwalkers or some other horror of the night, this stuff helps you sleep.''''


    When his sister heard this, she grimaced as she took the offered drink and tried it, which burnt her throat. The young woman shivered, which made him chuckle, but she asked. ''''Was it that bad out there? I wonder why the Vaelthornes do it?''''


    ''''To grow stronger, sis,'''' he responded, downing more of the rice wine. ''''I was innocent when stepping foot inside that place, but it forced me to change, and that''s what I had to do to survive against the monsters that dwell there.''''


    The siblings carried on their conversation, with Lyra pressing him for answers as they drank deeply into the night. Eventually, the siblings were thoroughly drunk. He steadied her with a supportive arm, guiding the young woman to her room to rest and recover from the alcohol.


    After she was settled, Raeger attempted to navigate to his room but found himself confused and lost. Drawn by a familiar aura he felt, he stumbled into Yuki''s room, struggling to keep his balance.


    The cat woman turned to him with a playful smile, her eyes narrowing as she purred. ''''Young master, are you drunk?''''


    ''''No, my beautiful lady,'''' he mumbled, his words slurring as he lurched forward. ''''I want to feel you hugging me, so here I am.''''


    Yuki let out a soft giggle, slipping out of bed with feline grace. She sauntered toward him with a knowing expression, her grin widening as she teased. ''''Are you sure you''re not lying to me, young master?''''


    Raegar grumbled before admitting with an apologetic voice. ''''Yes, I am. I''m sorry.''''


    The young woman beamed and quickly grabbed his hand. ''''Come get in bed. I wanted you to join me anyway.''''


    Following that, Yuki dragged him under the sheets while playing with his hair, causing Raegar to fall asleep as he was extremely comfortable and felt at peace. This made her smile as he held her tight.


    With an affection-filled smile, she thought to herself, ''Silly young master, I''m already yours, there''s no need to ask when you can simply act.''


    Soon after, she drifted off to sleep, cradled in his warm embrace. The following morning, Raegar woke up with a thumping headache as he sat up. ''''Ahh, my head hurts,'''' he thought while rubbing his temple.


    A short while later, he caught sight of Yuki reclining nearby, her sparkling eyes fixed on him as she spoke. ''''You look hungover, young master. I''m surprised you could even walk or talk; that stuff is potent.''''


    ''''Of course I''d be, my body is used to the stuff by now,'''' he replied with a light chuckle. ''''But you''re right, it''d knock anyone flat. Just look at Lyra; she could barely string a sentence together, and yet here I am, still standing with you.''''


    The cat woman sat up and stretched languidly, her movement causing her big boobs to jiggle in a way that drew his gaze. A flush of heat crept over him, stirring an unfamiliar restlessness.


    When she saw his reaction, her lips curved into a knowing smile, teasing him. ''''I can see you''re growing up. You never used to look at me like that.''''


    Raegar''s cheeks flushed with warmth, but he gave a small nod. ''''I know, I''ve always thought you were beautiful, but something''s shifted since I came back from the Bloodfang Forest,'''' he admitted.


    The young woman''s lips curved into a sweet smile. ''''I''ll let you puzzle it out, young master,'''' she said playfully. ''''But promise me this: if you meet a girl at the academy, you''ll tell me, won''t you?''''


    ''''Why do you keep pushing this?'''' he questioned with a curious expression. ''''I have no interest in any other girl. You should know this?''''


    She burst into laughter, then gently cupped his cheeks and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, replying. ''''Because once those academy girls get to know you the way I do, they''ll see what I see, and I don''t want to lose my place.''''


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed playfully as he gave the cat woman a light tap on the head. ''''No one''s ever taking your spot,'''' he shot back. ''''She could be a princess or a legendary warrior, it wouldn''t matter. You''ll always be the first.''''


    At his words, Yuki''s heart quickened, a rush of warmth flooding through her as his confession sank in. Feeling lighter, she flashed a coy smile and murmured, ''''Then you''ll get your surprise now, young master.''''


    Yuki''s coy smile flickered as she moved closer, her sparkling blue eyes glinting with something unreadable, something that made Raegar''s stomach twist in anticipation as he didn''t know what she had planned.


    ''What is she going to do?'' he thought.


    The room seemed to still as she tilted her head, studying him with an unknown gaze. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words died in his throat as her hand darted out, fingers curling around the collar of his shirt.


    ''''Young master,'''' she breathed, her voice low and edged with a tremor he''d never heard. ''''Stop talking for once.''''


    In an instant, she yanked him forward, her lips slamming into his with a raw, desperate force that hit him like a thunderclap. The kiss was wildfire, consuming and utterly unexpected, sending a jolt through his entire body.


    Raegar''s eyes widened in shock, his heart slamming against his ribs as her mouth moved against his, all heat and hunger, stealing the air from his lungs. Her hands slid up to grip his face, nails grazing his skin just enough to make his pulse race faster.


    Then, instinct took over, and he stumbled into the kiss, hands finding her waist as he tried to match her. She pressed herself closer, her pink tail swaying behind her, and the taste of her sweet lips overwhelmed him.


    When Yuki finally broke away, she smirked at the dazed look on his face, which she loved seeing. Raegar blinked, chest heaving, his mind scrambling to catch up as his heart pounded like a war drum, utterly blindsided by the cat woman who''d just turned his world upside down.


    ''''I hope that will motivate you to do well in the academy, young master,'''' she commented with a love-filled smile. ''''I want to see my future husband reach heights that the Vaelthornes can only dream of.''''

 Chapter 106: She Knows What Shes Doing!

    Raegar laughed when hearing her and summoned one of his daggers with a ching, lighting it up with eight types of Aether as he replied. ''''We shall see what fate has in store for me, but you''ll be there.''''


    He watched the cat woman beam as she suddenly kissed him again, which sent a shock through his entire being. Once they separated, she spoke with a smile. ''''We better get ready for the wedding, young master, even though I''d love to cuddle you all day.''''


    ''''Alright then,'''' he said with a chuckle and stumbled toward the bathroom. ''''I''ll go take a bath. I feel lightheaded, and my stomach is churning, hopefully, I''ll feel better after.''''


    Yuki let out a soft giggle as she rose to her feet. ''''Alright, young master. I''ll get your clothes ready and join you in the room soon.''''


    After that, Raegar stumbled into the bathroom, his legs wobbly beneath him as he turned on the tap, letting the sound of rushing water fill the air. He took off his clothes with clumsy hands, shaking his head as if to clear the fog of exhaustion or drink, or both.


    Slipping into the steaming bath, he sank into the heat with a quiet groan, resting back against the edge and letting his eyes drift shut, the warmth seeping into his weary bones. ''''This feels good,'''' he muttered as the hangover plagued him.


    Raegar channeled his Aether through his body as he tried to get rid of the hangover. But the effort yielded nothing, and with a small shrug, he let it go, focusing instead on washing himself.


    Ten minutes later, Yuki slipped into the room, wearing only a towel that hugged her. His gaze instinctively traced her hourglass figure, lingering on the curves accentuated by the damp fabric.


    The cat woman caught his stare and smirked, revealing. ''''You can look, young master, but no touching, not until you come of age. I gave your mother my word we wouldn''t cross that line.''''


    ''''That''s understandable,'''' Raegar replied, a warm smile tugging at his lips. ''''I''ll respect your wishes, no touching.''''


    Yuki purred softly in approval, nodding as she stepped toward the water. She slipped into the bath, the rising steam curling around her and obscuring his view as she let the towel fall away, leaving only the faint outline of her form in the haze.


    ''Fuck! She knows what she''s doing!'' he thought while controlling the urge that was building within him.


    After that, Raegar kept washing, the sound of water sloshing gently around him, until he felt Yuki''s hands glide onto his back, her touch light but deliberate. Her lips grazed his ear as she whispered.


    ''''Let me wash your back, young master,'''' her voice a soft, warm murmur that sent a shiver racing down his spine.


    He nodded, a little too quickly, his breath hitching as she worked. Some time later, he stepped out of the bathroom thanks to the cat woman''s non-stop teasing. ''When did she became like this!'' he thought.


    Raegar started getting ready, as a black shirt and pants were on the bed. The clothes reminded him of the ones nobles wear in the novels he read back on Earth. ''''Let''s get this over with.''''


    He put on the clothes while mumbling to himself. ''''The academy test is next week. It should take me a few days of traveling using Enhancement to get there,'''' he mumbled with a smile.


    Following that, he finished getting ready just as Yuki stepped out with her wild pink hair tied into a messy ponytail. She started getting ready for the wedding and asked in a concerned tone. ''''How do you feel, young master? The sake still affecting you?''''


    ''''Yes, but I''ll feel better soon once I get some fresh air,'''' he replied.


    Moments later, Victoria and Lyra stepped into the room, and his mother gazed at him with narrowed eyes. ''''Why would you get your sister drunk? She can''t even talk! She''s mumbling!'''' she scolded.


    He avoided her gaze while answering in an apologetic tone. ''''Sorry, mother, we got carried away when she surprised me.''''


    ''''Sheee! I shaid we wash havin'' fun!'''' Lyra slurred with a giddy laugh, stumbling over to him with unsteady steps before throwing her arms around him in a tight, sloppy hug. ''''I couldn''t help it, Mother, my baby brother''sh back with ush, an'' I''m jus'' sho happy!''''


    Her words tumbled out in a joyful, drunken mess, her grin wide and unrestrained. Raegar''s eyes widened in shock. ''''She''s still drunk!'''' he said.


    Victoria thrust an empty sake bottle into the air, her eyes flashing with disapproval as she spoke. ''''I came back to the room and found her polishing this off. Raegar, she doesn''t even drink! You need to be more responsible and quit touching this stuff. You''re sixteen, for heaven''s sake!''''


    ''''I''m sorry,'''' he mumbled, his voice low, just as Isabella stepped into the room.


    ''''What''s going on here, Mother?'''' the young woman asked, her brow furrowing until her gaze landed on Lyra, draped over him with a goofy, lopsided grin plastered across her face.


    Raegar stiffened as Isabella''s eyes narrowed, a flash of frustration tightening her features. ''''Why is she drunk? Jasper''s wedding is in an hour!'''' she snapped.


    Victoria opened her mouth to respond, but Isabella was already striding toward them. With a swift gesture, she cast a spell over the pair. A cool wave washed over him, sharpening his senses, as his sister blinked awake with a groggy, disoriented look.


    Lyra''s face went pale the instant she caught their elder sister''s icy glare pinned on them. Raegar started to speak, but she whipped her head toward him, and the words died in his throat as her stern rebuke cut through the air.


    ''''Don''t do something so reckless again,'''' she said, her gaze landing on him. ''''And you, stop drinking. You''re still a child, not an adult.''''


    Raegar bristled; he was just about to retort, but Lyra''s quick hand on his arm held him back. He gave a reluctant nod, swallowing his defiance, just as Victoria interjected. ''''Thank you, Bel, but next time, leave the scolding to me.''''


    ''''Sorry, mother, I just care about these idiots and don''t want the other Vaelthornes to judge them,'''' she replied with a small smile while leaving the room.


    After that, Victoria''s gaze landed on Yuki, who stood in a blue dress that mirrored her eyes. A radiant smile spread across her face. ''''My daughter! You look absolutely beautiful'''' she exclaimed with pride.


    Yuki''s cheeks turned bright red at the compliment, a shy smile tugging at her lips, but before she could respond, Victoria seized her hand with a knowing expression while also grabbing Lyra, who let out a surprised yelp.


    ''''Come, help me with this mess,'''' she said, nodding toward Lyra. ''''She needs to get ready, and I can do your hair while we''re at it.''''


    ''''Oi!'''' she interjected with a sloppy protest, her tone indignant yet playful. ''''I was celebrating, Mother! Don''t hold it against me!''''


    Laughter rippled through the room as the three women left, not before Yuki darted back to Raegar. She wrapped him in a quick, tight hug, her face lighting up with a wide, genuine smile.


    ''''I''ll see you soon, young master,'''' she softly whispered. ''''And that first kiss? It was worth the wait, handsome.''''


    With a flash of her gleaming blue eyes, she slipped away, departing alongside his mother and sister, who cast him sly, knowing glances. He lingered, watching them go. He went to seek out his brother, who was staying nearby.


    As Raegar stepped from the room, he started walking down the corridors that were busy with the sounds of maids rushing around and other staff preparing for the wedding. He didn''t see anyone until he turned a corner and nearly collided with Elise, who was accompanied by Alisha and two older women, presumably their mothers.


    ''They are doubles,'' he thought. ''Must be their mothers.''


    The blonde, catching sight of him, broke into a warm smile and chirped. ''''Morning, Raegar! Are you looking for Jasper?''''


    ''''Yes, is he in the room?'''' he replied.


    Alisha nodded, but changed the subject before introducing him to the two women. ''''Raegar, I would like you to meet our mothers.''''


    The brown skinned woman pointed at the one who resembled her. ''''This is Mary Sunfire, Duchess of the Southern Lands.''''


    ''''A pleasure to meet you, Duchess,'''' he said in a respectful tone.


    This made the older woman beam as she replied with a sparkle in her green eyes. ''''Oh my, so polite. Especially from the Ghost of the South, I heard he is a brutal warrior that thrives in the blood os his enemies.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened in surprise, making Mary giggle. ''''Yes, I know who you are, and so does my husband. We are grateful for your help, and if you ever find yourself in Dunmara City, my family will happily host you.''''


    ''''Thank you, Duchess. I may end up there during my time in the academy,'''' he replied respectfully, which surprised the older woman as the young were known for not being polite.

 Chapter 107: I’ll Kill You Where You Stand

    Raegar watched the Sunfire Duchess smile before he turned his gaze to Elise, who looked nervous while introducing her mother. ''''This is Hilde Northwood, Duchess of the Northern Lands and the Frost Witch of Dawnfire.''''


    ''''A pleasure to meet you as well, Duchess,'''' he greeted the blonde woman.


    Hilde''s smile grew wide as she exclaimed in shock. ''''The Tetraarch is real! I can''t believe the rumors are true. The Aether King walks Sylvara once again.''''


    Raegar looked at the older blonde woman, who lowered her head in respect. ''''Raegar Blackwood. The Northwood House will always come to aid you in your battles. As the first Tetraarch to walk Sylvara, we want to make sure your enemies cannot harm you.''''


    ''''Mother!'''' Elise exclaimed.


    The others looked confused, but Hilde explained. ''''It will become clear in the future. Just know, Raegar, you have friends among the nobles.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied, making the older woman smile.


    She took out a similar plate to Vlads and handed it to him. ''''Here, its the Northwood Plate. It will tell anyone in the north that you a family friend which comes with many benefits a young man like you could use.''''


    When Elise saw this, her eyes widened in shock, but soon, a smile appeared as she nodded in agreement. Following that, the four women left to get ready for the wedding as he continued exploring his grandparents'' place.


    Raegar wandered down the corridors, his gaze drifting over the family portraits adorning the walls. He spotted Jasper, Isabella, and Lyra captured in the frames, their faces frozen in time, but his own was absent.


    ''Is it because I won''t take the Vaelthorne name like my siblings?'' he pondered before shrugging. ''It''s not like I care, I''m happy with Blackwood. Can''t leave father alone can I?''


    ''''So you''re my sister''s youngest boy,'''' a deep voice sounded from behind him. ''''Rather small for a Vaelthorne.''''


    Raegar turned around with narrowed eyes only to see an older man who looked to be the younger version of Griffin, just with white hair. He was a giant compared to him promoting him to think. ''This must be Cassian, mothers eldest brother.''


    The older man gave off a Tier Eight aura, which caused the hair on his back to stand up, but he still retorted while smirking. ''''Yes, I may be small, but size doesn''t matter when I can wield every element and kill Devil Lords, Uncle Cassian.''''


    He watched as the man bristled as he turned around, but his eyebrow rose when he saw his face and commented. ''''So Rhaelor was telling the truth, the creature disfigured you.''''


    Raegar shrugged the barb away with a confident smile. ''''It doesn''t matter, once Grandmother gets back she''ll heal me and everyone knows this.''''


    ''''She''s too kind even though you don''t share our name,'''' Cassian answered. ''''But I''m glad it doesn''t affect your confidence. Can''t have the nobles seeing you being depressed.''''


    ''''We may not share the same name, but my mother is still your sister, which makes me your nephew, Uncle,'''' he said, turning to walk away. ''''It was good to see you, though. I need to head to the hall for the ceremony, so we shall speak soon.''''


    Cassian watched the young Blackwood walk away as if his aura was nothing prompting him to think. ''What is this boy? Not even Father gives off this strange energy.''


    Following this, he arrived at the hall where he spotted his father Alaric standing there talking to his other uncle Darius and stopped short when remembering the slap but laughed it off. ''It was more instinct than malice.''


    As Raegar stood there, he sensed his father''s aura radiating a Tier Eight that edged out Cassian''s, not by much, though. Then there was Darius, who was only a Tier Six despite being a general in the Dawnfire Imperial Army.


    Moments later, the two men caught sight of him. Alaric stiffened while his uncle hastily withdrew as Serenya''s voice rang out. His father, Darius, approached with a nervous look that morphed into wide-eyed shock as he drew near.


    ''''Son, what happened to your face?'''' the older man worriedly asked.


    Raegar gestured toward a secluded corner, and the two moved there together. As they settled, he began recounting everything that had unfolded in the Bloodfang Forest and Dungeon.


    His father listened, visibly stunned, before suddenly pulling him into a tight embrace. Caught off guard, Raegar tensed but allowed it, feeling the weight of the moment. Soon, Darius pulled back, his voice thick with sincerity.


    ''''I''m sorry for striking you, my boy. I''ll be honest, you scared me half to death when I saw your potential, and lashed out with that slap,'''' he admitted.


    Raegar started laughing before patting the older man''s back. ''''Don''t worry about it, Father. I was shocked, but I''ve never hated or resented you. Why do you think I kept the Blackwood name? Can''t leave you alone, can I?''''


    Alaric let out a warm chuckle, tousling his son''s hair with affection. ''''That''ll make your grandparents happy. You should stop by and visit them on your way to the academy. They''re in the Moonfire Forest, just south of Drakenwood. They''d love to see you, I''m sure of it.''''


    ''''I''ll be leaving tomorrow or the next day. When I''m passing by the forest, I''ll go visit them,'''' he said. ''''It''s been close to twelve years since I''ve seen those two.''''


    His Father smiled before going to join his mother and sisters who appeared alongside Yuki. Moments later, the rest of his family appeared, only for him to notice his cousins were avoiding him, apart from two young men who approached him with welcoming smiles.


    ''''Cousin! It''s good to see you after all these years,'''' the younger of the two.


    Raegar''s gaze settled on the young man before him, Magnus Vaelthorne, whose long white hair was neatly tied back, framing a pair of green eyes inherited from his father Lucian. As Serenya''s youngest son, he and Raegar had always gotten along well.


    His second cousin, Kaelith, who was younger, shared the family''s signature white hair, though his was cropped short. His black eyes were a trait passed down from Ismeria Vaelthorne, who had married his uncle Darius.


    Despite his father''s disdain for Raegar, the son had always been different, and they got on well. When seeing the two of them, he greeted them. ''''Cousins Magnus, Kaelith. It''s been a while.


    ''''The scars make you look good,'''' Magnus commented with a smile. ''''Gives off a wild warrior vibe, like the ones from the east.''''


    Kaelith nodded in agreement. ''''I heard you''ve been fighting devils. Father told me that the higher-ups in the Devil Hunter Order have been keeping their eyes on you,'''' he revealed.


    Raegar''s interest was piqued, but he responded calmly. ''''Yes, I''ve killed plenty since they showed up at home a year ago. It was a Devil Lord that scarred my face, until Grandmother comes back, at least.''''


    As the trio caught up with each other, Serenya''s voice rang out across the hall, sharp and commanding. ''''Magnus, Kaelith, come help your parents, boys!''''


    His two cousins offered quick farewells before hurrying off, forcing him to laugh at his aunt''s serious expression. Moments later, Victoria and Yuki guided him toward the chamber where the wedding was set to unfold.


    Hours later, Raegar walked out once the ceremony was over. Jasper and his wives were led off with the parents. This left him and Yuki standing in the garden, while doing that she looked at him with a smile.


    ''''Do you want juice, young master? You look thirsty,'''' she offered.


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered, causing the young woman to wander off.


    Raegar sat there gathering until a shout echoed through the garden, causing the other family members to gasp. He headed toward the sound only to see Cassian''s first wife, Calista, insulting Yuki, who ignored it as her ears lowered.


    ''''Why is a filthy animal attending a Vaelthorne party?'''' the older woman barked.


    Without waiting, he walked toward the duo as the air around him changed and the clouds above boomed. The cat woman''s head snapped in his direction as he scolded the older woman.


    ''''Who are you to speak to her like that?'''' he growled at the woman just as a ching rang out, and his daggers appeared in his hands with a snap.


    Calista''s eyes turned to slits, a venomous edge sharpening her gaze, she snapped, ''''Your woman? What possesses a son of the Valthorne bloodline to dirty himself with a beast as a lover?''''


    With a mocking laugh, she tossed her golden hair back, her voice dripping with scorn. ''''Even with your scars, you bear the honor of our family''s name, you deserve far better than this wretched whore.''''


    The moment those words spilled from her lips, the air above them detonated with primal fury. Raegar''s aura erupted, untamed and ferocious, as thunder roared through the heavens like the wrath of gods unleashed.


    His blades flashed upward, their edges hovering at Calista''s throat. When he spoke, his voice was no longer his own, laced with a chilling promise. ''''Insult her again, and I''ll kill you where you stand.''''

 Chapter 108 108: He Hurt My Mother And Yuki

    With a guttural roar, Raegar jerked his daggers sideways, intercepting Rhaelor''s sword in a clash that sent a cascade of sparks raining down, forcing Calista to jump back with a horrified expression.


    He dropped low, evading the follow-up attack, then lunged, driving a dagger toward his cousin''s throat. The older boy leapt back in the nick of time, the blade slicing through empty air.


    Undeterred, he surged forward, a blur. His daggers danced in a storm of slashes, dozens of strikes unleashed in a heartbeat, forcing his cousin to scramble to defend himself, but he didn''t let up. He pushed forward as he hated the boy.


    ''''You dare attack my mother!'''' Rhaelor declared once, clearing some space between them. ''''You will fall here for such an act!''''


    Raegar let out a low, rumbling chuckle, then dropped into a crouch. With a thought, he cast Flash Step, his form blinking out of existence. An instant later, he reappeared behind his cousin.


    With a whirlwind of gleaming steel, his blades aimed to pierce the boy''s ribs. But in a flash, Draevor materialized, his cousin weapon clashing against his daggers with a resounding clang that froze Rhaelor in wide-eyed horror.


    Undeterred, he pivoted, his heel whipping around to slam into his older cousin''s face, a brutal kick that snapped the young man''s head back as he shot back, shocking the surrounding family members.


    Capitalizing on his momentum, Raegar unleashed a right hook, his fist crashing into Rhaelor''s jaw with a bone-splintering crack that thundered through the garden like the beat of a war drum heralding doom.


    At that very instant, his mother and Yuki streaked across the sky, their forms a blur, before slamming into the earth nearby with a sickening thud. Hot on their heels came Alisha, Elise, and a bloodied, battered Jasper, staggering into view.


    A blazing inferno of fury erupted within him, his eyes locking onto his Uncle Cassian with unbridled hatred. He crouched low like a predator while the older man braced himself, anticipating the assault.


    ''''This fool hurt them!'''' he muttered.


    In a heartbeat, Raegar vanished from sight. Cassian whirled, slashing at the empty air behind him, his blade meeting nothing but a whisper of wind. Too late, he glanced up to find him soaring above, mid-spin, a vortex of steel and wrath descending.


    As this happened, he cast his special ability. ''''Fusion Overdrive!''''


    Aether poured forth and strengthened his body to several Tiers higher, but it put a strain on his body, which he ignored. The sudden aerial strike caught his uncle utterly off guard, his defenses faltering in the face of his relentless fury.


    His daggers slammed against the sword but did nothing, thanks to the strength difference, even if he was using Overdrive. This didn''t deter Raegar as he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast that propelled him away, narrowly evading an upward swing.


    The blade whistled mere inches from his flesh. He hit the ground with a roll, landing on his feet with a feral grin curling his lips, a sight that baffled the older man. Cassian''s confusion morphed into a snarl.


    Before he could react, his Hydra Blades sang through the air, twin arcs slicing deep into his uncle''s thighs. Blood sprayed as the older man''s red eyes flared with rage. With a roar, he retaliated, hurling a devastating fire spell that surged toward him with murderous intent.


    Unfazed, Raegar thrust his hand forward as a towering wall of wind, earth, and water rose in front of him. The flames punched through, shattering his barriers with force, but he was already moving.


    He cast Flash step to get out of the path of the attack, leaving only scorched earth where he''d stood previously. Raegar reappeared feet before his uncle while throwing his blades into the man''s shoulders, but they were deflected upward.


    This prompted him to move in, as his fists glowed with Aether. He unleashed dozens of powerful punches that managed to push the Tier Eight warrior back, which shocked everyone.


    Each punch a resounding crack against Cassian''s iron-hard frame. A brutal jab sank into his uncle''s gut, forcing a grunt from the older man, followed by a vicious hook that snapped his head to the side, blood trickling from a split lip.


    The blows landed true, drawing sharp hisses of pain from the older man with every strike. For a fleeting moment, it seemed Raegar held the upper hand, his relentless onslaught chipping away at his uncle''s defenses.


    But then his uncle''s patience shattered. ''''Enough!'''' he bellowed, his voice a guttural roar that shook the air.


    With terrifying speed, he seized his wrist mid-punch, twisting it with bone-crushing force. Raegar gasped, but before he could react, the man''s massive fist slammed into his chest, the impact a thunderclap that sent him staggering back, ribs breaking under the strain.


    Blood flecked his lips as he struggled to breathe, only for his uncle to close the distance in a heartbeat. The older man''s fury unleashed, he pummeled him, a brutal uppercut rocked his jaw, snapping his head back.


    This was followed by a ruthless knee to the gut that doubled him over, air fleeing his lungs in a ragged wheeze. Cassian grabbed Raegar by the throat, hoisting him off the ground, and slammed him into the dirt with earth-shaking force.


    Dust exploded around them as the uncle loomed over his nephew, raining down fists like hammers of wrath. Each blow split skin and bruised muscle. Raegar''s cheek swelled, his nose bled, and a vicious strike to his temple left his vision swimming.


    All this achieved was to make his smile grow wider as he spat at the older. ''''Now die!''''


    Raegar cast Titanfall, and the metal rod slammed into Cassian''s side, piercing his skin thanks to the force of the projectile''s appearance. The older man stumbled to the side, and his hand was covered in blood.


    Without waiting, he aimed the rob at his uncle and overcharged his Aether before sending it slicing through the air. Cassian looked up just in time to block it but was sent crashing across the garden.


    ''Tier Five is enough to damage him, it seems,'' he thought while coughing up blood.


    Just then, his senses flared to life as he summoned his blade and blocked a downward swing from Lorcan Vaelthorne, son of Vanessa. He didn''t bother thinking and hit the boy with a Lightningfire Blast, which sent him shooting back like a rocket.


    Raegar shook his head as Magnus rushed over to him worriedly. ''''Cousin, stop this! We''re family!''''


    ''''I don''t care!'''' he snapped back. ''''He hurt my mother and Yuki. There''s no family with him!''''


    That''s when Cassian appeared, covered in blood, prompting Raegar to push his cousin out of the way before casting Titanfall again. He sent it flying toward the older man, who got into a stance and sliced downward.


    The projectile split in two as a surge of force barreled toward him. His eyes widened in disbelief, but he swiftly crossed his blades, barely deflecting a ferocious strike from an enraged Rhaelor.


    The impact forced him to clench his teeth against the strain. Raegar, seizing the moment, knocked the blade aside with a flick of his wrist. He drew back, then unleashed a brutal headbutt, slamming into the young man with such ferocity that it knocked him out.


    Just then, Cassian lost his temper and charged at him, only to unleash a powerful attack that he couldn''t dodge, but that''s when a blue blur appeared and blocked it, causing a loud ching to ring out.


    He smiled when his Father appeared and stopped the attack, but it didn''t end there. Alaric parried another strike with focus before disarming his uncle and landing a solid punch against the older man''s jaw.


    Cassians head snapped back allowing Raegar to dart forward and aimed for the man''s throat but the air changed as his uncle swung at him but the two attacks were stopped by someone''s sudden appearence.


    ''''What the fuck is going on here!'''' Griffin''s voice boomed.


    The old man held Raegar''s dagger and Cassian''s sword. When his uncle saw who it was, he quickly spoke. ''''That devil tried to kill my wife and son, Father!''''


    His Grandfather''s head snapped toward him, questioning. ''''Is this true, boy?''''


    ''''Yes, but he hurt Mother, Yuki, and Jasper,'''' he revealed. ''''And that bitch Calista insulted Yuki and deserved to be scared.''''


    When hearing this, Griffin nodded before staring into Cassian''s eyes with a knowing look. ''''Why not talk to them, son? Why hurt my daughter?''''


    ''''I lost my temper when seeing that devil hurting my son,'''' his uncle tried explaining himself.


    Raegar watched his Grandfather slap Cassian, which shocked everyone as Griffin revealed. ''''I know you targeted the women, Jasper tried to defend them. As for Rhaelor, he shouldn''t be provoking people who are much stronger than himself.''''


    At his words, a ripple of shifting expressions swept through the room. The old man whirled on him, his face contorted with anger. ''''And you!'''' he snapped. ''''Why are you lashing out at everyone? I get it, they insulted your girlfriend. Would you have killed them over it?''''

 Chapter 109 109: I’m So Proud Of You, My Boy

    Raegar looked into his grandfather''s eyes and firmly nodded. ''''Yes. Family is everything to me. I''d do the same for you and Grandmother or my aunts.''''


    Griffin nodded, pulling Cassian to his feet and giving back his sword, declaring. ''''You two will stop fighting; you''re both in the wrong here, and neither is in the right. There will be no infighting within the family!''''


    The surrounding members all agreed as the old man looked at his uncle. ''''And whars your answer son?''''


    ''''I''ll hold no grude toward the Blackwood boy,'''' Cassian answered.


    A sharp, resounding slap rang through the air as Griffin struck him, his voice cutting in with a stern warning. ''''Don''t lie to me, Cass! I can tell when you''re hiding the truth. Raegar is a Vaelthorne, he''s your sister''s son and blessed by both your mother and me, so cut that shit out now.''''


    Raegar smiled, but the old man spun on him and slapped the back of his head, warning. ''''And you, if you''re going to fight with family members, do not aim to kill them! I know things were different in Bloodfang Forest, but here in the empire, that''s a no go, boy.''''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied with a respectful nod, asking. ''''Where Grandmother? I need her to heal me.''''


    A sad look appeared on the old man''s face, which caught everyone''s attention as Cassian panicked. ''''Where''s Mother?'''' he questioned.


    ''''She''s unconscious because of a devil''s poison, I believe,'''' Griffin revealed with a frown. ''''When a Devil Lord ambushed us, we were sent to another realm, where we''ve been stuck until I defeated the leader and escaped, but Elysia defended me from an unknown spell which knocked her out.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his heart dropped at the thought of her being knocked out by the devil''s evil magic. The old man chuckled. ''''But she''s alive, and I''m searching the continent for healers to wake her up so she''ll heal that pretty face of yours. I''m certain of it.''''


    Every Vaelthorne looked worried at his words. Griffin leaned down and whispered into Reagar''s ear. ''''Well done, my boy, you that stupid man through his paces even though you''re Tier One. You''ll never understand how proud I am with you.''''


    He smiled but the old man continued, putting a hand on his shoulder. ''''Go check on your mother and Yuki. Your Father rushed there as soon as the fight stopped.''''


    Raegar started to walk toward his parents, Saki and Yuki, but a voice stopped him. ''''Blackwood, wait a second, please.''''


    He turned around only to see Cassian approaching under the watchful eye of his Grandfather who spoke to other family members. When his uncle stopped in front of him, he suddenly smiled, thrusting out his hand.


    ''''I apologize for my behavior, for hurting Victora and your woman, nephew,'''' the man said, his words catching him off guard with their unexpected sincerity. ''''When I saw you go for my wife and hurt Rhaelor, I lost my temper. But I''m sorry for what she said about your lady. It''s clear she loves you, she did her best to hold me back.''''


    Raegar, though initially stunned, felt his shock give way to calm understanding. He accepted his uncle''s offered hand. ''''You were protecting your family, just as I was. But please, ask Calista or Rhaelor not to insult Yuki again. She''s done so much for me, and I truly care for her.''''


    ''''That''s exactly what I planned to do after I finished apologizing to your mother,'''' he admitted with a warm chuckle. ''''You caught me off guard, nephew. If you were a couple of years older, I''d have been done for.''''


    The older man patted his shoulder. ''''I''ve got to say, I envy my little sister for having such a son like you, a great warrior in the making. I look forward to seeing what you achieve as you age.''''


    With that, Cassian stepped back, flashing a friendly smile as he wrapped up. ''''Anyway, Father''s giving me that look, so I''d better get moving. I''m genuinely excited to see what you''ll do in the future.''''


    Raegar nodded while joining his Father, who was talking to his Mother and Yuki. When the two women saw him, Victoria jumped up. ''''Little shit! You need to stop fighting. That''s twice now!''''


    ''''Twice?'''' Alaric asked with a confused expression. ''''When was the first time?''''


    Yuki giggled and gave him a love-filled smile just as the older woman revealed it herself. ''''Him and Elise got off on the wrong foot. He went to attack her with his weapons, but Jasper stopped it just in time.''''


    ''''We get on now, mother! Ask her yourself,'''' Raegar defended himself, pointing at the blonde woman who was checking on his now healed brother. ''''I even met Mary and Hilde.''''


    Victoria reluctantly nodded as she mumbled. ''''Yes, you''re right. They said you gushing how you''re a well mannered young man.''''


    Just then, Jasper and two women approached. The young man smiled, looking at him. ''''Little brother, I feel sorry for Yuki now. You''re going to cause trouble wherever you go, but at least you''re protective over us.''''


    ''''I doubt I''ll be alone in keeping him out of trouble,'''' the cat maid said with a knowing smile. ''''He leaves for the academy the day after tomorrow, so I''m sure we''ll be hearing rumors spreading throughout the west.''''


    Raegar chuckled as his Victoria spoke while looking at Cassian who was waiting off to the side. ''''I''m going to check up on Mother. I haven''t had a chance since being healed by the Healers.''''


    Everyone nodded as she pulled him into a warm hug. Then, as she walked toward his grandfather, Alaric enveloped him in a sudden embrace. ''''I''m so proud of you, my boy,'''' he said, his voice brimming with pride as a broad smile spread across his face. ''''You gave Cassian a real challenge.''''


    ''''I just used what I''ve learned over the years,'''' he honestly answered. ''''Thanks to you, Rodric and Grandfather, I know how to fight. Also, my time in that nightmarish forest honed my skills over the year I was there.''''


    The older man nodded with a smile before looking at the cat woman. ''''Look after him until he leaves Yuki; we can''t have him fighting every Vaelthorne he comes across.''''


    Raegar joined the maid in a light laugh, and she dipped her head with a respectful, ''''I will, my Lord.''''


    At her words, Alaric''s eyes narrowed, though his tone remained warm. ''''We''ve talked about this, daughter. I know you two care for each other. Your mothers and I aren''t here to stand in your way. You have our full blessing to be together.''''


    ''''Yes, Father, Mother already told me about your blessings,'''' Raegar said with a playful grin, ''''Right as she let slip about you and Saki being a thing.''''


    Yuki giggled at the older man''s shocked expression and nodded in agreement, putting Alaric on the spot. Alaric let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. ''''You two really don''t mind? I mean, she''s beautiful, and I do love those fluffy ears of hers,'''' he admitted.


    The young woman started laughing even more, shaking her head. ''''Father like son, the young master here loves my ears and strokes them when his sleeping.''''


    Raegar''s head snapped toward Yuki, causing her to laugh even more. Moments later, his Father went off to find Victoria after saying his goodbyes. He turned to the young woman and asked. ''''Are you hungry?''''


    ''''Yes, young master,'''' she answered with a sweet smile. ''''I''m guessing you want to eat more of that eastern food?''''


    He nodded, and she led him to a quiet part of the garden that was now empty as the other family members fled once Griffin appeared. Five minutes later, the couple sat down as he pulled out some noodles.


    They started eating as Raegar pulled out some sake, which made Yuki''s expression changed when seeing this. She quickly questioned. ''''Drinking again? You''re going to become a drunk sooner or later.''''


    ''''No, I''m just enjoying myself before leaving for the tests,'''' he answered with a charming smile which made her heart race.


    Yuki''s cheeks went red prompting him to continued with his sweet words. ''''I''ll spend these two days with you because I''ll miss you.''''


    The young woman beamed, replying in a whisper. ''''It''s only for a little while. Your mother said I could come visit you once a month thanks to her traveling to the nearby city of Brightwater.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but be happy when hearing that and started eating as the two spoke about his Grandfather''s sudden appearance and his Grandmother''s illness. He learned that there had been accounts of people falling ill during the fight with the creatures.


    ''''Don''t worry, though,'''' Yuki commented. ''''I''m sure Master Griffin will find a healer who can wake her up.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued eating and drinking until full. The young woman stood up with a smile. ''''Shall I go get us some cold water?''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he replied while lying his head down. ''''My head is spinning, and I feel sick.''''

 Chapter 110 110: Ive Got Cousins There?

    Yuki smiled before leaving him in the garden, heading for the kitchen to get him some tea for them. He was leaning his head on his arms just as Griffin appeared with a frustrated expression.


    ''''Damn family, always drama,'''' he grumbled.


    ''''It''s one of the reasons I like my own company,'''' he replied with a chuckle..


    The old man laughed and started teasing. ''''Or a certain Demi-human woman I know you like spending time with.''''


    Raegar felt his cheeks go hot but shook his head, asking. ''''How''s Grandmother? She''s not hurt apart from the poison?''''


    Griffin sighed when hearing this and answered while sitting down. ''''Elysia''s fine. It just looks like she''s asleep. Her Aether is going crazy, forcing her body to release it. So stay away from her room or the stuff will damage your pools.''''


    He gulped at the words as the old man lifted his chin and began examining his face. ''''Wicked scars, my boy; you look like a wild warrior with them. It seems like you beat the poison. Though it looks like some remains deep inside your skin. How did you get treated?''''


    ''''A Guild Master named Lisara took me to the Royal Nytherian Hospital where the mages purged the devil''s poison. They couldn''t heal the scars; this is why I need Grandmother to heal me as she''s strong enough,'''' he revealed.


    When Griffin heard this, he gave him a big smile. ''''I know her, a good woman that one. More on the rough side of life. She swore off all relationships many decades ago and has worked her way up the Adventurers Guild.''''


    He was fascinated by the beautiful Dark Elf he had met months ago. Following that, Griffin suddenly ruffled his hair and smiled, standing up. ''''You amaze me, Grandson, or shall I call you the White Devil or Ghost of the South?'''' he teased.


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed when hearing this, he soon started laughing. ''''So you heard about those? The people down south like giving warriors names, it seems and thanks to dealing with the Demons and Demi-Humans.''''


    ''''That they do, boy, that they do,'''' his Grandfather answered with a smile. ''''I''m going to check on the others. I''ll come say my farewells as you leave for the academy.''''


    He nodded with a warm smile as Yuki stepped into the garden, carrying a tray with two cups and a teapot. Griffin caught sight of it and let out a soft chuckle. ''''She''s already got the air of a wife, the way she looks at you brings your grandmother to mind.''''


    ''''Young master,'''' the cat woman greeted him with a warm smile.


    Yuki then turned to the older man. ''''Master Vaelthorne. It''s good to see you alive and well. It''s horrible what happened to Mistress Elysia,'''' she respectfully said.


    Griffin nodded, his brow furrowing into a frown. ''''That stubborn woman refuses to wake up. It''s not as if this hasn''t happened before. Last time the Hydra knocked her out, she slept for weeks, nearly stopped my heart from the worry.''''


    Afterward, the old man smiled at them and walked off whistling, making them laugh. Once he was gone, she turned to him with an apologetic expression. ''''Sorry I took so long, the Vaelthorne maids were being awkward with their stuff. Your Aunt Vanessa ordered them to stop it.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow rose, causing him to get annoyed. The young woman quickly waved it away with a giggle. ''''Don''t worry about it, young master. Those idiots are petty and childish, they aren''t worth getting angry over.''''


    Moments later, Yuki poured some tea and changed the subject. ''''Are you looking forward to the tests? It''s a shame I can''t go with you. I''ll be heading home with your mother to help her after the master heads north again.''''


    Afterward, the duo started drinking while chatting about everything that had happened. The cat woman kept thanking him for saving her from the bandits when they reunited. Raegar gazed at the pink-haired beauty and flashed a charming smile as he nodded.


    ''''You''re welcome. I told you I''d always come to your rescue,'''' he reassured.


    Yuki''s face lit up with love as she leaned in, pressing a passionate kiss to his lips. A jolt surged through him, electrifying his senses. He eagerly returned it, his hands finding her waist to pull her closer.


    A few minutes later, the couple parted, and the young woman''s cheeks flushed a soft red, enhancing her beauty as she shyly confessed, ''''I love kissing, young master. I never thought I''d be so bold about things like this.''''


    ''''It''s because you know I feel the same way,'''' he answered. ''''Now you''re waiting until I come of age before making things official, which makes sense to me.''''


    She looked at him with glowing blue eyes and beamed. ''''Exactly. We have many years ahead of us, young master. There''s no reason to rush things. I must admit I''m looking forward to the summer break, I can come visit you in Brightwater City.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow arched as Yuki elaborated. ''''Every academy has two main breaks. The Winter Holiday is when new students enroll. Since we''re in the final weeks of winter, the entrance test is just around the corner.''''


    Following that, the next two days flew by as Raegar spent time with his parents and Yuki, making sure not to waste a second. He enjoyed the peace thanks to not having to fight any monsters or worry about sleeping in the forest.


    During that, he noticed most of the Vaelthrone''s were avoiding him, even his aunt Serenya as he hurt her son Draevor, who has secluded himself away with his injuries. Rhaelor on the other hand, left his Grandparents'' place.


    While he was preparing his stuff to set off, his father offered to join him for part of the journey since they''d both be heading up the Kingsway. By the time he was ready to say his goodbyes, the weather had warmed up.


    ''At least the snow or rain storms have stopped,'' he thought, staring into the sky.


    Moments later, a chill in was carried through the air, prompting Yuki to make sure his cloak was tied properly as she worriedly spoke. ''''Be careful out there, young master. Even though the war is over, there might be some bad people traveling.''''


    Raegar gave her a confident smile. ''''I''ll be fine, it should be a peaceful trip. I''ll stop off to see my other Grandparents in the Moonfire Forest. I haven''t seen them in years, so I thought It would be nice to visit.''''


    The young woman beamed at his words and warmly nodded. ''''That''s good. You''re their only Grandchild still living on Kaldorra. The Masters siblings moved to the Kyoshara and Mythros Continents years ago when the Great War was underway.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he mumbled before asking. ''''So that means I''ve got cousins there?''''


    Yuki nodded with a giggle. ''''Yes. They''ve sent some invites over the years, but the journey is too long for the Master to take. It''s weeks in a boat while he has the Blackwood County to oversee,'''' she revealed.


    After that, his mother and Saki joined them and was followed by his Father, who was deep in conversation with Jasper and his sisters-in-law, who were also dressed in armor just like his brother.


    This caused him to muse with curiosity. ''Are they all part of the Dawnfire Army?''


    Following that, Victoria pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice brimming with love. ''''Stay safe on your journey, my boy, and don''t forget to write us once you''ve been accepted. Also come home for the Summer Break, I would like to hear what the academy is like.''''


    Raegar chuckled as he returned to gesture, replying. ''''I''ll do it when I get my room, Mother, and I''ll be fine on the road. Grandfather said the Kingsway is safe until Brightwater City; past that, it''s still dangerous.''''


    Victoria nodded with a big smile while letting him go. ''''Good, make sure to say hello to Agatha and John for me. They''ve always been pleasant to me whenever they traveled to Southwood.''''


    ''''I will,'''' he replied just as Saki stepped forward.


    The older woman beamed at him before suddenly hugging him. This made Yuki and Victoria laugh as she exclaimed. ''''Thank you for giving me your blessing, young master. I promise to do right by the Blackwoods, but I would love it if you could attend the wedding during Summer Break?''''


    ''''I wouldn''t miss it,'''' he answered and teased her. ''''Or would you prefer to be called Mother?''''


    Saki''s cheeks went right, causing Yuki to giggle as Victoria added wood to the fire with a knowing smirk. ''''You should call her that, Rae! She''s always wanted a son and when she marry''s your Father then you will be.''''


    ''''Mistress!'''' the cat woman pleaded as her cheeks were bright red.


    After that, Alaric, Jasper, and the two young women approached. Alisha stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. ''''I hope you stay safe, little brother. We''re off to the southern border. Bandits are plaguing the area, and the empress has tasked us with clearing them out.''''

 Chapter 111: I’ll Write To You And Mother

    Raegar turned to Elise who stepped forward, suddenly hugging him with a big smile. ''''Until we meet again, little brother. Make sure you stay out of trouble. We''re looking forward to seeing you fight in the Grand Magic Games when it starts.''''


    ''''Oh I remember now,'''' he replied with a chuckle. ''''Yes, I''ll be fighting in those whenever I get the chance.''''


    The young woman nodded before Jasper was the next to speak as he ruffled his hair. ''''Stay out of trouble, Raegar. I look forward to seeing you again. Make sure you''re careful when exploring the Gates or Dungeons.''''


    A confident expression appeared while reassuring his sibling with a grin. ''''Don''t worry, big brother. I will be even stronger the next time we meet.''''


    Jasper let out a warm chuckle as he bid farewell to the two older women. After they stepped to the side, his sisters stepped forward. The blue-haired girl threw her arms around him in a tight hug.


    Her voice brimming with affection. ''''I''m going to miss you, baby brother. Heading off to the academy is just part of growing up. Thought I wished you choose to attend to Dawnfire Academy but I know you care about Dungeons.''''


    ''''A new one recently opened!'''' Raegar exclaimed in excitement. ''''I will become one of the best Gatewalkers on Kaldorra.''''


    Lyra let out a giggle, pulling him into an even tighter embrace, her voice dropping to a heartfelt whisper. ''''Ghost of the South and White Devil of Bloodfang, earning titles like those at your age? It''s beyond extraordinary. You''ve got the makings of greatness in you. I''m so proud to call you my brother.''''


    His smile widened at her words, a warmth spreading through him. This was the kind of family he''d always longed for back on Earth. The young woman released him with a sweet smile, stepping back as their older sister approached.


    ''''I''m sorry for keeping my distance,'''' Isabella said. ''''I''ve never been good with emotions. I need you to know how thankful I am for you protecting everyone. You''re on your way to becoming a warrior who''ll outshine us all. I can''t wait to hear the tales of your adventures at the academy.''''


    He nodded. ''''Of course I''d protect Mother. I know you were busy with Darius and the guards while I fought uncle. I''m looking forward to seeing you fight in the Grand Magic Games. Your ice magic is amazing.''''


    The young woman gave him a sweet smile until their Father''s voice echoed out. ''''Come on, boy! We need to get on the road, I think the cold weather will return.''''


    Isabella let out a soft giggle, nudging him gently toward Yuki. ''''Go on, say goodbye to her one more time. That girl adores you so much, brother.''''


    Raegar followed Isabella''s nudge and approached Yuki, the cat woman, who greeted him with a warm smile. As he got closer, she spoke sweetly. ''''I''m glad you share such strong bonds with your siblings, young master. In most noble families, they''re too busy scheming against one another.''''


    His eyebrow arched at her words, but he responded honestly. ''''I care for all three of them and have no desire to challenge their paths. Jasper''s welcome to lead the family, though I doubt he''ll stray from the military. Lyra''s set on becoming a teacher. Word is Isabella''s destined to rise as an Imperial Mage because she impressed the empress.''''


    Yuki nodded thoughtfully as she stepped closer, pressing a kiss to Raegar''s lips. The unexpected gesture surprised him. Nearby, his parents, Saki, and his siblings watched with wide, delighted smiles.


    Whispers rippled among them, drawing the pair''s attention. After a tender moment, Yuki pulled back, her warm smile unwavering. ''''Your mother said I can come visit you in a couple of months,'''' she said gently. ''''This will give you time to settle into the academy and find your footing. Promise me you''ll write. I''ll miss you, young master.''''


    He offered a gentle nod. ''''I''ll miss you too, but I''ll write to you once I''ve settled into my room, so it''s no trouble at all.''''


    Following that, he said his goodbyes to everyone else only to notice the other Vaelthornes watching him from the other side of the garden, but his Father''s voice sounded. ''''Come on, son. Don''t worry about them, they will come crawling back once your story spreads.''''


    He let out a light chuckle as he wove through rows of Blackwood soldiers, their nods of respect following him as he reached Alaric''s side. The older man, perched atop his horse, cast a puzzled glance downward.


    ''''Are you not riding? It will be a few days until we go our separate ways, so you won''t get the benefit of easy travel,'''' he questioned.


    Raegar shook his head. ''''I prefer walking. I can keep up with your horse, Father, so don''t worry about me,'''' he answered.


    Alaric laughed, replying in an amused tone. ''''You''re a strange child, son, but it''s good you know the benefits of keeping active.''''


    After that, they left the Vaelthorne Mansion and started marching north while merchants, refugees, and Dawnfire soldiers passed by on the Kingsway. The commanders nodded at his Father, prompting the older man to comment. ''''They are heading south to aid the Nytheria Kingdom.''''


    Raegar opened his mouth to respond, but a sudden boom reverberated through the air, cutting him off. Before he could react, someone landed in front of him with a wide, beaming smile.


    His Grandfather, Griffin, turned his gaze to Alaric. ''''Son, mind if I steal the lad for a few minutes? I''ll catch up with you down the road and deliver him back,'''' he said.


    ''''Of course, Griff, just don''t drop him into any more dangerous forests or wastelands,'''' the older man answered.


    All three started laughing as Raegar watched the soldiers march off, causing Griffin to comment. ''''Don''t be looking at them like they sold you to a slaver boy.''''


    He chuckled at his Grandfather''s words as the old man continued. ''''Thank you for helping those villages. It seems like you''ve made a big impression on King Vlad and the Princess; they couldn''t stop praising you for clearing out Bloodfang.''''


    Raegar thought for a second, answering. ''''It''s one of the reasons I was able to fight the Devil Lord and save Yuki from the bandits, so it''s fine. Also, I can fight warriors in higher Tiers like Uncle Cassian.''''


    Griffin started laughing and suddenly hugged him like a typical Grandfather. ''''Keep going further, my boy. Also, don''t worry about the Dawnfirian Nobles. If they try anything, me and your Grandmother will wipe them out, its not like we haven''t done it was our children.''''


    ''''Okay, Grandfather,'''' he replied with a smile.


    The older man looked down at him with a curious expression. ''''How are the daggers holding up? Haven''t broke yet?''''


    He summoned them with a ching, answering with a grin. ''''They are good so far but will break once I reach Tier Two.''''


    ''''I''ll see about replacements while I''m looking for a Healer that can wake Elysia,'''' Griffin commented.


    Following that, his Grandfather said his goodbyes while dropping him off next to Alaric and soaring into the sky. His head was spinning as his Father spoke. ''''Come on boy, the Kingsway is getting busy the deeper we travel into the empire.''''


    Raegar continued walking alongside the Blackwood soldiers while admiring the peaceful landscapes, but he couldn''t miss the old battlefields littering the road. He noticed Dawnfirians were burying the enemy.


    ''At least their not leaving the corpses out in the open,'' he mused.


    Hours later, they reached a crossroads where his Father and the Blackwood Soldiers had to take the road east while Raegar had to go west. Alaric got off his horse and approached with a smile.


    ''''This is where we part ways,'''' the older man said with a smile. ''''You better come back for Summer Break but more importantly enjoy yourself and make some friends your age instead of old farts like me.''''


    Raegar chuckled before tightening his cloak. ''''Shut up, Father. Not many people will want to be friends with me once they see my face,'''' he said with a grimace.


    Alaric gave him a playful tap on the head. ''''Quiet down, would you? This is a golden chance to find real friends, my boy, ones who''ll stand by you even with those scars. They''ll be the same ones there when your grandmother heals you, and trust me, that handsome face of yours will leave everyone stunned.''''


    The older man turned his head with a huff, muttering under his breath before flashing Raegar a fatherly grin. ''''You''ve got your mother''s looks, boy, features any man would kill for. So, I''m expecting a few daughters-in-law, you hear me?''''


    He felt himself getting embarrassed as the soldiers watched, and his Father continued waffling. ''''Your brothers'' wives are sweet enough, bless ''em, but you''re my pride and joy, and I''m counting on you to bring home the jackpot to make this old man proud!''''

 Chapter 112: Who Are You?

    Raegar shook his head but Alaric hugged him while muttering more shit but he stopped it. ''''Okay, Father, stop trying to embarrass me in front of the soldiers. If I find other women then it happens, I''m not going to the academy for love, I want to grow stronger.''''


    The older man started laughing, ruffling his hair. ''''Well, my boy. Look after yourself on the road. It will take six days to reach Drakenwood Academy, but if you travel through Moonfire Forest, it should take you four.''''


    ''''You just want me to visit my grandparents,'''' he chuckled. ''''I was going to do that anyway. Yuki showed me a map and I know the route through the forest.''''


    Alaric nodded with a proud smile. ''''Now get going, we have to reach Talonsreach City by nightfall or we''re camping outside.''''


    After that, he watched his father and the soldiers as they pressed onward along the Kingways. As the men and women passed by, they called out their farewells, their exaggerated dramatics drawing a laugh from him.


    Once Raegar was alone, he turned down the road that led toward the forest that would take him to the academy and his grandparents'' house. A couple of hours later, he found himself on a quiet road with no one on it.


    His surroundings were making him paranoid, but not long after that, he spotted a lone rest stop sitting in the middle of the grasslands that stretched in all directions, causing him to mutter. ''''Damn world is massive, maybe I can get a flying spell one day?''''


    Following that, Reagar approached the rest stop that was being guarded by Dawnfirians who looked bored. When he stepped closer, one of the guards called out. ''''Stop, traveler! What brings you out here?''''


    ''''Heading toward Drakenwood Magic Academy to take my entrance test,'''' he answered. ''''Was going to rent a room for the night instead of camping out.''''


    That''s when the woman guard commented with a regretful expression. ''''The inn is close, young man. The empire moved it to the next rest stop miles down the Kingsway.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding as he replied. ''''Thanks for the warning. I''ll stay by the nearby lake but I advise you to be more careful. Nightwalkers are infesting the empire now and tend to prey on lone guards.''''


    The two looked worried until the man nodded. ''''We will tell the commander traveler,'''' he replied.


    Moments later, he walked toward the nearby lake and started setting up his tent, drawing the runes around his campsite. Once that was done, he collected a bunch of firewood and piled it up.


    Raegar slumped down, letting tension drain from his body. He stoked a small fire, intent on cooking a meal, when piercing screams erupted from the rest stop. Instantly, he sprang to his feet, adrenaline surging as he cast Enhancement upon himself.


    His muscles thrummed with power, and he launched forward in a thunderous blur, the ground trembling beneath him. As he arrived, a chilling sight greeted him: Nightwalkers, their hideous forms descending upon the soldiers in a frenzy of claws and teeth.


    He let out a roar, summoning his daggers in a flash of dark steel. His eyes locked onto a creature lunging toward the woman he''d spoken to earlier, her face etched with terror. In an instant, he surged forward, a streak too swift for mortal eyes to follow.


    Raegar materialized in front of the beast, his blades singing through the air as he unleashed a whirlwind of strikes. The Nightwalker didn''t stand a chance. Its flesh parted in a hundred savage cuts, collapsing into a heap of gore.


    Without pause, he turned his fury on the remaining beasts, a one-man tempest of destruction. His daggers danced, carving through the monstrous horde as he fought to save every last Dawnfirian.


    Ten minutes later, Raegar stopped fighting as the last Nightwalker dropped dead, and his blades were covered in their dark blood. He looked at the weapons, using Aether to clean them.


    While doing that, the two shocked guards approached with wide eyes as the woman spoke. ''''Who are you, young master?''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he answered while dismissing his blades. ''''Now I can go rest. The Nightwalkers won''t attack again, but hopefully tonight teaches your commander to take a Spellblades advice.''''


    After the battle, Raegar departed the rest stop, leaving chaos in his wake, and made his way back to the quiet solitude of his camp. There, he set to work, kneading dough with practiced hands and coaxing a fire to life to bake.


    As the aroma of warm bread filled the air, he retrieved a stash of spicy noodles he''d purchased earlier, their vibrant scent mingling with the bread''s comforting warmth as he ignored the Nigthwalers stalking his camp.


    Settling in, he began to eat, his gaze drifting upward to the vast expanse of the sky, where stars flickered like silent sentinels over the tranquil night. Some time later, he crawled into his tent, falling asleep.


    The next morning, Raegar woke up with a yawn before climbing out and packing everything away; he wanted to get on the road but quickly noticed a mist had settled over the lake. This made him think while kicking dirt over the fire. ''What is it with the horrible weather?''


    Following that, he continued for another day and had to camp out once more until he reached Moonfire Forest. It looked like it came straight out of a history book that showed a ancient forest.


    ''''Why does it feel like Bloodfang all over again?'''' he complained. ''''Well, the Blackwoods live here, so it should be fine.''''


    Raegar stepped into the underbrush while holding a Smoke Bomb in case any sneaky monsters ambushed him, but nothing happened. He scanned his surroundings just as a nearby bush shook.


    Instinctively, he leaned back just as an arrow whistled past, grazing his cheek with a sharp sting. The sudden attack surprised him, but a pack of goblins burst from the bushes, their guttural snarls filling the air as they charged with reckless fury.


    Without hesitation, Raegar hurled the bomb toward them. The device detonated in a deafening blast, and a smoke screen erupted, blinding the creatures. Seizing the moment, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets.


    Each shot crackling with electric fury as it tore through the disoriented goblins, dropping them effortlessly in a smoldering heap. He stopped moving when he realized nothing was appearing.


    Raegar shrugged and pressed deeper into the forest, the dense canopy rustling overhead until he arrived at a stream. The cheerful chirping of birds mingled with the distant, guttural roars of monsters, setting his senses on edge.


    His eyes darted across the surroundings he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast at the ground beneath his feet. It erupted in a surge of crackling flame, propelling him skyward just as a spell slammed into the spot he''d occupied moments, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    Without missing a beat, he flung a smoke bomb downward, its thick haze billowing out to shroud the area and buy him precious seconds. But as the air thickened, a shadowy figure materialized behind him.


    Raegar''s sharp eyes caught a glimpse of familiar blue hair trailing from one of the figures who was wielding a sword. A warm smile spread across his face as he called out, ''''Hello, Grandmother Agatha. It''s been years.''''


    The words halted the attacker, confusion flickering in their stance. In the same instant, a spear tip gleamed at the back of his neck, wielded by another figure who appeared behind him.


    A voice cut through the tension like a blade. ''''Who are you?''''


    With a casual grin, Raegar tugged off his hood, revealing his features. The spear-wielding woman faltered, her weapon trembling slightly as recognition dawned. ''''Alaric''s boy,'''' she gasped. ''''How are you here, and what''s happened to your face?''''


    ''''I fought a Devil Lord while fighting in a dungeon. I''m waiting for Grandmother Elysia to heal me,'''' he revealed.


    The older woman stepped closer, peeling back her face covering to reveal features strikingly similar to his father''s: sharp, feminine, yet unmistakably familiar. Her wide eyes locked onto him, laced with astonishment.


    ''''It is you,'''' she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. ''''You''ve got your father''s jawline and nose, and those big red eyes, I remember them so well.''''


    Raegar opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, she enveloped him in a sudden hug, her arms wrapping around him. ''''My grandson has come to visit us!'''' she exclaimed, her joy ringing through the forest.


    Agatha drew back, her face glowing with a radiant smile as she spoke. ''''Come, I''ll whip up a hearty meal and can share what''s brought you to us.''''


    With that, she turned and strode off with purpose, her energy infectious. His grandfather lingered a moment, offering him a warm, weathered smile. ''''It''s good to see you, grandson, especially all grown like this. Last time I laid eyes on you, you were just five or six.''''

 Chapter 113: You Both Are Gatewalkers?

    Raegar was led to a cabin in a clearing, surrounded by plants and other stuff. His Grandmother Agatha turned to him with a big smile. ''''I''m guessing you''re heading for Drakenwood? Your Father mentioned you chose that academy to attend.''''


    Moments later, they entered the building, and he was ushered toward a table when he answered. ''''Yes, I have to get there in five days.''''


    His Grandfather, John, had grey hair and light green eyes like his Father. The old man noticed his gaze, speaking. ''''How''s your Mother and that little cat girl that followed you around everywhere?''''


    He smiled when hearing the question but answered. ''''Mother is fine; she''s heading back to the Blackwood County to run it with Saki. Yuki is fine, and she should be visiting me in a few months, depending on how things back home are.''''


    Agatha giggled, giving him a knowing look. ''''If I remember correctly, she was your maid. I''m guessing it''s more?'''' she questioned.


    ''''Yes, but we''re waiting until I come of age and classes calm down,'''' he revealed. ''''And I don''t care if she''s a maid, Yuki''s always been there for me.''''


    When his grandparents heard this, smiles appeared, and John teased them. ''''I hope to see many granddaughters, my boy. A handsome young man like you will attract all the noble and common ladies alike.''''


    He laughed at this and retorted. ''''Not many girls will approach me with these scars; I look like a monster. But I don''t care about all that. I want to improve my Aether Pools and become Tier Two.''''


    The older man started laughing, slapping him on the back. ''''That''s good boy, I''m glad to see that determination in your eyes.''''


    After that, his grandparents kept the conversation flowing, asking him questions about his life, which he was delighted to answer. Before he knew it, the sun had set, and darkness had blanketed the world outside, catching him by surprise.


    While standing by the window, Agatha spoke from across the cabin. ''''Raegar, dinner''s done.''''


    He turned around and approached the table as John questioned. ''''So why did your other grandfather drop you off at that horrible forest? I heard Bloodfang is dangerous.''''


    Just then, a howl stopped him from moving, his eyes widened; this caught the older couple''s attention. His grandmother asked with a worried expression. ''''Do you know those howls?''''


    ''''Yes, they are Nightwalkers and Hollowborns,'''' he replied, walking outside.


    As he did that, he summoned his daggers and quickly started drawing runes around the cabin. While doing this, his grandparents appeared behind him with startled expressions, Agatha questioned. ''''What are you doing, boy? Why are you destroying my garden?''''


    He didn''t answer straight away but made sure to finish the runes just as noises came from the underbrush. This prompted him to point into the darkness. ''''Because of the recent war, those creatures have invaded the empire and plague the Kingsway.''''


    Raegar stood up and vanished into the darkness that worried the older couple, but when he stepped back into the light, he was dragging a Nightwalker by the foot and threw it at his grandparent''s feet.


    ''''Creepy humanoids that love to ambush travellers,'''' he revealed, putting way his blades. ''''I''ve been fighting them for months and know how to kill each one with ease.''''


    When John heard this, he crouched in front of the monster before mumbling. ''''Southern Deadmen. I remember these things for out journey to the Forgotten Wastes years ago. These are the tribesman we fought.''''


    He watched Agatha''s expression change as she trembled. ''''Oh, goddess. These things are a nightmare and have killed many Aether Mages over the years thanks to their sneaky attacks.''''


    Moments later, he turned around, surprised, causing the older couple to laugh as John revealed. ''''We travel all over the continent looking for rare plants, we''ve encountered dozens of strange and horrifying monsters.''''


    Following that, Raegar joined them inside for dinner and realized Agatha had cooked a delicious meat stew. Before he started eating his pulled out some campfire bread, he offered some to his grandparents.


    ''''Try this. I baked it myself last night,'''' he revealed.


    Agatha looked intrigued as John took some and started sniffing it, prompting his eyes to widen as he spoke. ''''This smells delicious, boy. I can''t believe you made it yourself. Not many nobles know how to even toast bread.''''


    The older woman took some and broke it apart, only to hear a satisfying crunch, causing her to smile. ''''Freshly cooked, you can only get this stuff in cities or trade towns. How did you come up with it?''''


    ''''When I was in Bloodfang, I could only eat monster meat after running out of rations,'''' he revealed while dipping some bread into the stew.


    Raegar took a bite and let out a soft moan as the flavors exploded on his tongue. He savored the delicious bread but didn''t miss a beat in the conversation. ''''Once I''d filled my magic bag, I journeyed to Dreadshade City, picked up some ingredients, and baked this bread while taking shelter during a storm.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' John replied while Agatha beamed at him.


    His grandmother leaned across the table and ruffled his hair with a big smile. ''''I''m proud of yoy, boy. Even if you were born a noble, thanks to your mother, you aren''t stuck up like most of them.''''


    Raegar chuckled and revealed. ''''I don''t care for nobility, to be honest. I find them annoying, stuck up, and think they''re better than everyone else.''''


    The two adults looked shocked as their jaws dropped open, which made him chuckle. ''''What''s wrong?'''' he questioned.


    John shook his head and laughed before explaining. ''''It''s surprising considering you''re a Vaelthorne and that family is at the top of the noble pecking order. We''re still shocked that Victoria married Alaric.''''


    ''''Oh, don''t worry about that,'''' he said with a smile. ''''Mother adores Father just like he does her. They are a good couple.''''


    When his grandparents heard that they beamed and were happy to find out their son was loved. Following this, the three of them continued eating until all the food was gone. Raegar laid back in the chair while letting out a sigh.


    He was full and couldn''t eat anymore just as John revealed with a chuckle. ''''It was lucky you appeared today, boy. We were heading down to the Rougehould border. We''ve been hired to lead an adventurer party into a Gate that opened.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened as he questioned in a barely restrained voice. ''''You both are Gatewalkers?''''


    Agatha bobbed her head with a proud smile. ''''Some of the best in the south, my Grandson. Does exploring Gates interest you?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he excitedly answered. ''''I''m planning on exploring the one near Drakenwood when I''m allowed to.''''


    ''''If I remember correctly, you have to be Tier Two to enter one thanks to powerful monsters roaming the otherside,'''' John informed him. ''''Many Tier One Mages have been killed, forcing the previous Emperor to create a law against it.''''


    ''''I recall it now,'''' Raegar muttered as the information resurfaced from a book he read years ago. ''''That''s why I plan to advance when joining the academy. I can''t even get to Mist on my own.''''


    His grandparents chuckled before Agatha chimed in. ''''Oh, sure, there are ways to progress without an academy, but it''s a gamble. I''ve seen plenty of mages try to skip the schools, only to end up wrecking their Aether Pools.''''


    ''''Dawnfire''s handed the magic academies a monopoly on training the younger generation,'''' the older man remarked. ''''And I reckon that''s a good thing, keeps us from losing hundreds of kids who''d otherwise push too hard trying to level up on their own.''''


    Raegar nodded, a slight shudder running through him at the thought of ruining his Aether Pools. His grandparents caught the reaction and chuckled, but Agatha quickly leaned in to ease his mind.


    ''''Oh, don''t fret too much, my boy. Attending a magic academy is a grand adventure. Wait ''til you see Drakenwood. It''s breathtaking!'''' She said with a big smile.


    Following that, the three of them relaxed until Raegar yawned, prompting John to jump up and ask. ''''Do you want to stay here? I''m sure a comfortable bed is preferable to a tent in the forest?''''


    ''''Yes please Grandfather,'''' he answered.


    Once the old man vanished into the room Agatha approached him with a warm smile before hugging him. ''''Thank you for coming to visit. We know your Father''s busy, but it makes me happy that you thought about us.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but return the gesture as he asked. ''''Can I come visit you when I''m on the way home? I''m joining during winter break but I can pass through during summer.''''


    The blue-haired woman beamed. ''''Of course you can, I would love to see you again. It''s a shame we have to head south otherwise, we could have taken you to the academy. My old friend Valentina Morris, she teaches the Devil Hunting Classes there.''''


    When he heard his grandmother''s words, it prompted him to reveal. ''''I''m taking those as well. I met a few Devil Hunters who said I would make a good one.''''

 Chapter 114: Twin Shade Daggers

    Raegar watched Agatha''s light green eyes widen in surprise. She quickly shook her head and asked. ''''So you''re a Devil Hunter as well? What path are you picking, Grandson?''''


    ''''I don''t know,'''' he said with a chuckle. ''''I can take on monsters, bandits, even devils, clear dungeons and tackle Gates. But right now, I want to grow stronger so I can keep the ones I love.''''


    His grandmother beamed, walking over to a nearby table, asking. ''''If I write a letter, would you get it to Valentina for me, please?''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Of course, just write it and give it to me when we leave tomorrow,'''' he answered.


    ''''Thank you,'''' she said sweetly. ''''I haven''t spoken to her in months, and I want to see if she''s okay.''''


    Following that, John reappeared with a smile. ''''The beds done up for you, boy.''''


    ''''Thank you, Grandfather, but before I go to sleep, would you like to share a drink with me?'''' he replied.


    The older couple was shocked when he pulled out a bottle of sake and three glasses and started filling them up. ''''I love this stuff; it helped me stay warm and sane in that godforsaken forest.''''


    John sat down next to him and picked up a glass, sniffing the liquid. His eyebrows rose as he asked. ''''Is this that Eastern stuff everyone''s raving about?''''


    He nodded with a knowing smile. ''''Yes, it is. I bought so many bottles that I won''t run out for a year unless I turn into a drunk,'''' he answered, taking a mouthful of the stuff.


    The sake burned his throat, but he was used to it as Agatha took the third with narrowed eyes. ''''You''re sixteen, been trapped in the notorious Bloodfang Forest. No wonder you drink this stuff to relax; not many your age could touch it.''''


    ''''It''s delicious and goes well with monster meat,'''' he revealed.


    Following that, the three of them started drinking until his grandmother became drunk and started pampering him. The older woman stood up and forced him to his feet, cupping his face.


    ''''You remind me of your grandfather when he was younger,'''' she slurred with a love-filled expression. ''''But this white hair and red eyes of your mother adds even more to your handsomeness, grandson.''''


    Raegar let out a chuckle at her words, but Agatha pressed on, undeterred. ''''I know how much you despise those scars, but you know Elysia, her love for you runs deep. Once she wakes, she''ll heal them without a second thought.''''


    The older woman shook her head with a knowing smile, continuing. ''''It''s not the first time we''ve been through this. I still remember when we were teens, and a Cyclops turned her to stone. A week later, she was back to normal, as if nothing had happened.''''


    ''''You knew my other grandmother?'''' he questioned with a curious expression.


    John was the one to answer. ''''Yes, we''ve been friends for decades. It''s one of the reasons Griffin agreed to the marriage between your father and mother; he''s a strict parent and wants the best for his family.''''


    Raegar nodded, a faint grin tugging at his lips as he took another swig of sake. The warmth of the drink spread through him, easing his tension. ''''You''re right,'''' he said, his voice softening. ''''He''s always pushing me and Yuki forward, even though she''s just my maid and he''s the Duke of the Western Lands.''''


    Agatha leaned back, a knowing glint in her eye. ''''That''s the Lion of Dawnfire for you; always has been that way. But come on, enough talk. Let''s finish our drinks and get some sleep.''''


    Hours slipped after their conversation, and soon John was sprawled out, snoring loudly, fast asleep. Agatha slumped against him, her breathing soft. He rose to his feet, a smile crossing his face as he grabbed a couple of blankets and draped them over the pair.


    With that done, he shuffled to his room, the sake still buzzing in his system. The moment he reached his bed, he collapsed onto it, curling into a tight ball. Within minutes, the drunken haze pulled him under, and he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.


    The next morning, Raegar stirred awake as his grandfather''s voice rang through the air. ''''Grandson! Rise and shine, come grab your breakfast!''''


    He rolled out of bed, a yawn rumbling up as he stretched his arms wide. His back cracked with a satisfying series of pops, the tension melting away in a refreshing ripple down his spine.


    After waking up, he walked out of the room and over to the table where his grandparents were and sat down as Agatha greeted him with a happy expression. ''''Morning, Rae. How was your sleep?''''


    ''''Comfortable. Thank you for letting me stay the night,'''' he answered, a warm smile spreading across his face.


    A short while later, the older woman slid a plate brimming with meat and vegetables toward him, urging him to dig in. His stomach growled loudly, sparking a laugh from the older couple as he eagerly obliged.


    The three of them started eating as he spotted their stuff on a nearby counter, ready to pack away before heading south. Twenty minutes later, they were finished eating, and John stood up with a pleased sigh.


    ''''Thanks for the food, my love,'''' he said, leaning down and kissing Agatha on the forehead. ''''Delicious as always.''''


    His grandmother beamed at the affection. ''''You''re welcome sweetheart, now go prepare to leave. We have to meet the others at Ravenguard City.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his ears twitched, causing him to speak. ''''I''ve been there. King Vlad let me get treated in the Royal Nytheria Hospital.''''


    The two adults'' heads snapped toward him as John questioned. ''''You know the vampire king?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered. ''''The Guildmaster Lisara took me there once I beat the Devil Lord.''''


    Agatha returned his smile with a nod. ''''Good. We''ll rendezvous with the rest of the crew there before pushing deeper south. It''s going to be a hassle fending off the bandits and Rougehold soldiers lying in wait to ambush us along the route,'''' she remarked.


    He laughed, adding. ''''Travel through Bloodfang, I cleared out loads of monsters. According to the guards at Dreadshade City, it should take a year to replenish their numbers, so it should be a shortcut for you both.''''


    John quickly pulled out a map from his magic bag and started going over it as Agatha joined him. Moments later, the older woman smiled. ''''Thank you for that, dear. It will shave hours off our journey,'''' she said.


    Raegar nodded curiously. ''''How are you getting there? Walking or running will take days,'''' he questioned.


    Agatha guided him outside and let out a sharp, low whistle. A pair of deep roars rumbled in response, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Two massive creatures emerged from the treeline.


    ''Sylvaroth Tigers!'' he thought with wide eyes. ''How are they so far north?''


    Raegar knew these monsters were extremely rare and came from the Land of Sylvaroth which is a wilderness in the far south. These beasts towered twice as large as any tiger back on Earth, their sleek black fur slashed with white stripes.


    His gaze locked onto their teeth, each one as long as his hand, while their piercing yellow eyes swept the area, alert and unyielding. When the creatures spotted Raegar, they growled, prompting him to summon his blades as his instincts flared to life.


    John stepped between them and scolded them. ''''Saber, Kali, stop that right now!''''


    The two big cats looked at the older man before he continued. ''''This is Raegar; he''s our youngest grandson who''s come to visit us. Now come say hello; we need to get on the road soon, and he created a shortcut for us.''''


    Saber padded forward and halted. He stowed his daggers and reached out, running his fingers through the tiger''s plush fur. The male responded with a gentle headbutt against his hand, soaking up the attention as he began to pamper him.


    ''''Wow, you''re a Tier Nine monster,'''' he mumbled with glowing red eyes. ''''So powerful, no wonder you help my grandparents.''''


    He scratched behind its ear, and the massive cat flopped to the ground, rolling onto its back and wriggling like an overgrown kitten. Kali did the same thing and showed him her stomach, earning a belly rub.


    The two Sylvaroth Tigers were acting like housecats, which made him smile as they purred and wanted more stroked. This shocked his grandparents, who stood nearby, prompting him to look at them.


    Raegar was shocked at his John was a above Tier Ten as he couldn''t sense the older man''s power. He looked at Agatha, who was Tier Nine causing his jaw to drop, mumbling. ''''You''re just as strong as Griffin.''''


    ''''Naturally we are,'''' his grandfather replied, beaming with a broad, hearty smile. ''''We''re the renowned Blackwood Family, an ancient line, steeped in legend, that''s hunted monsters and creatures of the night for generations.''''

 Chapter 115: Slacking In His Duties

    Raegar watched John get closer while speaking. ''''Yet when I look upon you, I see the very shadow of Raethor Blackwood. He carved our lineage in blood and steel, brandishing the Twin Shade Daggers only to lose them in his final stand against a northern Gate eons past.''''


    He noticed the older man''s eyes glowed with pride, and knowing as he concluded. ''''But mark my words: of all the Blackwoods who''ve walked this earth before you, I believe it''s you who''ll reclaim those lost heirlooms and take our family to new heights.''''


    ''''John!'''' Agatha exclaimed with a shocked expression. ''''Do you mean Raeger is the one who the stories mention?''''


    The older man nodded, took out a book, and handed it over. ''''Take this, my boy, return it when you come visit in the summer, but make sure to learn about our history.''''


    Raegar glanced at the title, only to smile. ''''The History of the Blackwood Family: A Tale of Blood and Monsters,'''' he muttered.


    ''''Yes, the head of each generation is tasked with contributing to it,'''' John explained. ''''But I think you''ll find it useful. Your father mentioned your love for books, and this one''s a gem worth reading.''''


    ''''Thanks, Grandfather,'''' he replied while putting the book away. ''''I''ll start it once I set up camp tonight.''''


    Moments later, John stepped forward and hugged her with a big smile, speaking. ''''Look after yourself, grandson. I hope to see you in the summer, I want to hear about your time at the academy and all the pretty girls chasing you around.''''


    Raegar nodded with a laugh. ''''Of course, I''ll pass through Moonfire while traveling. I won''t bother with the trains,'''' he responded.


    His grandfather chuckled while ruffling his hair, speaking with an amused expression. ''''Good lad, now brace yourself. Agatha gets emotional.''''


    Afterward, the older man stepped back as the blue-haired woman enveloped him in a tight hug, peppering his face with kisses. She pulled away with glowing light green eyes. ''''You''d better visit us this summer, Raegar. I know we didn''t get much time together now, but we''ll make it up to you.''''


    ''''That''s fine, grandmother,'''' he couldn''t help but laugh while taking the letter she wanted to pass on to a professor at the academy. ''''I promise I''ll visit. The only thing that''ll stop me is if the world ended and Kaldorra split apart.''''


    Following that, the two Sylvaroth Tigers approached and licked his cheek before he pampered the giant creatures with many strokes. His grandparents watched the scene with a big smile.


    Agatha suggested. ''''Kali, why do you think about giving our grand baby a cub when you have your next litter?''''


    When the tigress heard this, her big head snapped toward the older woman and let out a low growl, causing his grandmother to giggle. ''''Yes, they will get on well. He likes you two. But that''s for another time, we need to head out.''''


    Raegar bid his farewells, watching as the older couple mounted the Sylvaroth Tigers. John flashed a wide grin and said, ''''Enjoy yourself and stay safe out there, my grandson.''''


    Agatha offered her goodbye, then cast a spell that enveloped the house in a shimmering protective shield. ''''You can enter with anyone you''re touching, but that''s it, boy. Take care of yourself, we''ll see you in the summer.''''


    Moments later, they dashed off, leaving Raegar standing outside. He shook his head and started trekking toward the Kingsway while eating some campfire bread, which he enjoyed. After an hour of walking, he stepped onto the stone road.


    He glanced around and noticed it was quiet, this didn''t bother him as he started walking north. Days later, he stopped at a crossroads only to spot a carriage rushing down the road while being chased by a horde of Plain Wolves.


    ''''Looks like they''re coming from the Northern Lands,'''' he muttered. ''''Too many monsters up there. Duke D''Ambrose is slacking in his duties.''''


    Following that, the carriage rushed past without stopping. This allowed Raegar to see the D''Ambrose emblem on the side, earning a mutter. ''''Damn northern families, always causing trouble.''''


    He turned to face the wolves creeping closer, a chuckle escaping as he cast Hydra Blades forged from lightningfire. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled them at the beasts. The Aether weapons streaked through the air, cutting into their bodies with ease.


    Blood and guts sprayed in all directions as he manipulated the blades, dispatching the monsters before they could get closer. He watched the beasts collapse to the ground until every single one was dead.


    ''''Tier One monsters are becoming annoying,'''' he muttered, cutting out the glowing brown cores and storing them away after dismissing the spell.


    When the one-sided fight ended, he cast a glance toward where the carriage had fled, but nothing remained in sight. With a shrug, he incinerated the bodies and pressed on toward Brightwater City, his path set for Drakenwood Academy on foot.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, he neared the final stretch, just a few miles from his destination, when he stumbled upon a camp. Dozens of carriages were settled in for the night, thinking. ''Other students, perhaps? Doesn''t matter, I''ll keep going. Looks like the Nightwalkers haven''t reached this far north.''


    Raegar pressed forward until the sight of the D''Ambrose carriage. Before he could dwell on it, a low growl snapped his eyes downward. There stood a female black fox, its striking green eyes glinting up at him.


    ''''Hello there, little one,'''' he said with a warm smile while crouching down. ''''Where''d you come from?''''


    It growled again, but he took out some cooked monster meat he had made the previous night and offered it to the monster. ''''Here, do you want some? I used Eastern spices I bought from a trader on the road.''''


    The fox eyed the food suspiciously, narrowing its gaze, which drew a laugh from Raegar. He tore it in half, took a bite, and said. ''''See? Not poisoned.''''


    Cautiously, the fox edged forward, snatched the piece, and began to chew. He noticed her eyes water, but she kept eating as he added. ''''It''s spicy, but once you get past that, it''s delicious.''''


    At that moment, a horrible aura crashed down like a storm. Raegar''s instincts flared; he snatched the fox and leaped aside just as a Devil''s spear tore through the earth where they''d stood.


    He shielded the little creature, his daggers materializing with a sharp ching that echoed out. Raegar surged forward, a whirlwind of vengeance, and cleaved through the fiend''s neck in a single strike.


    More Devils rushed toward the camp, but he unleashed his Hydra Blades, hurling them at the nearest foes. Moving like a storm, he carved a path of destruction, killing Tier One and Two fiends all over the place.


    Just as this happened, a dozen heavily armored knights stormed into the enemy let by a Tier Ten Warrior and started cutting them down. Raegar backed away as he defended the scared fox from a Devil; he deflected a sudden slash.


    Sparks flew as one of his daggers slipped through the enemy''s guard and slammed into the fiend''s eye. It gurgled, and blood leaked from its lips seconds before he decapitated it with a swift slice.


    Once the Devil was dead, Raegar turned to the little fox, her wide green eyes filled with fear. A soft whimper escaped her, and he crouched low, gently scooping her into his arms. His fingers brushed her ear in a soothing stroke, coaxing her to settle.


    The small creature wriggled at first but soon melted into the affection, emitting delighted chirps that brought a smile to his face. ''''Let''s find your owner,'''' he murmured. ''''I can sense their Aether.''''


    Following that, the fox nodded, jumped out of his arms, and ran off while looking back. He scanned the surroundings as the knights killed the remaining Devils, causing h I''m to dismiss the Hydra Blades.


    Raegar trailed behind the creature until it led him to the edge of the Western River. He watched as it stopped beside a girl standing there. She leaned down and stroked the beast while speaking. ''''Where have you been, Luna? You can''t wander off when those fiends are around.''''


    It let out a sharp yip, prompting the stranger to turn around. As she did, Raegar took her in now that he could see her, raven-black hair laced with green streaks cascading through it, and those same striking green eyes that mirrored the little fox''s.


    Her grey skin caught his eye, its beauty startling him as Yuki''s words echoed in his mind. ''If you meet anyone you like just me young master.''


    He shook his head only to notice her mage robes, the fabric flowing with an air of arcane elegance. ''Summoner, maybe?'' he mused, feeling an air of death around her. ''Or a necromancer?''


    Raegar noticed her pointy ears twitch as she stared at him while Luna continued chirping in happiness. ''Is she an elf?''


    The girl smiled, revealing sharp fangs, which gave him his answer. ''A vampire like Vlad and Camilla.''


    After that, Luna sprang from her arms and darted to Raegar, playfully nipping at his fingers. He chuckled while reaching into his storage ring. ''''What do you want? Food?''''

 Chapter 116 116: Thank You, Uncle

    Raegar pulled out a piece of meat while crouching down with a smile. Her ears shot up, and her tail swished with eager delight as he offered it to her. She took it and happily ate the campfire-cooked food.


    As she did this, the stranger suddenly spoke in a soft, exotic voice. ''''Thank you for saving Yuzuki. Sometimes, she wanders into trouble. I''ve been trying to train the silly girl for some time now since summoning her.''''


    ''''She''s adorable, but you''re right,'''' he replied with a chuckle. ''''Luckily, I moved her when the Devil struck.''''


    The vampire girl stepped forward, her voice rising again, only to falter as her gaze settled on his face. Raegar''s eyes narrowed, bracing for her to flinch, but she didn''t. Instead, she shook her head and asked. ''''Were you the warrior who stopped the Plain Wolves?''''


    Raegar glanced up, meeting the girl''s narrowed, scrutinizing gaze. He gave a slight nod with a smile while introducing himself. ''''Yes. I''m Raegar Blackwood, and I''d wager you''re a daughter of Duke Adrian D''Ambrose?''''


    The vampire girl''s expression softened at his words, and she dipped her head in confirmation. ''''I''m Dominique D''Ambrose,'''' she said proudly, ''''Fourth daughter of the duke.''''


    He was just about to speak, but the knights appeared around them as a smaller figure approached. Raegar summoned his daggers just as Dominique whispered. ''''Devil Hunters. They are stationed in Brightwater City thanks to the fiend''s attacks all over the north.''''


    ''''Were you the warrior fighting the Evil God''s spawn?'''' a woman''s voice echoed out.


    ''''Yes?'''' he answered.


    A moment later, the smaller figure stepped forward, her voice cutting through the air with stern authority. ''''Will you accompany us to Brightwater City? The Lord Inquisitor would scold me if she couldn''t meet someone of your talent.''''


    He opened his mouth to respond, but a series of explosions thundered from the nearby bridge, shattering the moment. The Devil Hunters sprang into action, their commander seizing his arm and yanking him toward a waiting carriage.


    Raegar had no time to say goodbye as he was dragged away, leaving Dominique rooted to the spot, her wide eyes fixed on the chaos erupting around them. The vampire girl snapped out of her daze, shaking her head before calling after him.


    ''''Thank you, Raegar!'''' Her voice rang out, cutting through the din.


    Just then, the little fox yipped in distress, which made him frown, but he couldn''t do anything as the stranger entered a carriage. Once inside, the stranger sat down while taking off her helmet.


    A grey-haired woman with piercing yellow eyes flashed a warm smile. ''''Good to meet you, Ghost of the South. The rumors about you certainly don''t disappoint.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he replied. ''''How do you know me?''''


    The stranger laughed, introducing herself. ''''Rhenya and Tanya Belmont. Those two speak highly of you, and the people of the south sing your praise, but what interests me is that you don''t shy away from fighting Devils; in fact, it seems like you enjoy it.''''


    Just then, Raegar smirked as more of the fiends closed in on them and replied. ''''Of course I do. They attacked my family and hurt my Grandmother. Why didn''t you say anything before now?''''


    ''''I assumed you preferred your privacy, and the D''Ambrose Family is well known in the gossip circles of the empire,'''' she revealed. ''''Plus, not many people up here have heard of you, so I wanted to talk alone.''''


    His eyebrow rose in curiosity, prompting him to question. ''''And you are?''''


    The woman giggled, introducing herself. ''''I''m Yvette Silverblade, daughter of the Silverblade Family in the Eastern Lands.''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he returned the gesture. ''''So you''re giving me a lift to an Inquisitor?''''


    Yvette nodded. ''''Yes, you''ll need a pass to join the Devil Hunter Classes in Drakenwood, or you''ll have to fight an instructor, and they don''t go easy on recruits, but enough of that. We will set up camp for the night; the knights have been traveling nonstop.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' Raegar muttered. ''''Well, thank you for the lift. I was going to make my way to the city after speaking to Dominique.''''


    ***


    While Raegar was heading toward Brightwood City as the stars lit up the sky above. Dominique D''Ambrose was sitting in front of her tent while stoking the fire as Yuzuki was curled up beside her.


    She looked down and mumbled. ''''Don''t wander off next time, girl. What would have happened to you if he weren''t there?''''


    The little fox chirped in reply, causing her to scrunch her nose. ''''What do you mean by that? I was grateful to him, I even said thank you! And you know I don''t talk to many people after Rosy''s bullying.''''


    When Yuzuki heard this, she climbed onto her master''s lap and curled up while comforting Dominique. The vampire giggled, stroking through the foxes soft fur, speaking. ''''If we ever meet again I''ll thank him again, okay?''''


    ''''Kree!'''' the little creature replied.


    ''''Yes, I saw the scars. They weren''t horrible, just means he likes fighting,'''' she revealed, playing with her hair. ''''I wonder how he got them?''''


    Following that, the two continued talking before settling down for the night, and the next few days were spent traveling toward Drakenwood Magic Academy. When they arrived, her father''s guards stopped outside the entrance.


    ''''Come out, my lady,'''' an older man''s voice sounded out from outside. ''''I have to pick up stuff for your mother, so I won''t be able to stay long.''''


    Dominique sighed while grabbing her magic bag and stepping into he spring air. The nice breeze blew her hair around. She looked at the old man who had been her caretaker, as her parents didn''t have time to raise her.


    ''''Uncle Vladimir, you need to stop rushing around like this,'''' she warned in a concerned tone. ''''What happens if you get ill again?''''


    The older man let out a nervous chuckle, responding. ''''I''ve got to keep working to ensure they fund your four years at Drakenwood. If doing their chores secures that gold, I''ll gladly scrub floors. After all, you''re my favorite niece.''''


    Dominique''s face lit up with a smile as she spoke. ''''Thank you, Uncle. I wish you could have stayed and seen the tests. I''ve heard they''re going to be incredible this year. Rumors are swirling that a Tetraarch Mage is joining the school.''''


    Vladimir chuckled. ''''I''ll watch the Aether Recordings when the family gets them, but for now, enjoy your time here. Your mother loved Drakenwood Academy. This is where she flourished, and just like her, you''ll become a powerful Summoner.''''


    ''''Thank you, uncle,'''' she replied.


    The older man climbed on board and left the entrance, where she saw hundreds of girls and boys going to take their tests. Following that, she entered the grounds and went to take the usual Aether Test that the students take.


    When Dominique arrived at the square, there was a hum of excitement in the air, but she couldn''t work out why. She looked around and nervously approached, knowing that when people found out she was a Triarch Mage, it was her elements that would cause the other students to avoid her.


    ''Not my fault that I ended up with Darkness, Death, and Earth,'' she thought with a resigned sigh.


    A few hours later, Dominique walked out of the testing area with everyone glancing at her like she was a plague. This caused her to give them dirty looks, prompting the students to give her a wide berth.


    Dominique brushed it off, but her pointy ears caught the rising buzz of gossip, something about a boy clashing with Valentina Morris, the formidable Head Professor of the Devil-Hunting Classes.


    Curiosity sparked within her, pulling her toward the arena. She halted abruptly, her breath catching as she spotted a familiar figure about to fight an adult. ''''Raegar!'''' she gasped, recognition flashing through her.


    The white-haired boy faced the renowned Devil Inquisitor, his red eyes blazing with excitement as he dropped into a crouch. Dominique''s breath caught as two black daggers materialized in his hands.


    ''''Are you sure you want this fight, Professor Morris?'''' she heard him speak in a knowing voice.


    ''''Yes, boy!'''' the older woman exclaimed with a big smile. ''''Show me what you can do! She told me you can surprise me!''''


    In an instant, he surged forward, a blur leaving behind afterimages as he attacked the shocked woman. Dominique''s eyes widened as she watched Raegar become a streak of motion, his form darting around the Professor with breathtaking speed.


    His black daggers flashed in the dim light, each strike a precise, relentless assault that drove the older woman back. The Professor, her face strained with focus, shifted into a defensive stance, her arms raised to parry the onslaught.


    Sparks flew where steel met steel, and the crowd of students erupted into cheers, their excitement surging with every clash, electrifying the air around them. Just then, Yuzuki appeared on her shoulder.


    The little black fox let out several happy chirps while jumping around, causing Dominique to comment. ''''Yes, he''s strong and kind, but that doesn''t mean I''ll go flirt with him to be my friend. I already know people will avoid me, just like he will.''''

 Chapter 117 117: Red Gates

    Dominique continued to watch Raegar fight and was impressed. Just then, he created a dust cloud out of nowhere to fight with a stronger opponent, prompting her to think. ''I wonder who trained him to fight like this? It''s amazing but wild.''


    She couldn''t tear her eyes away as the battle raged on. Once the dust died down, Professor Morris appeared enraged and increased the power in her next attack, summoning the full force of her Tier Seven power that sent all the students stumbling back.


    The air thrummed with energy as she swept her arm forward, releasing a blinding surge of power that ripped through the arena like a tidal wave. Raegar twisted mid-run trying to dodge, his agility almost enough, but not quite.


    ''''No!'''' she screamed.


    Her eyes widened in horror as the attack caught him, hurling him backward with brutal force. He crashed into the crowd, tumbling into a tangle of startled onlookers. Gasps turned to murmurs of disgust as they recoiled, their faces twisting in revulsion.


    Dominique''s gut twisted, her hands clenching into fists as she stared at Raegar, sprawled unconscious amid the jeering crowd. Laughter erupted from the boys and girls surrounding him, their cruel taunts slicing through the air like daggers.


    Fury surged within her, hot and sharp. Without a second thought, she bolted toward him, her voice rising in a fierce chant as she summoned a Black Northern Owl. The majestic bird materialized in a flurry of shadowy feathers, its piercing cry cutting through the mockery.


    Dominique''s anger erupted like a storm breaking loose, her voice a low growl that silenced the crowd. The students stumbled back, their laughter dying under the weight of her piercing glare and the sudden, oppressive aura of death radiating from her.


    Her Owl, Baldur, perched at her side, its talons gripping the ground as its eyes glinted with quiet menace. ''''Enough! Or I''ll turn you into zombies!'''' she hissed, revealing her sharp fangs, which frightened the crowd.


    The students quickly fled before her. Once they were gone, she knelt beside Raegar''s still form. She softened her voice, turning to the owl. ''''Baldur, heal him.''''


    It let out a sharp, resonant hoot, its wings flaring as a faint, silvery light pulsed from its feathers, washing over the boy''s battered body in a gentle glow. ''''Hoot! Hoot!'''' the Owl commented.


    Dominique looked at her summon with narrowed green eyes. ''''Ignore his Aether, let it flow into you so he can be healed quickly.''''


    Moments later, Professor Morris rushed over with a worried expression as she crouched down while speaking. ''''I didn''t mean to hit him so hard, but he was being cheeky and did something he shouldn''t have.''''


    She looked at the older woman and nodded, answering. ''''He should be fine. Baldur healed him.''''


    At that moment, a new figure emerged, a fox Demi-Human, her fluffy blonde ears twitching and golden eyes sharp. Dominique''s breath hitched, a jolt of surprise coursing through her as she thought. ''She''s from Kyoshara.''


    ''''Valentina,'''' the woman''s voice rang out, laced with an exotic accent that rolled off her tongue like silk. ''''What has Corinne told you about reining in your power, especially with students?''''


    ''''I know, Aiko, but something happened that caused me to lose my cool for a second, and this happened,'''' the Professor replied. ''''Let''s take him to your office. Luckily, you''re the Academy''s Head Nurse, and the others said the boy passed all the tests before fighting you.''''


    At that moment, both women turned their gazes toward Dominique and Baldur. The owl let out a low, protective hoot, its wings half-spread as it stood sentinel over Raegar''s unconscious form.


    Dominique''s eyes flicked to the fox nurse as the older woman spoke. ''''Come with us, child. It seems you know the boy. He''ll need a familiar face when he wakes. There are a few broken bones I''ll need to mend, it will be painful.''''


    Following that, Valentina scooped up Raegar, and the three of them walked toward the school building. She dismissed Baldur back to her realm as she looked at the sleeping boy with a scarred face.


    Some time passed, and the sunset prompted darkness to cover the school grounds. Despite that, she sat by his bed with Yuzuki sleeping curled up next to him while the Northern Owl watched from above.


    Dominique nodded off just as a groan echoed out as he sat up.


    ***


    (Days before the academy tests)


    Raegar was sitting in front of his tent while chewing on some campfire bread after the Devil Hunters had set up camp for the night. He knew some of the knights needed rest, thanks to their fight with the fiends.


    The stars above lit up the landscape around just as the grey-haired woman approached with a warm smile. ''''Once we meet the Lord Inquistor, she will give you a pass. It saves you some time on fighting the Professors,'''' she revealed while sitting down.


    ''''I understand and thank you,'''' he replied, finishing the bread and taking out some sake.


    Raegar started downing a mouthful as Yvette commented. ''''The classes will help you hone in that hate so you can kill the fiends, and if you pass the first year, you''ll be allowed to enter a Red Gate.''''


    When he heard this, it caught his attention, prompting him to question. ''''What''s that?''''


    ''''A rare phenomenon that happens a few times a year,'''' she revealed while taking the offered sake and drinking some. ''''They are entrances to the Devil Realm where this side mines the Aether Stones and gathers rare resources.''''


    ''''I guess hunters are allowed in? What about other Aether Mages?'''' he replied.


    Yvette nodded with a smile. ''''Only powerful ones as there are two roles we occupy in such a place. Glorified guards or famous explorers.''''


    Raegar let out a soft chuckle at her words, then gave a decisive nod. ''''Thanks for the heads-up. I''m signing up for the Devil Hunting Classes; they''ve got me hooked already.''''


    The older woman started laughing, speaking in an amused tone. ''''Good, you''ll give Morris a run for her money. You have to fight her one day, she''ll teach you a lot about killing those Fiends.''''


    Growing even more curious, he asked another question. ''''Is she a powerful warrior?''''


    ''''Yes, but she retired from the frontline to teach the next generation,'''' Yvette revealed. ''''Have you seen the school? Such a wonderful place even if it''s ranked fourth in the empire.''''


    He shook his head, taking a sip of the sake while answering. ''''No, I avoided looking at pictures until I arrived for the tests in three days.''''


    ''''Good. Seeing Drakenwood for the first time is something else,'''' she said while stretching. ''''Get some rest; we''ll be moving fast tomorrow. We don''t want you being late for your test.''''


    Afterward, Raegar''s gaze followed the older woman as she slipped away to her tent. He lingered, sipping his drink slowly, each swallow easing him into a mellow, relaxed state. Soon, his head began to spin, a pleasant haze settling in, urging him to move.


    With a lazy grin, he crawled into his tent, ready to surrender to the night. Moments later, he drifted off to sleep, cocooned in blankets he''d wrapped tightly around himself, basking in their cozy warmth.


    The next morning, he stirred awake to the clamor of the camp breaking down, the urgent rustle of packing forcing him to rise. He yawned deeply, stretching his limbs to shake off the grogginess, rousing himself for the day ahead.


    He climbed out and noticed the morning sun beaming down, prompting him to put his tent away. Following that, the journey to Brightwater continued peacefully. By the time the caravan arrived at their destination, Yvette was chewing his ear off about the Bloodfang Forest.


    As the caravan crested the hill, Raegar''s breath caught at the breathtaking view of Brightwater City sprawling below. It looked ripped from the pages of a fantasy epic; towering stone walls encircled a vast expanse, safeguarding the heart of the city.


    Beyond the ramparts, vibrant fields of newly planted crops stretched out, their green patchwork giving way to clusters of buildings a mile or two inward. His mind sparked with awe and curiosity.


    ''They walled off the entire place?'' he thought, marveling at the sheer scale of it all.


    Moments later, the group made their way to the Devil Hunter Order''s base. He noticed dozens of hunters patrolling the grounds, causing the older woman to look at him with a smile.


    ''''The fiend''s attacks have increased in the Northern Lands. The Empress deployed us to keep the area safe,'''' she revealed.


    ''''Fascinating,'''' he muttered with glowing red eyes. ''''Hopefully, I don''t have to fight them for a while. It''s getting boring. I want to learn how to level up to Mist.''''


    Yvette smiled while the duo exited the carriage. ''''Well, you''re attending the perfect place with that. The Professors are experts in their fields and will be able to help with pills and advice, I''m happy that you didn''t advance without the school''s help.''''

 Chapter 118: Nobles Are Strange Creatures

    Raegar''s eyebrow shot up in curiosity, but he nodded as he was led toward the Lord Inquisitor''s office. Ten minutes later, he arrived at a wooden door that the older woman knocked on.


    Moments later, a feminine voice echoed out. ''''Come in!''''


    As they entered the room, Raegar''s gaze locked onto a white-haired woman with piercing red eyes that halted him in his tracks. Her uncanny resemblance to his mother sent a jolt through him, stirring a whirl of thoughts.


    ''Cousin? Aunt, perhaps?'' he wondered, his mind racing to place her familiar features.


    Her presence carried the weight of countless battles; her face and arms bore a lot of scars, each mark a story from the conflicts she had endured, but the aura around the woman was something else, similar to Griffin but stronger.


    Following that, Raegar watched her glance up, only to go wide-eyed when spotting him standing there. He watched as the older woman beamed before standing up and making her way toward him, speaking with a knowing smile.


    ''''Hello, nephew. I''m Amara Vaelthrone, one of your sunts, and I must say you got your good looks from my baby sister, but also a war trophy from a Devil Lord,'''' she revealed with a grin.


    ''''What?'''' he replied, confused.


    Yvette''s jaw dropped as she muttered. ''''You''re related to the Ghost of the South Lord Inquisistor? Amazing.''''


    Amara turned to the grey-haired woman and answered with a laugh. ''''That I am. I thought you would have guessed with the white hair we share. It''s a Vaelthrone feature.''''


    He shook his head and stepped closer to his aunt, replying curiously. ''''So your Aunt Amara? Mother told me you were an exceptional warrior, but I didn''t know you were a Devil Hunter and an Inquisitor at that.''''


    ''''I''m not one anymore,'''' she revealed, dragging him into a tight hug. ''''Well, I do fight Devils, but just city-level threats or lords like you fought.''''


    Raegar narrowed his eyes to sense her Aether, and when he spotted it, he was shocked. She was close to becoming a Tier Ten Warrior, but still not close to Griffen who was far above that but it was shocking.


    He shifted his attention to Yvette, a Tier Six commander in the Devil Hunter Order¡ªa rank that suited her formidable presence without surprise. As he glanced at the older woman, his aunt''s voice cut through, her knowing smile sharp with pride.


    ''''I heard about that mess with big brother Cassian and that little snake Rhaelor,'''' she said. ''''One of your cousins sent me the Aether Recording. You impressed me, Raegar.''''


    ''''How do you know about that? It happened once I left grandfathers,'''' he questioned with a confused expression.


    Amara beamed before lifting a device, explaining. ''''One of your cousins sent me the Aether Recording; you impress me. You''ll be one of the top students in Drakenwood if you put effort into it.''''


    ''''That''s the plan, aunty,'''' he replied excitedly. ''''I want to learn more. Reading books and exploring can only teach me so much.''''


    The older woman beamed while turning to Yvette. ''''Could you give us some time? This is the first time meeting my nephew after so many years.''''


    ''''Of course, Inquisitor,'''' Yvette responded, her expression one of calm respect.


    As she turned to leave, she paused to address Raegar, a warm glint in her eyes. ''''It was a pleasure meeting you, young master. I look forward to crossing paths again.''''


    Following her words, Yvette left the room as Amara handed him a metal plate. ''''Here, nephew. Show this to Valentina Morrirs, and she will know you''re worthy to join her classes, which will get you out of the test.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said and stored it in his ring, thanking her. ''''Thank you for that, Aunty.''''


    The white-haired woman waved him away with a knowing expression. ''''Prove what Father said about you and that pass will be more than worth it.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow shot up, asking. ''''What''s that old man said about me now?''''


    His aunt chuckled at this and replied. ''''Nothing bad, apart from your lack of social skills, and you''ll be a shining star that will uplift the Vaelthornes. It''s one of the reasons why you weren''t kicked out.''''


    ''''Damn family, they started this. Uncle Cassian was decent enough to apologize, and I understand his point of view,'''' he commented with a sigh. ''''But the others looked at me like I''m a monster.''''


    Amara giggled at this while nodding. ''''Well yes, Serenya and Vanessa seem to dislike you after that show back home.''''


    He shrugged with an indifferent expression. ''''I don''t care about that. Rhaelor and Draevor attacked me after I threatened that bitch Calista.''''


    The older woman chuckled at his words but quickly agreed. ''''Yes, they are stuck up brats. You did the right thing by defending your girlfriend. How is Yuki? I bet she''s beautiful now.''''


    ''''She is,'''' Raegar answered with a nod. ''''What about you? No husband yet?''''


    Amara started laughing even harder and revealed. ''''You''ve met my lover''s nephew.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he blurted out. ''''One of the knights?''''


    ''''No,'''' she responded. ''''It''s Yvette. Does this bother you?''''


    Raegar shot her a look, his brow furrowing as if she''d said something absurd. ''''Why would I care who you love, Amara?'''' he scoffed. ''''It''s none of my business. If you''re happy and she treats you right, who am I to judge anyone''s love life?''''


    Following that, silence overtook the room as the older woman looked at him with an unknown expression. She shook her head and spoke. ''''That''s surprising. Every noble I''ve met apart from the family look down on it.''''


    He chuckled, answering. ''''Yes, and a majority of nobles are strange creatures, but enough of that. I should be heading toward Drakenwood. There were loads of students on the road.''''


    Afterward, Amara agreed and stood up smiling. ''''You need to get some rest until the tests start. You''ll have a full day to recover whatever Aether you''ve used, but make sure not to buy anything off the merchants along the road; they are sneaky and conniving.''''


    Just then, the door flew open, and the grey-haired Yvette rushed in warning. ''''Lord Inquistor! A Tier Five Devil has appeared further east. High Command wants you to go deal with the fiend.''''


    He caught his aunt''s soft sigh as she rose to her feet, her warm gaze settling on him with affection. ''''Students are free to explore the Willowbank Village where we have an office in where I''m normally stationed thanks to the attacks,'''' she said, her voice gentle but firm. ''''Make sure you come visit me when you can, alright?''''


    Moments later, Amara pulled him into a brief, heartfelt hug before slipping out of the room. Yvette offered him a kind smile, her eyes crinkling with quiet encouragement. With a nod, he left the Devil Hunters'' base, emerging onto the street.


    Raegar explored Brightwater for a some time and came across the Adventurers Guild, which looked as busy as any other in the empire, prompting him to think. ''Should I empty my ring? I''ll get loads of gold for it.''


    Following that, he entered the guils only for the people to stare at his face. Some grimaced while others gossiped. He ignored this, approaching the desk where a young man was sitting, waiting for someone to appear.


    ''''Hello there, I''m Davis,'''' the man greeted him while ignoring the scars, which was good for both. ''''What can I do for you, young man?''''


    ''''I want to sell all the monster parts I''ve gathered on my journey here,'''' Raegar replied, taking out his Rank D card.


    This shocked Davis, and his eyes widened. ''''So young to be granted this rank. What did you do?''''


    ''''Killed a Devil Lord in Dreadshade City,'''' he revealed. ''''The Guild Master gave me if for saving the Strike Squad.''''


    The young man smiled before handing it back. ''''I heard about that horrible incident; it caused the higher-ups to panic.''''


    Raegar chuckled as he asked. ''''Where can I see my stuff? I have to get moving to the academy.''''


    ''''Yes, come this way,'''' Davis said and led him to a back room only to enter. ''''The workers here will organize it, allowing me to bring out your payment on their finished.''''


    Moments later, he spotted a few men milling around as the young man turned to him and motioned for a nearby square. ''''Empty your goods on there and we''ll sort it out.''''


    Raegar did hyst that, and a massive pile appeared, shocking everyone in the room, but Davis spoke excitedly to the men. ''''Come on, ladies, let''s get to work and earn a fat bonus from the new Guild Master get announced!''''


    As the staff members busied themselves around the room, a young man nearby caught Raegar''s eye and spoke up, his tone laced with admiration. ''''Must''ve been no small feat collecting all this,'''' he said, gesturing to the pile. ''''Some of these beasts are tough Tier Threes.''''


    ''''They were easy to kill,'''' Raegar replied with a confident smile. ''''I''ve been killing monsters most days this year; I have experience with them.''''


    Davis looked shocked but nodded. ''''Well, if you''d like to wait outside, we should be done in an hour.''''

 Chapter 119: Oh, Thats So Cool!

    Raegar stepped out of the guild with over three hundred coins, prompting him to think. ''I need new light armor. Fuck that damn spider, it earned me even more thanks to selling the stuff.''


    After making up his mind, he started looking for an armor shop. After half an hour, he found one on Main Street called the bustling Bloodrose Armoury. Its doors swung open and shut as adventurers and soldiers streamed in and out.


    He muttered under his breath. ''''Seems popular; place is crawling with people.''''


    Following this, Raegar gave a casual shrug and stepped inside, where a dozen customers roamed the shop, browsing racks of gleaming stock. Behind the counter stood a towering demon man, his smith''s apron stretched across his broad frame, clearly the owner.


    Afterward, he browsed the store, searching for something to fit his style. He found nothing, which caused his frustration to grow. Ten minutes later, as he prepared to respond to a message, a deep voice interrupted from behind. ''''What can I do for you, kid?''''


    He turned to face a towering demon, his blood-red skin, black horns, and dark hair striking up close. The man''s stern aura was impossible to ignore. Raegar shook his head to clear the thought before responding.


    ''''I need light armor that will offer me all-around protection and won''t hinder my speed,'''' he answered the owner.


    The demon man was taken aback when he saw his face, commenting with a shocked expression. ''''Bless the Nine Hells! What monster did you end up fighting to get those battle trophies? Werewolves or Medusa?''''


    Raegar looked up at the owner while answering. ''''A Devil Lord, I was a part of a strike squad tasked to quell a troubled Rank D Dungeon down south.''''


    ''''A warrior, huh?'''' The demon grinned widely. ''''Good. This world could use more fighters, given how things are going. For someone so young to join a strike squad, you must be tough.''''


    He laughed softly, shaking his head. ''''Not yet. This is the reason I''m joining Drakenwood, to learn and get stronger.''''


    ''''My little girl is attending this year, but enough of this yabber. I think I have the perfect armor for you,'''' the older man said, thrusting out his hand. ''''I''m Samael Bloodrose, the owner of the Bloodrose Armoury.''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he replied with a friendly smile.


    Samael guided him toward the back, saying, ''''I assume you''re heading to the academy next? It''s a day''s journey. You could rest at Willowbank Village. Most students do. My daughter''s staying there with her mother for the test in two days.''''


    When he heard this, it caused him to think, responding. ''''I don''t know, if anything, I have my tent and I prefer to camp over staying in an inn.''''


    The older man started laughing as the two entered a room, and Samael started going through crates while explaining. ''''You see, my wife is the Crafter while I''m the smith, and she made this incredible piece. Unfortunately, no one wanted it.''''


    He grew curious and inquired. ''''Why don''t people like it?''''


    ''''You see, we Tieflings can use Chaos Aether, which people are wary of,'''' Samael revealed. ''''Now, it''s not so taboo as the academies now seek out mages who can wield such power. Decades ago, it was seen as Devil Magic and people hated it.''''


    ''''I''m guessing this stuff is made from this Chaos Aether?'''' he questioned. ''''If it''s not so bad nowadays, then why is it in here?''''


    Samael''s brow furrowed, a shadow of old memories crossing his face. ''''She was ashamed of crafting it back then,'''' he said. ''''A young noble became scared of it, and we nearly lost the shop. If not for the Duke''s support, we wouldn''t still be trading.''''


    The Blacksmith shook his head with a big smile while continuing. ''''Enough of this ancient history, it''s in the past, and now we''re thriving. Something''s telling me it''s perfect for you, Blackwood.''''


    Raegar grew even more interested just as the older man brought out a black orb with a faint red glow, which confused him. ''What''s that? Doesn''t look like armor to me, but what do I know? He''s the expert,'' he thought.


    The Demon man turned around and handed it to him. ''''Send your Aether into it; if the armor accepts you, it will equip itself.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he shrugged. ''''It''s worth a try. I need a new set for the academy and exploring the dungeons.''''


    Samael nodded, his face lighting up with anticipation. ''''Come on, kid! Try it on, let''s see if it suits you! Place it against your chest after sending energy into it,'''' he exclaimed eagerly.


    He chuckled, doing as the Demon man said, and sent his Aether into the orb, which instantly absorbed it. His eyes widened as a connection formed between the two of them before vanishing and appearing as a bracelet on his arm.


    When Samael saw this, his yellow eyes bulged as if he saw a rare monster, and he mumbled in awe. ''''Naamah was right! She created high-end Tier Two Aether Armor. What a genius!''''


    ''''Aether Armor? What''s that?'''' he questioned the older man.


    ''''It activates when you channel your energy into it,'''' Samael explained while grabbing his wrist. ''''Unlike regular armor, this takes the form of a necklace, ring, or, in your case, a bracelet.''''


    Samael lifted it and nodded with pride in his eyes. ''''She''s done well, now activate it to see how it fits.''''


    He focused, channeling his Aether into the bracelet. Instantly, sleek black armor with red trim materialized, encasing his body while shielding every vulnerable point without hindering movement.


    ''This will be good for me,'' he mused. ''It''s stronger then the armor I got from Dreadshade City.''


    A red hood and cloak materialized, flowing seamlessly with a fitted helmet that shielded his face and vitals. Raegar clenched his fists and stretched, testing his range, then dismissed the helmet with a flicker of intent. ''''It fits like a second skin,'''' he said, ''''And moves with me perfectly.''''


    Samael had a big smile on his face before nodding. ''''Very good, it suits you well, Blackwood. Now, would you like to purchase it?''''


    ''''How much?'''' he questioned.


    ''''Three hundred gold,'''' the Demon man answered. ''''It''s expensive, yes. This is because the base metal is Black Mithril. It should last until you become Tier Three at least, and the protection is second to none to a warrior like you.''''


    He was about to speak, but Samael continued. ''''Then the red trim is made from Crimson Pyreheart Metal, which comes from the Doomed Lemuria Continent. The last journey there was twenty-five years ago.''''


    ''''Oh, that''s so cool!'''' he exclaimed with glowing red eyes as he looked at the bracelet. ''''I''ve read about it.''''


    The older man nodded, speaking again. ''''The helmet is crafted from Star Metal while the hood and cloak are made from Scarlet Wyrmfelt. A material harvested from the rare Desert Wyrms in the far south of the Forgotten Wastes.''''


    Afterward, he sensed the Chaos Aether radiating from the armor, prompting him to question. ''''What is the other stuff used? There''s something else within it.''''


    Samael''s eyes widened briefly, but a broad grin quickly spread across his face as he nodded. ''''Runeforge Steel, alright. A Tiefling specialty, we infuse our magic into the metal, shaping it into something like your bracelet.''''


    He pulled out a pouch of coins and handed it over, dismissing the armor with a thought while speaking. ''''Thanks for the armor, Samael. I have a feeling I''ll be back to your shop plenty more times.''''


    ''''You''re more than welcome to return to Blackwood,'''' the older man replied. ''''If you come back in a month or two, I''ll have a new shipment from the capital, Eryndor. It should have some things you''ll be interested in.''''


    Raegar nodded with a friendly smile. ''''I''ll come here on one of the shorter holidays. I may need more bombs if you sell them.''


    Samael couldn''t help but laugh as he spoke. ''''I will make sure to pick some up from the capital. We are traveling there in a couple of weeks.''''


    The two of them continued talking until it was time for him to leave, causing him to bid farewell. ''''I shall see you soon, Samael. Thank you for the help and armor.''''


    Afterward, he left the shop and made his way to the city''s southern gate. Hours later, he was on the road to Drakenwood, surrounded by dozens of carriages rumbling along the path. He brushed off the curious glances from passersby, long accustomed to such attention.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, fatigue set in, and he let out a weary yawn before seeing the village in the distance, he couldn''t see anything thanks to the darkness descended on the world.


    Raegar scanned the surroundings and spotted a towering tree, perfect for shelter. He set up camp, pitching his tent with practiced ease. After gathering firewood, he kindled a small fire, its warm glow flickering in the dusk.


    With the flames steady, he began to prepare some bread, the aroma soon rising into the cool night air.

 Chapter 120: The Southern Fairy

    Raegar continued cooking his campfire bread after putting some monster meat on a stick to hang over the fire. When the flames hit it, a delicious smell hit his nose, causing his stomach to growl.


    He chuckled, flipping the bread over so it wouldn''t burn as he noticed several carriages rushing toward Willowbank Village. Thanks to spending so much time in the darkness, he was able to see the settlement.


    The village was built around a massive willow tree, its sprawling branches overhanging the banks of a river that he figured flowed into the West River. His gaze swept over the serene scene.


    Nestled around the ancient willow tree, the village gave off a quiet charm. Homes of weathered stone, their thatched roofs golden in the morning light, lined the cobblestone streets that wound through the settlement.


    The stones, smoothed by years of footsteps, gleamed faintly under the soft sun. Across the gentle ripple of the river, a sturdy stone bridge arched gracefully, its path inviting travelers into the heart of the village.


    His lips curved slightly, the peaceful beauty of the place easing the weight of his journey for a moment. Moments later, the food was done and prompted him to douse the bread with melted honey butter before tucking in.


    Raegar realized the meat was still hot and burned his fingers as he tried to put it on a plate he pulled from his ring. He got comfortable and started eating while watching a nearby camp light up thanks to the fires.


    This didn''t bother him, thinking. ''At least people are nearby.''


    Reaching into his pack, pulled out a fresh bottle of sake and took slow sips, the warmth spreading through him until his head spun. An hour later, he crawled into his tent, the alcohol lulling him into a deep slumber as the night settled around him.


    He stirred awake with a yawn, crawling out of his tent as the morning sun climbed high in the sky. Rubbing his eyes and muttering to himself. ''''The test''s tomorrow. Plenty of time to reach the academy.''''


    After a few minutes, he packed up his camp and hit the road again. The path buzzed with activity, more carriages and travelers from Brightwater City heading the same way, their chatter blending with the creak of wheels.


    As he entered Willowbank Village, the streets hummed with activity. Students and their families bustled about, stocking up on supplies for the final leg to the academy. Merchants lined the cobblestone paths.


    Their voices rose as they hawked their wares, eager to catch the attention of every passerby. He ignored their calls while reaching the end of the street and the road that led to Drakenwood.


    Raegar continued down the road until the academy came into view, and the sight stopped him cold. His eyes widened, a stunned thought racing through his mind. ''What in the world is this?''


    Sprawled atop a hill, a castle made out of light grey stone towered above the landscape with the sea on one side, its scale dwarfing even a certain school from the stories back on Earth that he read about.


    He could see all different sections and even a field of some sort down the hill. The grounds buzzed with life. Students his age swarmed the courtyards, their chatter mingling with the clatter of trunks as families hauled supplies, traded hugs, or marveled at Drakenwood.


    Robes of every color fluttered in the breeze, and the air crackled with anticipation. His eyes widened, a grin tugging at his lips. ''This place, it''s alive, bigger, better, and mine to conquer,'' he thought.


    Raegar shook his head and approached the entrance of Drakenwood, where a bustling line of students waited to pass through. Carriages rolled by, waved forward by staff members stationed at the towering gates, their red armor glinting under the sun.


    While admiring the scenery, he spotted the symbols on the guard''s armor, which was a white dragon standing on the top of a hill with the sun as a background. This caused him to think. ''Is this that the hill the academies built on?''


    Following that, he joined the line, the sound of excited gossip filling the air as students chattered among themselves. Academy staff moved, ushering each person forward, handing out name tags.


    Raegar noticed they were recording names and hometowns for the records. An hour later, he reached the front, where an older man and woman stood, their warm, welcoming smiles putting him at ease.


    ''''Hello, young man, I''m Professor Greenhill, and this is Professor Oakshard,'''' the brown-haired man greeted. ''''Here to take the test, I assume?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered.


    ''''What do I have to do?'''' The woman was the one to explain while holding a quill and paper. ''''I need your details, please.''''


    When hearing this, he responded. ''''Raegar Blackwood and I come from the Blackwood County further south.''''


    Professor Oakshard was writing something down before handing him a tag, informing him. ''''Take this and go queue up for the Aether Tests. You''ll be organized into testing groups for the next ones.''''


    ''''What are the tests? How many are there?'''' he asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.


    The older man answered with a knowing smile. ''''First is the Aether Test to determine your group. Then comes the Power Test, followed by a sparring match against one of the Combat Professors.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said while taking the tag and sticking it on his shirt


    Following that, Raegar entered the academy grounds and noticed it was a massive garden with benches all over. He noticed dozens of students lingering around as he approached the Aether Testing area.


    Signs led the way, and soon enough, he stepped into an outside amphitheatre where more professors were standing around a podium with a testing crystal. A line was forming, prompting him to join it.


    Moments later, he spotted a group of girls off to the side, laughing, but one caught his eye. A red-skinned girl with red horns and glowing yellow eyes, white hair tied into a ponytail, as she wore adventurer''s armor.


    ''Samael''s daughter,'' he thought, just as he started listening to the gossip.


    ''''Did you hear? The Southern Fairy is joining Drakenwood!'''' a boy said.


    Raegar turned in the direction as a girl replied. ''''Yes, rumors say that she''s a Triarch Mage, just like the Death Princess.''''


    The tests unfolded, with most students channeling a single element, their Aether sparking in vibrant hues that drew murmurs from the crowd. A dozen wielded two elements, their displays earning gasps of awe.


    When Samael''s daughter stepped forward, her Aether flared from the crystal in brilliant yellow and purple, silencing the onlookers in stunned admiration. She could use two elements, but one of them was extremely rare.''''


    ''''She has the Chaos Element,'''' the boy in front said.


    The stranger''s friend nodded. ''''Yes. The headmistress can also use it. She''s a powerful Tier Ten Aether Mage just like the Lion of Dawnfire and his wife, the Witch of the West.''''


    Raegar internally chuckled and was glad no one noticed his white hair while thinking. ''Seems like you both are popular. Witch of the West? She''ll hate that one.''


    Afterward, the line continued to shorten until it was his turn. A young man looked at him, only to grimace, but kept it professional. ''''What''s your name?''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he answered.


    ''''Place your hand on the crystal so you can move onto the Power Test,'''' the staff member said.


    He didn''t hesitate, channeling his Aether as instructed. The amphitheater erupted in a blinding spectacle, eight radiant colors surged forth, each element blazing with commanding presence, painting the air with raw power.


    Gasps rippled through the crowd, eyes wide with disbelief. The young staff member''s face drained of color as he whispered. ''''You''re... the Tetraarch. The Ghost of the South.''''


    Raegar let out a low chuckle, unfazed, as frenzied voices exploded behind him. The legend was no secret, they''d all heard the stories. He met the man''s gaze. ''''So, where do I go next?''''


    The young man shook his head before pointing to another field not far away. ''''Go over there to test your magic.''''


    Following that, he made his way there while people stared at him with most cringing, but it was nothing to him now. By the time he reached the Power Test location, there was another line; this time, it was going quickly.


    ''They''re doing five people at a time and watching each of them,'' he mused while waiting for his turn.


    Raegar stood amidst the buzz of whispers about him, their chatter grating on his nerves. His gaze shifted, landing on a group of boys harassing a smaller one with glasses, who stood frozen, not fighting back.


    He sighed, frustration flickering within him. ''People have to stand up for themselves, or it''ll never end,'' he thought, striding toward the group with purpose.


    As a noble bully lunged to shove the dark-haired boy, Raegar vanished in a blur thanks to Flash Step, reappearing between them. He grinned as the bully''s hand struck his chest and didn''t budge him an inch.

 Chapter 121: Cheeky Bitches

    Raegar flashed an evil smirk at the noble boy. ''''My turn.''''


    Seconds later, he launched an uppercut that sent the fool sprawling, stunning his cronies. As they lunged, he blocked one strike with his forearm and smashed a headbutt into another''s nose, shattering it.


    Blood flew everywhere, scaring the surrounding students who watched on in horror. The group grabbed the two boys he had hurt and rushed off before he turned to the one they were bullying.


    Raegar saw that the bullied boy was smaller, though he wasn''t towering at five feet ten at sixteen. The kid had black hair and striking red eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses that gave him the typical nerdy look.


    ''''You need to defend yourself,'''' he urged. ''''I sense Fire and Wind Aether in you. Use that, or I''m afraid they won''t leave you alone.''''


    A piercing scream rang out, snapping Raegar''s attention behind him. There stood a girl with jet-black hair pulled into a high ponytail, the sides of her head shaved, giving off a fierce, punk-like energy.


    Her striking purple eyes blazed with intensity. She was undeniably beautiful, her slender frame hiding the raw strength evident in her grip as she hoisted a noble boy into the air by his throat.


    A random female student lay crumpled nearby, clutching her jaw as tears spilled down her cheeks, pain etched on her face. Towering over her was another girl, strikingly similar to the first, sparking a thought in Raegar''s mind. ''Twins?''


    Raegar noticed this one had short black hair, her glowing red eyes sharp behind glasses, her curvier figure a stark contrast to her slender sister''s lithe frame. ''Defiently twins, look like troublemakers too,'' he mused.


    Seconds later, he noticed a fierce grin split her face as she pinned a boy''s head to the ground with her foot, her voice ringing out confidently to the gathered crowd. Black flames flickered to life in her hand. ''''The next one who dares touch our baby brother will burn.''''


    Murmurs rippled through the onlookers. ''''The Harker twins! Top students of years two and three!''''


    Following that, they rushed back to the Power Test queue as the boy beside him nervously spoke. ''''Thank you for helping me. Only my big sisters defend me against the other people.''''


    He sighed when hearing this and turned to the odd boy while offering his hand. ''''Raegar Blackwood, what''s your name?''''


    The bullied boy took it, introducing himself. ''''Caspian Harker. I am a first-year student, or I will be when I take my tests.''''


    ''''Would you like to join me?'''' Raegar offered the boy a lifeline. ''''I don''t know anyone here or from the north. Most of my cousins have joined the army, imperial government, or the Dawnfire Magic Academy.''''


    Caspian smiled. ''''That would be good; just be careful. My sisters are overprotective and will be horrible to you,'''' he quickly warned.


    He chuckled before replying. ''''They''re nothing compared to the Devils.''''


    Moments later, a soft voice rang out from behind them. ''''What does a Vaelthorne want with my baby brother? Cooking up a new scheme to snare a low noble family?''''


    Raegar''s head snapped toward the younger of the two with the shaved side and retorted. ''''Schemes? I was helping him with the nobles.''''


    The girl''s grin widened, a sultry edge to it as she sauntered toward Raegar, her hips swaying with confidence. The crowd''s eyes followed her every step; even Caspian''s jaw dropped in stunned silence.


    When the stranger reached Raegar, she leaned in close, her breath warm against his skin as her finger traced the jagged scar on his face with a slow touch. ''''This,'''' she purred, voice low and teasing. ''''Is gorgeous.''''


    Before he could react, she pressed a quick, electrifying kiss to his cheek, her lips soft. Raegar''s heart pounded, heat flooding his face as he struggled to keep his composure as the second girl joined them.


    The first pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her smirk wicked and knowing. ''''I saw what you did for my brother,'''' she said, her tone dripping with intrigue.


    Soon, she introduced herself. ''''Consider that a thank you. More importantly, I''m Sasha Harker, and it''s a pleasure to meet you, Raegar Blackwood... or should I say, the White Devil of Bloodfang?''''


    His flustered look brought a playful giggle from Sasha as she stepped aside, letting the other girl step forward. Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she purred, ''''Well, hello there, handsome. Thanks for taking such good care of my little brother.''''


    The girl with smoldering red eyes had an hourglass figure, her tight dress hugging every curve, effortlessly captivating him. She leaned in with a mischievous glint in her red eyes, planting a soft kiss on his other cheek.


    His face flushed a deep crimson, and the twins burst into delighted laughter at his reaction. She stepped back, her smile playful yet warm. ''''I''m Mirelle Harker, by the way,'''' she introduced herself.


    He didn''t know how to react, but Caspian spoke up. ''''Big sisters! Stop teasing my new friend!''''


    The two girls giggled even more as Sasha bit her lip. ''''Who said we''re teasing Casper?''''


    Following that, the duo walked off, leaving a stunned crowd behind as he shook his head and looked at the twins with narrowed eyes. ''Cheeky bitches but I didn''t dislike it,'' he thought.


    Raegar approached the queue with Caspian appearing beside him, speaking. ''''We got the Power, then the last one, which is the Combat Test. Once that''s over, we have to return tomorrow morning to get our class and dorms.''''


    ''''I didn''t know that. I guess you learn something new every day?'''' he replied with a chuckle.


    The black-haired boy nodded, pushing his glasses up, asking. ''''Didn''t you know that? I thought you would have gone to the seminar, Professor Cecilia Silvershade went over the basics of academy life.''''


    ''''I guess I''ll learn as I go,'''' he replied while chuckling. ''''I was camping and woke up late this morning.''''


    Moments later, a group of girls walked past and started laughing when spotting his scars. Their stares and harsh words annoyed him, but he ignored them. Caspian notices this and grimaces after spotting the left side of his face.


    ''''Damn those are wicked scars,'''' he said while moving to look. ''''Whatever monster got you good. The wounds reach the bone, which means the claws could render any armor under Tier Three useless.''''


    Reager narrowed his eyes at the boy, who ignored the look as he was too busy studying his face. Caspian nodded. ''''A Tier Eight or above Healer could mend this. Unfortunately, there isn''t one in the Western Lands since the Witch of the West vanished.''''


    He stiffened when he heard that and quickly pushed the boy aside. ''''Enough of the staring already. It''s bad enough everyone is avoiding me.''''


    ''''Sorry, Rae,'''' Caspian replied while pointing out. ''''Good news is, it''s our turn now.''''


    He shook his head, and the two of them stepped into the white box that the staff member pointed toward, speaking. ''''You four stand there and cast your strongest spells. You''re all Tier One, so it''ll be fine.''''


    Raegar observed two students using their magic. A girl, her hand wreathed in swirling Aether, conjured a fire spell and hurled it toward the targets across the field with a protective shield blocking the shockwaves.


    Moments later, the fiery projectile streaked through the air, striking true with a small explosion that drew a triumphant cheer from her and her friends. Next, a boy stepped up, channeling Wind Aether.


    With a wave, he launched a shimmering bullet that slammed into the target, earning an approving nod from the staff member overseeing them. He looked at Caspian with a knowing expression and spoke. ''''Focus on sending all the Aether to your hand so it will overcharge and fire at the target.''''


    Raegar leaned over and whispered. ''''If you fail, I''ll flirt with Mirelle and Sasha.''''


    Caspian stiffened and gave him a dirty look; moments later, he nodded with a chuckle. ''''Will do and don''t go near them or they''ll eat you. I don''t want to lose my first friend to such a death,'''' he replied with a flare in his red eyes.


    He chuckled at this reaction but suddenly pushed him forward, and the boy started concentrating as he charged his energy. Seconds later, he fired an overpowered Fire Bullet that crashed into the target and exploded, shocking everyone.


    It seemed to have shocked his new friend even more as he looked at his hand. Following that, the boy hugged him in excitement. Raegar pushed him away with a smile. ''''Get off me! Yes, you listened and proved to the staff, now stop touching me!'''' he exclaimed.


    Caspian laughed before it was his turn. He stepped forward and looked at the staff member. ''''Are you sure I should use my full strength?''''


    The young woman cringed at his face, causing him to sigh as she nodded. ''''Yes. The headmistress created this shield so it will hold.''''

 Chapter 122: Youve Improved Greatly!

    Raegar shrugged and aimed his hand just as a basic fire bullet appeared in his hand, which made the watching students laugh, but he added Wind Aether to speed it up so fast that the flames turned blue.


    A whistling noise rang out just before he sent Lightning into the bullet and sent it soaring through the air. A spilt-second later, the projectile hit their target only for nothing to happen, this made people laugh even more.


    Just then, an explosion tore through the training ground and sent some students stumbling back. The woman''s jaw dropped as the protective shield shook thanks to his power. Raegar chuckled while turning to a wide-eyed Caspian.


    ''''Where the Combat Test? I want to check on the Devil Hunters,'''' he questioned.


    The dark-haired boy shook his head and replied. ''''This way, but why do you want to mess with Devils? They are horrible creatures.''''


    ''''That they are,'''' he replied. ''''My aunt gave me a pass to get into the classes, but I want to fight one of the professors.''''


    Caspian looked even more shocked, straightening his glasses and leading him toward the combat arena. While walking, his new friend looked at him and asked. ''''Your aunt''s a Devil Hunter Order Inquistor?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered.


    ''''Who is she?''''


    Raeger looked at him and replied. ''''Amara Vaelthorne, she''s stationed in Willowbank Village due to the Devil attacks in the area.''''


    Caspian stopped walking, only to mumble. ''''You''re a Vaelthorne?''''


    ''''My mother is, yes, but I''m a Blackwood,'''' he answered proudly. ''''I''m the last of my siblings to keep the name as they took the Vaelthorne surname. I''m not leaving my father alone, so I kept it.''''


    ''''Don''t you care about the benefits that could bring you?'''' he questioned.


    Raegar shook his head. "No, I will earn benefits without using my family name. Don''t assume I hate them; I don''t. I just want to be judged on my own deeds and merits instead of those of my parents or grandparents."


    The dark-haired boy was shocked, but soon enough, they came to the Combat Test area, where an arena was busy with students and professors talking to people. The two of them walked up to a nearby desk and registered.


    Afterward, he slumped down while watching the ongoing fights as Caspian sat beside him. ''''We should be up in half an hour; the professor isn''t here yet and should arrive before then,'''' he informed.


    Raegar nodded in understanding and pulled out a book named Lemuria: The Death of a Land, which he''d had in his storage ring for a long time. He learned about the super volcano that erupted at both ends of the continent.


    ''Did the survivors flee to Kaldorra and Mythros? Dawnfirians seem to be descends from the third wave of refugees,'' he mused.


    Following that, time passed by, and Caspian was nudging him. ''''Rae, it''s my turn to fight the Professor. She just arrived, and the protection shield was activated by the headmistress,'''' he revealed.


    Raegar shook his head and glanced at the stage, freezing as his gaze fell on the Professor. Her orange hair, tiger ears, glowing green eyes, and brown skin were unmistakable. ''Elara Crowhurst,'' he thought, stunned. ''Why is she here?''


    Caspian strode toward the stage, fists clenched for battle, as the older woman''s voice rang out. ''''Come, student. I''ve got more to face, so let''s make this quick.''''


    He watched as the dark-haired boy sparred with Elara, who was holding back. A smirk tugged at his lips. ''Still the same tigress,'' he thought.


    Minutes passed, and the fight was over as the older woman managed to take him out by swiping his legs. The boy landed with a thud, but she held her hand out to help him up, speaking. ''''We''ll work on your fighting during Combat Class. Now send the next person.''''


    Caspian plopped into the chair beside him, rubbing his back with a grimace. ''''She went easy on me. Tough as nails, but she''ll make a great Professor.''''


    Raegar chuckled and stood up with a smile. ''''Now watch me put her through her paces,'''' he confidently revealed.


    His new friend looked skeptical, but when he approached the stage, Elara''s green eyes turned to him, and her face lit up. ''''Look who it is! I was wondering when you''d show up, Rae.''''


    ''''It''s good to see you, Elara. I won''t lie, I''m shocked that you ended up becoming a Combat Professor,'''' he replied to the beautiful tigress with a teasing smirk. ''''Maybe you have another reason to be here?''''


    The older woman started laughing while taking out her sword and beamed as she replied. ''''Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? Now show me what the Ghost of the South has learned since we parted ways.''''


    Raegar grinned while summoning his daggers with a ching just as the Bloodrose Armor covered his body. This scene shocked the tigress as he lowered his body, which caught her attention.


    ''''I see someone has learned from me,'''' she commented with a smirk while preparing for an attack.


    He surged forward with blinding speed, startling the older woman. She parried his first slash, but his spinning kick caught her off guard, sending her stumbling back, eyes wide with shock.


    ''''You''ve improved greatly!'''' she exclaimed.


    Moments later, Raegar lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air. Elara sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid, almost dance-like. She countered with a jab of her blunt weapon, which he barely deflected, the impact vibrating through his arms.


    He grinned; this was the challenge he''d craved. They traded blows, his strikes measured, testing her defenses. Elara matched him, her speed steady, parrying with ease while her tail flicked behind her.


    ''''Not bad, handsome,'''' she teased, her voice warm yet taunting.


    Raegar responded with a feint, then a low sweep aimed at her legs. She leaped over it, landing with a grace that made the crowd murmur. Following that, the two of them continued fighting.


    Minutes passed, their blades clashing in a rhythmic blur. He pressed harder, landing a glancing blow on her shoulder. Elara''s eyes narrowed, and something shifted. Her movements quickened, her strikes growing sharper, more relentless.


    ''Oh shit! She''s getting stronger!'' he internally complained while finally realizing she was a Tier Eight Warrior. ''Just like Father and Uncle Cassian.''


    Raegar felt the tide turning as she dodged his thrust and spun, her blade grazing his side, hitting the shield. He grunted, adjusting his stance, but she was already a step ahead and became a whirlwind.


    The older woman ducked under his swing, her tail brushing his arm as she pivoted behind him. Her blade tapped his back, a point scored that only made him realize that she was holding back.


    He whirled, sweat beading on his brow, and charged again, determined to regain ground. Their weapons locked, faces inches apart, her green eyes blazing with focus. ''''Getting tired, Blackwood?'''' she whispered.


    Raegar broke free, launching a flurry of strikes, but Elara was untouchable now. She weaved through his attacks, her agility outpacing his strength. With a sudden twist, she disarmed him, sending his blades skidding across the floor.


    Before he could react, her foot hooked his ankle, and she flipped him onto his back with a thud, landing on his waist with her sword at his throat, which made him smile. Raegar lay there, chest heaving, staring up at her.


    Elara sat on him, breathing hard but smiling, her orange hair slightly mussed. She leaned down and teased. ''''Good fight. You almost had me.''''


    Following that, she stood up and helped him as he answered. ''''I will beat you one, El, just you wait.''''


    He watched the older woman''s cheeks grow darker as she ushered him away. ''''Now get out of here, Blackwood. You''ve passed the test,'''' she said with a giggle.


    Raegar stepped out of the hushed arena, the silence catching him off guard. He glanced around, noticing the other students'' eyes fixed on him. Suddenly, they erupted into cheers, their applause echoing through the space.


    The students'' cheers followed him, awestruck by how fiercely he''d matched Elara. Brushing off their stares, he headed toward Caspian, who waited eagerly at the arena''s entrance. As he approached, the dark-haired boy''s eyes lit up.


    ''''That was incredible, Rae! You moved like a seasoned fighter; I could barely keep track of you!'''' he exclaimed while getting too close.


    Raegar pushed him away with a chuckle while dismissing his armor back into its ring form. ''''I''m only Tier One; wait until I get stronger. I''ll beat her, but for now, let''s go check on the Devil Hunting Classes. I want to join them and fight one of the professors.''''


    The duo headed north through the academy, bound for the testing grounds. Upon arriving, they found the area sparsely crowded, barely over a hundred students lined up, each waiting for their chance to prove themselves as Devil Hunters.


    Caspian''s face clouded with worry as he glanced at him. ''''Are you sure about this, Rae? Hunting Devils is no joke, you could get killed. I''ve heard the stories; many powerful warriors have fallen to those horrible creatures.''''

 Chapter 123: Sounds Like Her, To Be Honest

    Raegar met his friend''s gaze, a faint smirk tugging at his scarred cheek as he grimaced at the memory. ''''Who do you think ruined my face? I took down a Devil Lord in a Rank D Dungeon months back. I thrive on fighting those fiends, and I won''t stop until I get a shot at their leader, whoever that is.''''


    ''''Then I''m in!'''' Caspian declared, his eyes blazing with resolve. ''''I won''t let you face them alone. I might not be a fighter yet, but I''ll learn everything about those Devils to back you up.''''


    He was surprised but nodded. ''''Alright then, but don''t be acting stupid and risking yourself. There are Devil Researchers who aid the hunters.''''


    ''''Exactly!'''' the black-haired boy exclaimed.


    Raegar and Caspian joined the queue as more Devil Hunters arrived, their presence commanding the area. Leading them was a striking older woman in sleek hunter armor, her long blonde hair cascading down her back.


    Her glowing red eyes locked onto him, sending a shiver down his spine. ''An Inquisitor? Amara''s a Lord, so this stranger must be a Professor here,'' he thought, noticing the respect the hunters showed her.


    Moments later, Caspian whispered. ''''That''s Valentina Morris from the famous Devil Hunting Family. She''s a Tier Seven Warrior with the Order.''''


    When he heard that, his Grandmother Agatha''s letter came to mind, prompting him to approach the blonde who was talking to staff members, only to turn in his direction with a curious expression.


    ''''What do you want boy? It''s rude to approach professors who are busy with the Devil Hunting Tests,'''' she informed in a stern tone.


    Raegar gave an apologetic nod before speaking. ''''I understand, but do you know a blue-haired woman named Agatha?''''


    The blonde''s eyes widened in surprise as he took out the letter. ''''This is from my Grandmother. She asked me to give it to you.''''


    Valentina''s expression softened. ''''I assume you are the Grandson she''s always blabbering on about?'''' she questioned with a small smile.


    ''''Yes that''s her,'''' he answered with a chuckle.


    The older woman grabbed his arm and led them off to the side while speaking. ''''Sorry for my attitude. So many students think that because they''re nobles, they can talk to me or my soldiers like we''re friends.''''


    Raegar agreed. ''''I understand, but Grandmother would''ve scolded me if I didn''t give you this. She made me promise to deliver it,'''' he explained.


    Valentina giggled as she nodded, replying. ''''Sounds like her, to be honest. Now let me have the letter.''''


    He handed her it and started reading, chuckling softly now and then. She glanced up at him, one eyebrow arched. ''''A rising Devil Hunter, huh? Now that''s intriguing.''''


    As Raegar turned to leave, her hand shot out, gripping his shoulder with a sly grin and glowing eyes. ''''Elara told me to push you to your limits, and she specifically requested I be the one to spar with you.''''


    The older woman guided him toward a nearby arena, leaving Caspian staring after them, his eyes wide with shock. Moments later, Valentina spoke to another professor, who nodded with a chuckle.


    She dragged him on stage while speaking with an excited expression on her pretty face. ''''Come on, don''t hold back and show me what you can do.''''


    ''''Are you sure you want this fight, Professor Morris?'''' he said with a smirk, summoning his daggers, causing a ching to ring out.


    ''''Yes, boy!'''' she exclaimed with a big smile. ''''Show me what you can do! She told me you can surprise me!''''


    Raegar summoned his Bloodrose Armor, which appeared from the black and red ring on his hand. With a surge of will, he cast Flash Step, his form blurring into nothingness. A heartbeat later, he reappeared in a whirlwind of motion, spinning as his blade arced toward the woman.


    She met his strike with her own, their weapons clashing in a shower of sparks that lit the arena like a storm of stars. The arena thrummed with energy as they clashed, her hunter armor glinting under the morning sun.


    Her blonde hair whipped wildly as she parried his strike, her red eyes blazing with fierce delight. Raegar vanished, reappearing mid-air to unleash a barrage of slashes, each one a dark streak.


    Valentina countered with unearthly speed, her blade singing as it deflected his onslaught, sparks cascading like a meteor shower. They danced in a whirlwind of steel, his spins meeting her lunges, their duel a storm of skill that left the crowd roaring.


    Ten minutes later, he realized he couldn''t beat her. Raegar leaped back, landing as he plucked a smoke bomb from his ring. With a flick, he hurled it to the ground, unleashing a roiling cloud that swallowed the arena.


    Valentina''s eyes flared wide, the smoke cloud shrouding her in confusion. He seized the moment, he surged forward with a wolfish grin, blade poised for a strike. But she reacted with unnatural speed.


    Her foot lashed upward, striking his dagger with a resounding clang, sending it spinning into the mist. Caught mid-motion, Raegar''s balance faltered, his hand slapped against her ass causing the older woman to yelp.


    ''''That was an accident!'''' he protested, hands raised, but Valentina''s fury blazed.


    With a snarl, she unleashed a Tier Seven spell, a roaring torrent of Aether that tore toward him. He tried to evade it, but the spell''s wrath was relentless. It slammed into his chest like a thunderbolt, hurling him across the arena in a streak of light.


    Raegar slammed into the ground, agony ripping through him as his vision dissolved into darkness and his senses were swallowed by pain. When he stirred awake, a stark white ceiling greeted him.


    ''''Where am I?'''' he muttered in a groggy voice.


    Moments later, the sharp tang of potions and their ingredients flooded his nose, snapping him back to reality. He sat up while shaking his head, only to be shocked when the little black fox Yuzuki was staring at him with her big green eyes.


    ''''Hello girl,'''' he mumbled. ''''What are you doing here?''''


    Raegar stroked the creature, who happily accepted his pampering, only for an adorable groan to sound from his left. He glanced over to see the vampire girl he had met days ago sleeping in the chair.


    Just then, her eyes fluttered open only to see him looking at her, and she instantly woke up as she sent Yuzuki away while standing up. ''''I''m glad you''re awake. Now I must get going.''''


    Before he could utter a word, Dominique vanished, leaving him bewildered. ''What''s her deal?'' he wondered, scratching his head.


    With a shrug, he barely registered the door swinging open until a stunning brown-skinned fox woman stepped in. She had golden blonde hair and eyes that nearly charmed him. Her nurse''s uniform clung to her hourglass figure, highlighting her generous chest.


    Raegar''s jaw hung slack, his gaze locked on the fox woman''s upright, fluffy ears. Her plump lips curved into a radiant smile as she spoke, her exotic eastern accent curling around each word. ''''Oh, you''re awake! It warms my heart that you''re healed.''''


    He opened his mouth to respond, but she pressed on, biting her lip with a playful glint in her eyes. ''''And those muscles of yours which are delightful to look at. Not many young men your age take such care with their physique like you.''''


    The older woman stepped back and introduced herself with a charming grin. ''''I''m Head Nurse Kitsunia here at Drakewood. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Raegar Blackwood, the boy who gave our Professor Morris a fight that she hasn''t shut up about.''''


    Raegar''s brow furrowed, still processing the fox lady''s words, when the door swung open again. Valentina entered, trailed by a stern-looking mature woman with light blue hair and piercing eyes, her commanding aura like his grandfather''s.


    He opened his mouth to speak, but the light blue-haired woman cut in, her voice sharp and assessing. ''''You''re the boy my staff can''t stop praising?''''


    The headmistress''s blue eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across her face. ''''So, you''re the infamous Tetraarch all the nobles want. I''m curious: why enroll here when you could''ve chosen Dawnfire or Starfall?''''


    ''''Dungeons and Gates,'''' he answered. ''''I want to explore the ones Drakenwood owns while learning how to grow stronger.''''


    ''''Why do you fight?'''' she countered.


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed, meeting her gaze with unyielding resolve as he pointed to his face. ''''The world''s no paradise, Headmistress. Danger lurks everywhere, I learned that the hard way, under a Devil Lord''s claws.''''


    His red eyes burned with fierce determination, defiance radiating from him. ''''I''ll grow stronger, conquer Gates and dungeons, and slay every Devil that tries to kill me.''''


    The older woman looked at him before nodding with a proud expression. ''''That''s the spirit, Raegar Blackwood. Just what this place needs is more young ones like you. Such drive is inspiring, even to me.


    She shook her head, a faint smirk breaking her stern demeanor. ''''I''m Headmistress Hohenstein. Welcome to Drakenwood Magic Academy, Ghost of the South. I''m eager to see what you''ll achieve while with us.''''

 Chapter 124 124: Go Get Some Rest, Blackwood

    Raegar watched as Headmistress Hohenstein left the infirmary, leaving him with Nurse Kitsunia, who turned in his direction with a knowing smile. ''''Seems like you made a good impression on the Ice Queen of Drakenwood.''''


    He let out a low chuckle as he rose, stretching his arms while glancing at the older fox woman. ''''No idea what I did,'''' he said with a grin, ''''it''s just how I am.''''


    Moving with purpose, he slipped on his cloak as he summoned his daggers, the blades materializing in his hands with a faint shimmer. Before he could do anything, Aiko commented with narrowed eyes.


    ''''No weapons allowed in school, Blackwood,'''' she warned.


    Raegar dismissed them to his storage ring while explaining. ''''Sorry, I lost them in the fight with Professor Morris.''''


    The mature fox woman sauntered toward Raegar, her cheeky smile glinting with mischief. With a playful wave, she purred. ''''I''ll let you off easy, troublemaker. After all, we''ll be seeing plenty of each other this year, won''t we?''''


    Her exotic voice teased, each word curling around him like a velvet caress. Raegar''s breath hitched, a shiver racing down his spine. Her tone sent his thoughts scattering, and he shook his head, fumbling for words.


    ''''I-I mean, I''d rather not,'''' he stammered, cheeks flushing. ''''Don''t want to keep getting banged up, y''know? Might mess with my Aether Pools.''''


    She paused mere inches away, her amber eyes sparkling as her smile widened into something dangerously enticing. Slowly, she trailed a single finger down his chest, her touch light but electrifying.


    ''''Oh, darling,'''' she murmured, voice low. ''''If that''s your worry, little old me can patch you up just fine. Tier Four Healer, at your service.''''


    She leaned closer, her tail flicking playfully, leaving him frozen, heart pounding, and utterly flustered under her gaze. He lit up, but Aiko quickly spoke. ''''Before you ask, no, I can''t heal that handsome face of yours. Only someone above Tier Eight can do such a thing.''''


    Raegar nodded with a frown, causing the older woman to try to cheer him up. ''''If this helps, the scar makes you look like a warrior. Someone who has been through a dangerous battle.''''


    ''''It''s fine,'''' he replied with a smile. ''''I''ve accepted that my face is ruined, it''s a part of life, but I''m going to go ahead for Willowbank.''''


    When Aiko heard this, she agreed. ''''Go get some rest and return to the school in the morning. You''ll find out your class and dorm room, oh, and your little friend already returned to the village after the headmistress sent him away,'''' she revealed.


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said. ''''I''ll see you soon, Mrs Kitsunia,'''' he said while getting ready to leave.


    Raegar walked toward the door, his face still red from her flirting, eager to escape before he embarrassed himself further. But the fox woman''s voice, smooth as honey, stopped him cold as a shiver ran down his spine.


    Aiko leaned against the counter, her yellow eyes glinting with mischief, and flashed a smile that sent his heart stumbling.


    ''''No need to rush off, darling,'''' she purred, her fluffy tail giving a playful flick. ''''And just so you know, I''m not married¡ªfree as a Southern Skylorn, soaring where I please.''''


    Raegar froze, his hand hovering over the doorknob. Her words, laced with that exotic lilt, sparked a flush that crept up his neck. ''''I-I didn''t mean¡ªuh, that''s... good to know,'''' he managed, his voice cracking.


    He turned to face the older woman, only to find her gaze locked on him, bold and teasing. Aiko''s smile widened, clearly enjoying his flustered state, leaving him torn between bolting and staying under her spell.


    ''''Go get some rest, Blackwood,'''' Aiko said before getting back to her work.


    Raegar slipped out of the room, striding down the corridor, guided by glowing exit signs. His mind churned. ''The author was right; fox women are dangerous.''


    Years ago, he read an explorer''s diary about a man who ventured to Kyoshara, lived among Cat and Fox Demi-Humans, and married two women. Charmed beyond reason, he brought them back to Kaldorra.


    ''I wonder what happened to them?'' he mused while exiting the school and stepping into the cold air.


    When feeling this, he pulled his cloak tight, nearing the entrance, scanning for a spot to camp until dawn, when he''d get his dorm room. Five minutes later, he noticed a park by the road, shrugged, and hopped the fence.


    He pitched his tent, started a fire that roared to life, and kneaded dough for campfire bread while putting some monster meat over the fire that gave off a delicious aroma that made his stomach rumble.


    Raegar sat by the crackling fire, its warmth cutting through the evening''s chill. He flattened the dough he''d prepared, shaping it into rough rounds, and laid them on a flat stone he''d propped near the flames.


    The dough hissed faintly as it met the hot surface, filling the air with a comforting, toasty scent. He skewered a chunk of seasoned meat from his pack and set it to roast over the fire, the fat dripping and sizzling in the embers.


    Time passed, the firelight dancing on his weathered face as he turned the meat and flipped the bread with a stick. The bread puffed up, golden and crisp at the edges, while the meat charred just enough to lock in its juices.


    When both were done, he pulled them from the heat, letting them cool slightly on a clean cloth. Raegar tore into the warm bread, its crust cracking under his fingers, and paired it with a bite of the tender, smoky meat.


    Flavors burst in his mouth, simple, hearty, perfect. He ate slowly, savoring each bite under the vast, starlit sky, the quiet of the park broken only by the fire''s soft pop. While doing that, a group approached, causing his eyes to narrow.


    ''Students and their parents?'' Raegar mused as a giant of a man approached.


    The stranger sported dark brown hair, a thick black beard, and green eyes, reminding him of his grandfather but weaker. The man''s aura was tier four, prompting him to become paranoid as he readied to summon his daggers.


    Raegar would soon learn it would be useless as he paused at the fence, his jovial voice booming. ''''Oi, lad, you''re not supposed to be here, but no harm done. I''m Kravos Windermere, the caretaker at Drakenwood. My family and I are camping one last night before I''m back to work.''''


    He stood up and held out his hand. ''''I''m Raegar. It''s nice to meet you, Kravos.''''


    ''''Well-mannered,'''' the older man said while accepting the gesture. ''''Not many nobles are like that nowadays.''''


    He was confused, making Kravos laugh before waving over to a woman, a boy, and a girl who seemed to be his age. When they approached, the man introduced them. ''''The beautiful woman here is Mirabel Windermere. She''s my wife and works as a nurse under Aiko Kitsunia, the famous Healer from the East.''''


    The woman had light blonde hair and big brown eyes, she gave off a motherly vibe like his own mother, which put him at ease as Mirabel gave him a friendly smile. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you, sweety. Not many boys your age would be polite to strangers.


    Raegar nodded but was still lost as he heard the name. He remembered the cheeky fox woman but pushed that aside as the older man continued, pointing at his children. ''''These two rascals are Rune and Vienna. They''re joining the academy this year.''''


    Moments later, he looked at the boy, who was the young version of his father, just with his mother''s brown eyes. The giant stood two feet taller than him and was built like a tank, but he stepped forward and held out his hand.


    ''''It''s good to meet you, Raegar. I watched your battle with Professor Crowhurst. You fight well. It would be good to team up for dungeon runs. I''m a defender, so I could protect the mage and healer.''''


    ''''Oh, quit yapping, will ya, bro?'''' the girl said, rolling her eyes with a sigh.


    Raegar glanced at her, light blonde hair like her mother''s but with her father''s green eyes. She shook her head, then extended a hand for a fist bump. ''''Nice to meet ya, Rae. I didn''t see you take on the teacher; I had heard the other students. Having a fighter like you on the team? We''d crush the lower floors and score some serious loot.''''


    ''''Stop being a bandit, Vienna,'''' Rune retorted as their parents went about setting up their camp.


    He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips as he gently nudged the girl, prompting her to grin at the boy. ''''We''ll see how things go when classes start. For now, I''m grabbing some food and crashing. Great meeting you both.''''


    Raegar savored the last bites of his crusty bread and smoky meat as the Windermere family began preparing their meals, the clatter of pots mingling with the fire''s crackle. He started drinking some sake while watching the shooting stars passing overhead.

 Chapter 125 125: Just Outside Southwood

    As time passed, fatigue soon settled over Raegar like a heavy cloak. Moments later, he crawled into his tent, slipped under the coarse sheets, and drifted into a deep sleep. He stirred with a yawn, crawling out of his tent into the chill morning air.


    He quickly noticed a thick mist had settled over the landscape, cloaking the park in ghostly silence. The Windermere family''s camp lay quiet, their tents still dark as the sun hadn''t yet breached the horizon; he watched this and couldn''t but smile when seeing Drakenwood.


    ''Looks like I made it, now to grow stronger and wait for Grandmother to wake up so she can heal my face,'' he mused. ''Hopefully I can reach Vapour soon.''


    He set about preparing breakfast, kindling a small fire to warm some leftover bread and meat. While doing that, he sipped fruit juice from Dreadshade City, the familiar tang grounding him in the misty quiet.


    Raegar was tending the fire when Rune emerged from his tent, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and caught sight of him. The giant smiled before making his way over to him and plopping down next to him.


    ''''Morning, Rae. Did you hear those howls coming from the Black Forest?'''' the brown-haired boy questioned.


    He shook his head, answering. ''''No, and that''s the name of the place that the school owns, right?''''


    Rune nodded. ''''Yes, the headmistress banned us from going inside because powerful Tier Four monsters roam there,'''' he revealed.


    When Raegar heard this, he decided to explore the Black Forest when he reached Tier Two because he''d be stronger then. Following that, he offered the boy some juice. ''''Here, do you want some? It''s a fresh drink from the south.''''


    ''''Southern Dawnfire or further?'''' Rune questioned while taking the drink.


    ''''In the Nytheria Kingdom, but the Peachbelle Fruit used to make it comes from the Forbidden Wastes,'''' he answered while drinking some.


    With a flick of his wrist, Rune ripped the lid off and took a swig, his eyes flaring wide as Raegar''s senses prickled with danger. In a heartbeat, he sprang to his feet, twin blades materializing in a flash to parry a vicious strike aimed at the brown-haired boy''s skull.


    Thrusting his arms upward, he unleashed a savage kick that hurled the Tier One Devil backward as he threw one of his blades at it, his dagger piercing its glowing eye and putting an end to its life.


    As more fiends materialized from the shadows, Rune surged to his feet, unleashing a thunderous roar that shook the air, drawing every monstrous gaze to him, which surprised him.


    ''A taunting skill!'' he internally exclaimed.


    The Devils lunged at Rune, their claws gleaming with malice, but the giant boy conjured a towering shield and a massive warhammer, blocking their onslaught with a force that sent him skidding across the ground.


    Raegar didn''t hesitate, charging forward in a blur of steel, his blades carving through the creatures with ruthless skill, slashing and stabbing in a deadly dance. The fiends fell so swiftly that by the time the Windermeres arrived, the final devil collapsed.


    Moments later, several Tier Three Devil Hunters appeared in the small park, watching the scene with wide eyes. He was about to talk until a familiar face appeared with a big smile. Yvette Silverblade stepped out of the darkness.


    ''''Hello there, Blackwood,'''' the blonde said with a warm expression. ''''Are we even needed here now you''ve joined the school?''''


    ''''Yes, because there are several Tier Four Devils further west, but I can''t leave the Windermeres without protection.''''


    Yvette smiled before ruffling his hair and fussing over him. ''''Don''t worry about it, we''ll go deal with them. More importantly, are you okay?''''


    Raegar chuckled as she stopped, as he answered. ''''I''m fine. I''ll be leaving for the academy shortly. You should track those Devil''s down, they might escape.''''


    The older woman nodded and chased after the fiendso once she said her goodbye, leaving Rune confused. The brown-haired boy shook his head while asking. ''''You two seemed friendly. Was she a relative?''''


    ''''Basically, she''s my aunt''s lover,'''' he revealed, looking at the giant. ''''Thanks for your help. That taunt skill was brilliant, I could have used it many times.''''


    Rune laughed and gave him a proud nod. ''''My father taught me, he said it''s the perfect tool for a defender,'''' he said.


    ''''I agree,'''' Raegar revealed.


    He shook his head and curiously asked. ''''Maybe we can team up. What does your sister specialize in?''''


    ''''I''m a mage and archer; my arrows can burn through any creature''s hide,'''' Vienna''s voice echoed from behind the two.


    Raegar turned around as the blonde girl stood there with a smile. She continued with a confident tone. ''''They were lucky I wasn''t there when these creatures appeared.''''


    The two boys chuckled when Rune turned to him and asked. ''''Would you like to join me and sis on the road to the academy?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he nodded as their parents stepped out of the tent.


    As the dust settled, the adults offered fervent thanks, hastily packing their gear while Raegar''s group neared the towering gates of the academy, joined by streams of arriving students.


    His sharp gaze caught dozens of boys and girls from Willowbank Village, their silhouettes weaving through the morning sun toward the same destination. While walking, he was looking out for Dominique but couldn''t see the elusive vampire.


    ''I''ll see her again,'' he mused.


    Moments later, Rune stepped beside him with a smile. ''''What interests you, Rae? I want to take Potion Brewing and Herbology. I love growing plants to make concoctions to help my friends back home.''''


    ''''I''ve picked three so far, but I know we need seven classes altogether,'''' he answered with a confused expression. ''I should''ve gone to that seminar Caspian mentioned, but I was traveling here while it was on.''


    Following that, Vienna appeared as he responded to Rune. ''''Dungeoneering, World History, and Devil Hunting are the ones I''m interested in.''''


    The big guy nodded with a smile. ''''Good choices. It seems like you want to be an explorer and dungeon runner,'''' he said.


    Raegar chuckled as Vienna added. ''''No wonder you want to take Devil Classes; they are appearing all over the empire. Duke D''Ambrose is having problems keeping the fiends from attacking the remote villages.''''


    ''''Yes, I heard. The empress deployed the Order all over the empire to quell them, but it seems to be useless,'''' he replied to the girl.


    The siblings nodded just as Kravos spoke up from behind. ''''There are over fifty thousand hunters in the Order, if I remember correctly; all but the raw recruits have been deployed to the farming villages and towns.''''


    Raegar turned around as the older man continued. ''''The cities aren''t a problem, thanks to the Imperial Guard and Vaelthrone forces protecting them. The empress dispatched the famous General Blackwood to the north. They are fighting strange monsters, but that''s far away from our city.''''


    He couldn''t help but smile when hearing about his father but shook his head and revealed. ''''Forest Giants, they are from the Old World. If the book I read speaks the truth then they were the previous people who came before us who turned into cannibals.''''


    When the Windermere Family heard this, their eyes widened as Kravos questioned. ''''How do you know that? Only the Northern Nobility have been told that by the Imperial Government.''''


    ''''A passing Dawnfire Army when I entered the empire down south,'''' he answered.


    Following that, the family packed up as the group made their way to Drakenwood, only for him to see docks in the distance unloading cargo. When Mirabel saw this, she revealed. ''''Those are the ships that will take the families down the Western River or along the coast to Eryndor, thanks to how dangerous the Kingsway is nowadays.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he muttered before asking. ''''Can students take them to get home during the holidays?''''


    Rune nodded with an excited smile. ''''Yes, it''s how my sis and I are getting home during Summer Break.''''


    Vienna giggled and started teasing her brother. ''''You just want to see Julia. I bet you miss her.''''


    When the giant boy heard this, his face went bright red, but he ignored the girl, which made her laugh. ''''Where do you come from, Rae?'''' the blonde questioned as the group got closer to the academy.


    He answered, without taking his eyes off the road. ''''Just outside Southwood in the Blackwood County.''''


    When the siblings heard this, they got excited as Rune inquired with a curious expression. ''''Is it always hot down there like the rumors say?''''


    ''''Sometimes,'''' he said with a shrug. ''''Depends how far south you go.''''


    The three kept chatting, their voices weaving through the cool evening air, while the adults hung back, letting them bond. After a ten-minute trek, they reached the academy''s entrance, where a crowd of students milled about, waiting to pass through.


    Raegar joined the line as the Windermeres slipped inside, cleared by a guard. The siblings shot him apologetic glances, but he waved them off with a grin. ''''Catch you both in class.''''

 Chapter 126: One Hundred And Forty-Seven

    Raegar waited in line for a while before reaching the front, where a stern-looking professor stood holding a stack of papers. When the older man saw him, he spoke in a no-nonsense tone. ''''Name?''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he answered.


    The man nodded, pointing toward the closest table and revealing. ''''Go to Line A, the Professor will be here shortly to show you to your dorm.''''


    He nodded and made his way to Line A, where he bumped into Caspian, who was busy reading but looked up at him. His new friend pushed his glasses while speaking. ''''So you''re healed already, amazing.''''


    Raegar chuckled, prompting him to ask. ''''When do the classes start? There are loads of parents lingering around.''''


    ''''Tomorrow is Water Day, when we get our class timetables. Classes start the day after that is Wind Day,'''' the boy explained.


    ''Oh yes, I forgot about that,'' he mused as he went over the eight-day week. ''The days follow the Aether Elements, fascinating.''


    His eyebrow rose as he asked. ''''How do you know all this? That damned senimar again?''''


    ''''No, Rae,'''' Caspian chuckled while jabbing a finger at the nearby table. ''''There''s a guide for students. I suggest you get one and read up. The professor should be here soon, but you have enough time to learn everything.''''


    ''''Oh,'''' he muttered and quickly grabbed one of the booklets.


    Raegar began reading and discovered that the boys were divided into groups of five, each assigned to a single floor of the Western Dragon Tower. The rooms were comfortable, designed to accommodate their four-year stay at the academy.


    He looked west only to see a massive tower on the opposite side of the castle connected to the main building with walkways, causing him to think. ''So big, looks like thousands of people can fit in that thing.''


    Seeing that it reminded him of the Lighthouse of Alexander from Earth''s history, which reached under the waves. ''They built it into the ocean, and student rooms are below it!'' he thought.


    As Raegar read, Caspian sat beside him while nearby students whispered, labeling them the Scarred One and the Nerd. Their words irritated him, but he brushed them off, ready to react only if they provoked him further.


    ''''Don''t listen to them,'''' he said to his new friends as he summoned one of his daggers with a ching. ''''We will become the greatest Dungeon Divers in the academy''s history, and I''ll be the strongest Devil Hunter on Kaldorra.''''


    When Caspian heard this, his red eyes blazed with determination as he nodded. ''''I''ll help you as much as I can. We will get to the bottom of the Dragon''s Abyss, a Rank S Dungeon just outside the academy.''''


    ''''That''s our goal before we graduate, we will take on that dungeon and I''ll slaughter the boss alongside our team,'''' he declared with resolve.


    The black-haired boy stiffened and started trembling as he muttered. ''''What was that feeling? It felt like a monster was staring at me.''''


    ''''Oh, sorry about that,'''' Raegar apologized. ''''My aura slipped and I forgot it affected people.''''


    Caspian looked shocked but shook his head while speaking. ''''Did you hear the rumors? Drakenwood has nine Triarchs joining this year.''''


    ''''But only one Tetraarch,'''' he replied with a knowing grin.


    The two of them laughed as his new friend warned. ''''Be careful of the Southern Fairy, she''s the daughter of the Southern Lands'' Duke. I heard from Sasha that she''s hard to get on with.''''


    ''''Tyrone Sunfire?'''' Raegar questioned. ''''If so, my brother is married to his second eldest daughter, and my Grandfather is close friends with him.''''


    Caspian chuckled while shaking his head. ''''I keep forgetting you''re a Vaelthorne, but my warning still stands.''''


    Following that, he continued reading the guide only to learn that they''d get their timetables when they chose their extra classes at the end of the day, the professor would help the students after showing them the dorm.


    Raegar only planned to take three and spend his free time exploring the Rank F and E Dungeons, as it was academy rules that Tier One students could enter only those. While reading, the boy suddenly questioned. ''''Rae. What''s Bloodfang Forest like? You said you spent over a year there?''''


    He was brought back to reality and nodded. ''''Yes, thirteen months to be exact.''''


    ''''What was it like? Are the creepy humanoid stories true?'''' the black-haired boy asked nervously.


    Raeger chuckled, answering. ''''Yes, they''re true and much worse than the books suggest. I''d advise never to go to that place.''''


    ''''Why?'''' Caspian curiously questioned.


    ''''Nightwalkers, Watchers, and all other kinds of horrifying monsters that haunt the night,'''' he revealed. ''''You''d be hiding on a branch, but the creatures would call to you from the darkness in the voices of your loved ones, it honestly creeps me out.''''


    When the boy heard this, he became nervous, causing Raegar to laugh as he reassured the boy. ''''You''ll be fine, most of those creatures inhabit the southern parts of the empire. The north is safe from them.''''


    Caspian sighed in relief, pointing at the incoming person. ''''The professor is here, Rae.''''


    He turned to see an older man in his late thirties with grey hair, green eyes, and a long beard, giving him the look of a wise old wizard. Raegar watched the man stop in front of all the students gathered, who numbered in the dozens.


    Moments after the man started speaking in a teacher-like tone. ''''Morning, children, I''m Professor Riverhold. I teach Class Three''s Aether Fundamental, but for today, I will guide you to your dorm rooms, help you pick out four other classes, and hand over the timetables.''''


    Following that, the professor led them all toward the Western Dragon Tower that was home to the boy''s dorms. While walking, he spotted the girls being led by Elara Crowhurst, which shocked him once again.


    ''I wonder why she joined this school?'' he mused.


    Raegar turned his attention back to Professor Riverhold, who started speaking once again. ''''As the guides said, Drakenwood has many facilities to help in your growth. From Gathering Chambers to libraries, alongside dungeons.''''


    When everyone heard that, they got excited, catching the older man''s attention, but he chuckled. ''''Remember, you Tier Ones can only explore Rank F Dungeons or Rank E with a group.''''


    ''''How many are there, sir?'''' he asked the older man.


    The professor turned to him with an annoyed glance. ''''I see someone didn''t read the guide, but to answer your question, young man. There are one hundred and forty-seven altogether. And that''s the ones we''ve found within a couple of hours'' journey from the academy.''''


    Raegar''s jaw dropped at the sheer number, but a thrill surged through him, visions of conquering them all sparking in his mind. Caspian''s laughter broke his reverie, the nerdy boy nudging him with a grin. ''''Told you to read the guide, Rae.''''


    ''''That''s what I was doing, but you distracted me with your damn question,'''' he retorted as a large group walked through the garden.


    Raegar noticed the other students were avoiding them, causing Caspian to comment. ''''Looks like we''re the outcasts of the boys'' dorm, considering the other groups gave us the same expressions.''''


    ''''I don''t care,'''' he replied to the dark-haired boy. ''''Watch how they react when my grandmother heals my face, they''ll come crawling back, but it''s already too late for that.''''


    The pair shared a laugh as Raegar''s gaze drifted to the nearby window, offering a sweeping view of the dining hall below. The chamber bustled with life, its long tables strewn across the polished stone floor.


    At the far end, the kitchen glowed with the flicker of hearth fires, its clatter of pots and shouts of cooks echoing faintly through the glass. He was amazed by the view, but Professor Riverhold''s voice sounded.


    ''''You see this part of the academy?'''' the older man pointed to the part of the castle connected to the Western Dragon Tower by a walkway. ''''That''s the boys'' Common Room where you can relax during your Free Classes or on Dark Day when you have the day off.''''


    Professor Riverhold then spun around and pointed to the tower. ''''This is the Western Dragontower. Home to the boy''s dorm at Drakenwood, it had a long history as an untold number of Aether Mages came before you.''''


    The man made sure everyone was listening as he continued. ''''It''s also home to the second biggest library at the academy.''''


    Following that, they were led toward a wooden door and entered a foyer that was decorated like any other fantasy school he had read about back on Earth, but the one thing he did notice was all the rewards hanging on the walls.


    Trophies that previous boys won throughout Drakenwood''s history, causing him to think with a chuckle. ''Do they have houses like that famous book?''


    Raegar pulled out the guide and found out that there weren''t as there was too many students that attended the academy, but there were unofficial groups that competed in school competitions.

 Chapter 127: Second Duke

    Raegar and Caspian followed behind the group as more students joined them on their walk with the other Professors. That''s when he noticed someone he never expected to see at Drakenwood. ''Ranthar! Did both siblings become teachers here?''


    When the tiger man''s green eyes landed on him, a big smile suddenly appeared as his voice boomed. ''''Little Blackwood! I knew you''d be here!''''


    This made Caspian jump and Raegar laugh as the older man approached and slapped a big hand on his shoulder while speaking. ''''It''s good to see you, boy! Baby sister managed to convince me to join as a PT Professor, so look forward to a good workout.''''


    Following this, he nodded at Ranthar''s words but quickly noticed the strange look Professor Riverhold was staring at him with narrowed eyes, causing him to think. ''What''s his problem?''


    Moments later, the giant man walked back to his group after saying his farewell, as they got to help, who were impressed by him, which made Raegar chuckle. ''Idiot boys, he''s a damn mercenary not some hero.''


    Just then, the grey-haired professor''s voice rang out across the foyer. "Now, we''ll show you to your dorms. Afterward, you''ll select your four classes to fill in your timetable alongside the three main subjects.''''


    Raegar already knew this thanks to the guide, but the other students nodded before Professor Riverhold started leading them to a staircase that spanned the whole height of the Dragontower.


    First of all, the older man had favourites as he was putting the boys at the front in the better rooms, causing Caspian to whisper. ''''I think he''s going to put us in the Lonely Corridors, apparently it''s haunted and no one ever wants it.''''


    ''''Why do you say that?'''' he replied with a raised eyebrow.


    The black-haired boy elaborated. ''''At the tower''s base, there are four larger, isolated rooms. Most students avoid them, though.''''


    Raegar shrugged, unfazed. ''''Doesn''t bother me. As long as we get our own space and some distance from the others, I''m good.''''


    Moments later, what Caspian said was the truth as more students entered the tower and Professor Riverhold assigned the rooms. While this was happening, he watched from the back as the other avoided them.


    ''''Doesn''t it bother you that the others are staying clear?'''' his friend asked.


    ''''No,'''' he answered honestly. ''''I already expected it, thanks to my ruined face, I''m surprised you''re here.''''


    Caspian laughed and slapped his back. ''''Well, I''m not going to ditch my first friend even with the scars. You remind me of my Uncle Sylas, he hunts in the Far North helping out the second Duke.''''


    ''''Second Duke?'''' he questioned.


    ''''You know the Northern Lands are the biggest in the empire and run by Duke Northwood, right?'''' Caspain asked.


    Raegar nodded, urging the boy to go on. ''''Long ago, the Northwood ancestors defeated the Draculen Kingdom in a fierce war that burned the north. They were a realm of Northern Vampires who swore allegiance to the expanding Dawnfire Empire, and the emperor elevated their former royal line to Far North Dukes, giving rise to the D''Ambrose family.''''


    ''''Oh, I met one of them,'''' he revealed. ''''Dominique?''''


    When Caspian heard this, his eyes widened before asking in a low voice. ''''You met the Death Princess?''''


    ''''Huh?'''' Raegar was confused but shook his head. ''''I assume she''s a necromancer?''''


    ''''Yes, and the only one to appear in the D''Ambrose Family,'''' the boy informed. ''''She''s also a summoner and tames a lot of those northern monsters, I can''t believe she has a Shadow Fox as a companion.''''


    ''''Oh Yuzuki!'''' he exclaimed. ''''She''s adorable.''''


    Just then, a familiar voice sounded. ''''Who''s adorable, Rae?''''


    Raegar glanced up to find Rune grinning broadly, the towering boy enveloping him in a crushing bear hug. Gasping as the air left his lungs, Raegar shoved him back with a grin. ''''Great to see you, Rune, but ease up, you''re crushing my ribs!''''


    The brown-haired boy released him, chuckling. ''''Sorry, Rae. My parents speak highly of you and told me to befriend a young man like yourself.''''


    ''''Works for me,'''' Raegar said, then gestured to Caspian. ''''Caspian, meet Rune Windermere, a solid defender.''''


    Turning to the towering boy, he added, ''''Rune, this is my friend Caspian Harker.''''


    He watched as Caspin extended his hand. ''''Pleasure to meet you.''''


    ''''Likewise,'''' Rune replied.


    At that moment, they reached the final floor, where Professor Riverhold was assigning the last students. The three of them were the only ones left, causing the older man to look at him with narrowed eyes.


    ''''Blackwood, Harker, and Windermere. We have no rooms left apart from the Lonely Corridor,'''' the professor revealed with a stern expression. ''''Follow me and don''t fall behind, we need to get to the Common Room to choose your extra classes.''''


    Afterward, the three of them trailed behind the older man as Raegar watched the man while thinking. ''What is this dude''s problem?''


    He shrugged and continued as they walked down the stairs, as Professor Riverhold revealed. ''''We are now at the bottom of the Siren''s Sea, where the last four rooms are located, but it''s also kind of amazing if you find monsters interesting.''''


    Moments later, they stepped into a serene corridor that caught Raegar''s eye. Vibrant red carpets stretched across the floor, complemented by cozy chairs scattered along the walls, with two doors on either side.


    While glancing around, the older man sternly commented. ''''Choose a room for yourselves and return to the Common Room. Don''t take too long.''''


    Rune and Caspian opted for windowless rooms as the sea creeped them out when seeing it, while Raegar chose one with a windowed wall, captivated by the breathtaking view of the sea floor.


    His eyes widened at the sight before him. A spacious bed, its frame carved from dark wood, dominated the space, piled high with clean bedding. Against one wall stood a tall cupboard, offering ample space for his belongings.


    A sturdy table sat near the center, flanked by a cushioned chair that invited long hours of reading or reflection. Shelves and drawers lined the walls, providing a wealth of storage for his gear and keepsakes.


    The floor beneath his boots was covered in a thick, soft rug, adding warmth to the room. Raegar''s gaze drifted to the windowed wall, where the sea floor stretched out in a mesmerizing display of vibrant corals and darting fish, casting light across the cozy space.


    Then, a shadow loomed, a massive shark, its sleek, muscular form cutting through the water with effortless grace. Its scarred hide and rows of glinting teeth spoke of a predator at ease in its domain, cruising past the window without a glance, minding its own business.


    Raegar''s breath caught, marveling at its raw power. ''That''s a Tier Ten monster!'' he internally exclaimed.


    Moments later, his awe shifted to horror as the shark''s trajectory changed. A massive Tier Eight deep-sea whale, gliding nearby with its calf, had caught the predator''s attention. The shark''s tail flicked, propelling it forward in a sudden, explosive burst.


    Its jaws snapped open, and with terrifying speed, it slammed into the whale''s flank. The water clouded with crimson as the beast thrashed, its mournful cries vibrating faintly through the glass.


    The calf veered away, unharmed but frantic, while the shark tore into its prey with relentless ferocity. Raegar gripped the edge of the table, heart pounding, unable to tear his eyes from the brutal spectacle unfolding just beyond his room''s comforting walls.


    ''''Rae!'''' Rune shouted as the two boys entered the room.


    As the currents swept the blood away in swirling clouds, Raegar tore his gaze from the window. Caspian stood in the doorway and revealed. ''''Head outside and seal the room with your Aether. It''ll ensure only you and the staff can enter.''''


    Afterward, he sealed it and felt the door become secure before the three of them headed toward the Common Room. While walking, Rune turned to him and asked. ''''Why are people avoiding you both?''''


    Raegar chuckled and answered honestly. ''''They''re freaked out by my face and scared of his hot older sisters.''''


    ''''Oi!'''' Caspian barked. ''''Don''t talk about them like that, Rae!''''


    Raegar chuckled along with the big guy who asked. ''''What are they like?''''


    ''''Gorgeous and look like trouble makers, but seem to be top students in Drakenwood,'''' he replied.


    Caspian''s face flushed a deeper red, his embarrassment only fueling Raegar''s laughter. As they stepped into the bustling Common Room, Professor Riverhold''s annoyed voice cut through the noise. ''''Enjoying yourself, Blackwood? Good. Now take a seat and choose your classes.''''


    The trio settled at a worn wooden table in the Common Room, the hum of chatter surrounding them. Professor Riverhold handed them a stack of papers, which Caspian quickly divided among them.


    Raegar bent over his forms, scribbling his details as the school wanted to organize their timetables. When he reached the class selection, he paused, then marked Dungeoneering, World History, and Devil Hunting, each choice sparking a thrill of anticipation.


    ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought before filling out the paperwork.

 Chapter 128: The Nightmare Forest

    One slot remained, but Raegar left it blank, a sly grin tugging at his lips. The dungeons called to him, and that free period would be his chance to explore them without getting in trouble with the school.


    After ten minutes, Professor Riverhold spoke to the crowd of boys who were still busy scribbling away. ''''Two more minutes, we need to get these forms to the office staff so they can organize them for tomorrow morning.''''


    Caspian leaned back, finished with his forms, having chosen Aether Engineering, Politics, Runes and Wards, and Enchanting. Raegar smirked, unsurprised. ''Wants to be a legendary inventor who can take down Devils,'' he thought, chuckling under his breath.


    He glanced at Rune, who was carefully marking his selections: Potion Brewing, Herbology, Aether Monster Studies & Taming, and Runes and Wards. Raegar nodded to himself, picturing him taming beasts and brewing concoctions.


    Following that, Professor Riverhold started collecting them using magic and informed the crowd. ''''Now, each one of you will be staying in your dorm room tonight. So say goodbye to your families and report back here in the morning, preferably before first bell, to get your Academy Pass.''''


    Once the older man finished talking, he left the Common Room and started walking across the walkway to the main building as the other boys started leaving. While sitting there, he noticed a group of three boys approach.


    ''Here we go, typical bully troupe,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    The trio got close, but before they could speak, Raegar did. ''''Look, we don''t care who your parents are, what noble family you come from. Just leave us out of your antics, we want nothing to do with it.''''


    When the leader heard this, his face turned as red as his hair, and he warned. ''''Stay away from the Southern Fairy Scarface, someone like you will give her nightmares.''''


    Raegar started laughing at the idiots while he retorted. ''''Petty insults? I don''t care for your fairy. Now go back to hanging off your family name, Gideon Rautha.''''


    The boy''s face paled when he heard that. Gideon shook his head and questioned. ''''Who are you?''''


    He was about to reply, the black-haired boy spoke up from beside him. ''''A Vaelthorne. Like he said, your tricks won''t work here.''''


    Raegar removed the hood he was wearing only to reveal the famous white hair, causing all three boys to rush off, making Rune laugh as Caspian revealed. ''''You know they''ll try to ruin your reputation?''''


    ''''I know,'''' he answered while pulling out some campfire bread and started eating as he continued. ''''I don''t care about that, my deeds will speak for me, but something that caught my attention was the Academy Pass.''''


    ''''Yep, they track Academy Points that boost your final grade at year''s end,'''' Caspian informed the two, leaning forward. ''''It''s their way of sifting out the weaker mages to make the school stronger.''''


    Raegar was shocked but shrugged. ''''I assume their used to getting into the dungeons?''''


    His two friends nodded, prompting him to smile. ''''Alright, I''ll see you guys later. I''m going to check on the closest one and see if I can get in.''''


    Once he was gone, Rune looked down at Caspian and commented. ''''Why does it feel like his a wild beast waiting to be let loose?''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood came to Drakenwood to fight, learn about the world, and conquer dungeons. He doesn''t care about nobility, being popular, or even girls; he''s just determined to grow stronger like he''s being hunted.''''


    When the giant boy heard this, he clenched his fist and declared. ''''Then I''ll become his shield against these hunters. With you, sister, and a few others, no one can get to him.''''


    Caspian chuckled. ''''You know he''ll drag us into all kinds of trouble, right?'''' he questioned.


    Rune nodded while confidently responding. ''''And I''ll be there beside him to bask in the light or revel in the trouble we''ve caused.''''


    Following this, the two of them left to see their families while Raegar left the academy entrance and followed the signs to the closest Rank F dungeon that was tucked away in the corner of the garden.


    When he arrived, several guards milled about but quickly noticed him, prompting the commander to speak. ''''What can we do for you, boy?''''


    ''''How can I get in there?'''' he replied while pointing at the portal.


    The older man looked suspicious and asked in a stern tone. ''''Show me your Academy Pass or Adventurers Card, then you can.''''


    His eyes widened when he remembered the card Lisara gave to him, and he pulled it from his ring, shocking the surrounding soldiers. The commander took it and muttered in awe. ''''Rank D! Let me scan it to see if it''s real.''''


    ''''Go for it,'''' he said, his daggers materializing with a sharp ching.


    The man pulled out an Aether Scanner and ran it over the adventurer''s card. This gave Raegar time to take in the man''s rugged appearance with long grey hair and a pair of lion ears on his head.


    ''A Lion Demi-Human from the far south!'' he thought. ''They rarely travel this far north thanks to the horrible weather.''


    Moments later, the older man''s eyes widened, flicking up to his face. ''''It''s you,'''' he muttered, almost in disbelief.


    ''''It''s me?'''' Raegar echoed, brow raised, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his tone.


    ''''The Ghost of the South, the boy who killed a Devil Lord alone and saved the Nytherian Strike Squad,'''' the man nodded in awe before introducing himself. ''''I''m the Guard Commander Zane Bloodhowl, it''s an honor to meet an up-and-coming genius.''''


    ''''Raegar Blackwood, can I enter the dungeon?'''' he asked. ''''I want to fight monsters.''''


    Zane nodded while handing back his card with a smile. ''''Of course, young master. You can enter all up until Rank D, you''ll need the headmistress''s permission to step into those.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied, questioning. ''''How come you heard my name so far north?''''


    The guards roared with laughter, their voices echoing through the gardens, until Zane''s voice cut through. ''''In the Southern Lands, you alone shattered their fiercest defenses with unknown magic, which spared my brothers a grueling war.''''


    He noticed the respect and fear in the man''s eyes as he continued. ''''When they marched into Eryndor, they sang of the Ghost, a boy who demanded nothing, yet liberated the south from the jaws of endless conflict.''''


    ''''Expect a visit from the Government, young master,'''' another soldier spoke up. ''''I bet the empress will reward you in the Imperial Summer Award Ceremony for what happened during the war.''''


    Raegar summoned his Death Rose armor with a thought while replying. ''''Hopefully, I get more gold coins. I spent too much on this.''''


    Zane chuckled, pointing at the main building, then back at the entrance of the dungeon. ''''There''s a shop in there to sell the materials at, they''re always in need of stuff from the Nightmare Forest.''''


    ''''What''s the best thing to collect?'''' he asked the soldiers.


    One of them stepped forward while pulling out some white cloth and plants. ''''This is Spider Silk that comes from the second floor and the Sunfire Lilly, home on the third. They will earn you the most young master,'''' the soldier explained.


    ''''Thank you,'''' Raegar replied, stepping through the portal after they told him the Rank F Dungeon was four floors with the boss on the fourth.


    The revelation ignited a fire in his chest, his pulse racing with excitement, but he steadied himself, daggers at the ready, as he appeared on the first floor. A forest sprawled in front of him, its canopy alive with sunlight and the hum of unseen creatures.


    Raegar scanned the surroundings, wondering what monsters would attack. He shrugged and pressed forward, boots crunching through the underbrush. A sudden twang sliced the air, an arrow hurtled toward him.


    With a flick of his wrist, he cleaved it in two, the halves spinning harmlessly past. His eyes locked onto the source: a Tier One Goblin, which was crouched in the shadows, waiting to attack him.


    Moments later, he hurled a dagger, the blade whistling through the air, embedding itself in the creature''s chest. The Goblin gurgled, eyes rolling back, and collapsed in a heap as it vanished.


    Following that, more of the monsters appeared, prompting him to start killing them with ease as he used Stormfire Bullet, which burrowed through their corpses. Minutes later, the Goblins stopped coming.


    Raegar prowled the forest, collecting Aether Cores from the fallen Goblins, his senses sharp as he scanned the dense undergrowth. He held his breath, no threats emerging, allowing him to store the cores in his ring before pressing deeper.


    Soon, a low growl prickled his ears, Forest Wolves slinking through the trees, eyes glinting with predatory intent. ''''Figures,'''' he muttered, a grin tugging at his lips. ''''They''re always tweaking these monsters.''''


    As they closed in, he flicked his wrists, sending his daggers singing through the air. The blades struck true, burying themselves in the creatures'' hides. The wolves collapsed mid-stride, lifeless.

 Chapter 129: A Goblin Shaman? Wolf King?

    Raegar retrieved his daggers with a thought and continued his hunt through the forest. By the time he reached the second floor, he gulped when he saw webs all over the place. This sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''''Oh fuck,'''' he muttered. ''''Damn spiders again.''''


    Moments later, a scuttling noise could be heard, prompting him to cast a Stormfire Bullet into the dog-sized spiders that were Tier One. It wasn''t an issue for him to kill them, but once the creatures were gone, they left something behind.


    ''''Loot,'''' he muttered.


    He crouched down and picked up the same Spider Silk that the guard mentioned. His worry about these weak monsters made him chuckle as he rushed around the second floor, killing all the monsters.


    Once they were dead, he began collecting all the materials. By the time he cleaned out the beasts, he felt his ring full of Aether Cores and Spider Silk. He continued and reached the third floor''s entrance, but let out a yawn as he spent hours in there.


    ''''Let''s continue to the Sunfire Lily''s and earn some gold,'''' he muttered. ''''This armor cost too much, worth all the coin though.''''


    When he stepped onto the third floor, he noticed it was a swampy grassland with hills stretching out in all directions, only to see water all over the place. He continued and saw the flowers he needed to collect everywhere.


    Raegar began gathering all the Sunfire Flowers he could and stored them away, making his way up the hill, he noticed what type of monsters were guarding the loot. ''Damn Swamp Frogs, out of all the damn creatures it had to be the one I can''t get near,'' he internally sighed.


    Following that, he watched the big frogs the size of small cars, but strong in numbers, if they managed to overwhelm him. He started casting Stormfire Bullet, easily piercing the monster''s head, causing it to drop dead.


    ''''Weak,'''' he muttered.


    Moments later, more appeared and slowly hopped up the hill, allowing Raegar to throw his daggers at the closest ones that instantly killed the beasts. He used his Aether to control the weapons to finish off the others.


    After the last creatures dropped dead, he continued through the third floor, killing any Swamp Frog that it came across while gathering up all the monster materials that he would sell at the academy or Willowbank Village on Dark Day.


    Later, Raegar found the fourth-floor entrance and descended into an ancient arena. As he stepped inside, the arena lit up, locking him in until he vanquished the boss. ''''Looks like a shield is blocking me in here,'''' he mumbled.


    Seconds later, a Giant Forest Spider descended from the ceiling, crashing to the ground with a threatening hiss. Far from intimidated, he felt a surge of excitement, eager to battle the creature.


    ''''Tier Two,'''' he muttered, crouching down. ''''Once I beat you, I can return to the dorm and get some rest after selling your core.''''


    No sooner had the words left his lips, he exploded forward, a blazing comet of raw Aether as he readied his weapons. The spider, caught off guard by his blinding speed, faltered, its legs twitching in confusion.


    His hands flashed with magic, summoning his Hydra Blades, made from fire that roared into existence, heat warping the air. Raegar hurled the flaming blades in a deadly arc, targeting the spider''s barbed legs, lunging toward him.


    Raegar watched as the fiery blades sliced through the air, their trails illuminating the arena like a meteor shower. They struck true, severing the spider''s forelimbs with a hiss of cauterized chitin.


    The beast shrieked, a sound that shook the very pillars of the arena. It suddenly reared back, its remaining legs thrashing in fury. He skidded to a halt, his red eyes alight when realizing the boss wasn''t dead.


    ''''Not long now,'''' he said, controlling the Hydra Blades that tore through more legs.


    The beast tried to dodge the weapons by leaping into the air, trying to get into position to attack him once again. Raegar wasn''t stupid and sent his blades flying upwards until they connected with its underside.


    They burrowed through its exoskeleton, forcing blood to splatter everywhere as the Giant Forest Spider crashed into the ground in a heap. Afterward, he grabbed the Aether Core that dropped from the boss''s body.


    Raegar turned around only to see Elara, Zane, and Ranthar standing there smiling. The tiger woman exclaimed with a proud smile. ''''I told you both! Little Blackwood would ace the Nightmare Forest.''''


    He chuckled at the suddenness of it all, but Ranthar the giant tiger man spoke up after putting his sword away. ''''We''ll return to the entrance, you can guide him back to the dorms before the last bell.''''


    Elara nodded as the two men walked toward the entrance. She suddenly hugged him with a pleased expression. ''''It''s good to see you listened to my advice. I''m impressed that you cleared this place so quickly.''''


    ''''Of course I did, it''s helped me a lot,'''' he replied honestly.


    This made the older woman happy, she hugged him once again. ''''Thank you, your father never listened to me, but I''m glad you learned well.''''


    After her words, the two followed Ranthar and Zane until the group left the dungeon, chatting about their experiences in the Nightmare Forest. The tigress was happy with what he accomplished on the first day, and Raegar could tell as her tail was swaying everywhere.


    Moments later, they spotted the headmistress standing there with her arms crossed. She spoke while staring at him. ''''Blackwood, what do you think you''re doing? You haven''t got your Academy Pass yet.''''


    ''''I wanted to try out my first dungeon, and being a Rank D adventurer, I could handle a Rank F one without an issue,'''' he answered.


    The headmistress narrowed her eyes briefly before sighing. ''''Be cautious and don''t overexert yourself,'''' she warned.


    ''''I''ll be fine, just need to get some sleep,'''' he replied as the older woman reluctantly nodded.


    ''''No dungeons until next week,'''' the headmistress instructed. ''''Focus on settling in, diving can wait. For now, return to your dorm and get some rest, also sell the monster materials tomorrow.''''


    Raegaer agreed as she strode toward the other staff members. He and Elara continued toward the dorms, the tigress glanced at him. ''''I may not be your Combat Professor now, but we can still train together if you''re up for it, there''s a training field in the back of the staff area that borders the Sirens Sea, beautiful view.''''


    ''''That sounds good to me,'''' he answered as they got close to the Western Tower.


    Once they arrived, Elara said her goodbyes and headed toward the professor''s quarters, where the professors stayed. Raegar made his way to his dorm room, ignoring all the looks he was getting from the boys as he passed through the Common Room.


    Ten minutes later, he stepped into the Lonely Corridor, which was silent. Soon enough, he entered his room, dismissing his armor with a thought. He slumped down and got comfortable as all the fighting took its toll on his body.


    ''Time to get some sleep and find out what my timetable is tomorrow,'' he thought, growing tired.


    He peered at the window, swallowed by the inky darkness of night. Then, glowing yellow eyes materialized, glaring back at him. A chill slithered down his spine, knowing those eyes belonged to a Tier Six monster.


    Raegar knew they couldn''t do anything thanks to being in the tower, making him laugh. He rolled over and fell asleep as the bed was extremely comfortable, sinking into the mattress, when a tapping noise was heard.


    ''Fuck that!'' he internally exclaimed.


    The next morning, the door started banging thanks to someone banging. Rune''s voice boomed from the other side, catching him off guard. ''''Rae! Wake up, we have to go get our timetables.''''


    ''''Argh, what the fuck?'''' he mumbled. ''''I''m getting up!''''


    Raegar climbed out of the bed, shaking his head, but the exhaustion was still lingering, and he replied to the giant boy. ''''I''m coming, but stop shouting.''''


    After that, he put on his clothes and boots, stepping into the corridor, yawning as the tiredness was obvious. Once outside, Caspian and Rune were waiting. The black-haired boy chuckled. ''''Shouldn''t have gone to the dungeon last night, I heard you coming in later last night.''''


    He chuckled as the three walked upstairs, chatting about his fight in the Nightmare Forest, amazing them. Moments later, they arrived at the Common Room, where a horde of other boys were waiting for Professor Riverhold.


    The three sat down just as Rune questioned with an excited gleam in his eyes. ''''So what was the boss? A Goblin Shaman? Wolf King?''''


    Raegar shook his head, chuckling. ''''A Giant Forest Spider, creepy thing. It was weak and died within seconds,'''' he revealed.


    They laughed, causing the nearby students to give them weird looks. Rune narrowed his eyes, prompting the boys to spin around. Following that, the older man stepped into the Commom Room holding a stack of papers.

 Chapter 130: Famous Healer Of The East

    ''''Morning, students!'''' Professor Riverhold greeted. ''''When I call your names, come and collect your timetable before heading to breakfast. Remember what you learned in the seminar and follow all the rules, or you''ll face being kicked out.''''


    He watched as the older man called out names as students approached the professor, while others lingered, waiting for friends. Caspian was called first, followed by Rune, and finally Raegar, who joined the two boys waiting on the walkway.


    Raegar and the two boys approached the dining hall, chatting about their upcoming lessons. Rune was leading the way. While doing that, he took the chance to glance at his timetable with a smile.


    [Raegar Blackwood - Class S]


    [LIGHT DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Combat Magic]


    [World History]


    [Dinner]


    [Free Class]


    [WATER DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Lunch]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Devil Hunting]


    [WIND DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [World History]


    [Lunch]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Dinner]


    [Free Class]


    [EARTH DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Lunch]


    [Devil Hunting]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [World History]


    [CHAOS DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Devil Hunting]


    [FIRE DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [World History]


    [Lunch]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Combat Magic]


    [LIGHTNING DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Devil Hunting]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Free Class]


    [DARK DAY]


    [Rest Day]


    ''Looks like the last day of the week will be perfect to explore dungeons without getting in trouble,'' he mused.


    Following that, Raegar followed the two boys as he walked through the school corridors, just when more students appeared. Ten minutes later, they arrived at a massive hall with tables and chairs all over the place.


    The queue snaked to one side, where others waited for their food. Caspian shot Rae a glance. "What''s your first class, Rae? It''s Light Day, remember?" he asked.


    Raegar answered thanks to memorizing it. ''''P.T. and Aether Fundamentals after breakfast, along with Combat Magic and World History after lunch.''''


    ''''Good, seems like you''ll be busy in class,'''' the black-haired boy commented.


    Moments later, the group reached the kitchen, where the cooks handed them a tray brimming with fresh Aether food. A woman gestured toward a nearby table. ''''Take a fruit that matches your element,'''' she said.


    Raegar nodded, snagging a red fruit resembling an apple, while Rune picked a blue one and Caspian chose a green one. They settled at the table. His eyes locked on the meal, Aether meat, its aroma making his mouth water.


    ''''The school''s serving this for our first day to boost our energy," Rune said. "I''ve got Combat Magic with Ranthar Crowhurst. What about you two?"


    ''''Aether Engineering with Professor Vernon, who is one of the top academics in the field. I can''t wait to learn from her,'''' Caspian replied excitedly.


    This made the others laugh. ''''At least you both are passionate about other stuff, unlike me, who loves fighting monsters and Devils,'''' Raegar chuckled.


    ''''You''re a battle junkie Rae,'''' the giant boy commented with a chuckle. ''''Wait until the Blood Battles or the Great Magic Games. You''ll finally help Drakenwood get recognized if you continue training the way you do.''''


    Caspian agreed with a nod, adding. ''''For someone our age, your drive to grow stronger is fierce. None of my siblings or even parents are like you, I bet you''re just as passionate when it comes to your lovers.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but agree. ''''Yes, you''re right, Cas. Yuki said the same thing as I left to come to the academy,'''' he said.


    Following that, the three of them started eating as the other students were excited about their first classes. Moments later, the hall went quiet as a group of girls walked in, chatting, causing Rune to speak. ''''That''s the Southern Fairy Alice Sunfire, and her friends Macy Northwood, Angela Reynolds, and Jessica Vaelthrone.''''


    Caspian looked at him and asked curiously. ''''Is she related to you, Rae?''''


    Raegar shrugged as he didn''t care. ''''Most likely, there are so many cousins I haven''t met, most of them as I''m a Blackwood, the white hair and red eyes of the Vaelthornes making most of them treat me like an outsider.''''


    His friends looked at him with pity, but he waved them away with a smirk. ''''I honestly don''t care about all that, I''ve survived sixteen years without their approval, my grandfather is happy with me, along with my grandmother, and their opinions are all I bother about.''''


    Rune nodded with a big smile. ''''Good thinking, it''s best not to let it hold you back, and that''s worked for you,'''' he added.


    Moments later, his gaze caught a familiar figure entering the hall, someone he hadn''t seen in over a year. ''Zahara,'' he thought, recognizing the blonde girl.


    Her hair was swept into a ponytail, her dark brown skin glowing as it had during their meeting at the Aether Tests, before his journey into Bloodfang Forest. He rose from his seat as she settled alone at a table.


    Raegar stood up while holding his tray, which surprised his two friends as Rune spoke. ''''What''s wrong, Rae?''''


    ''''I''ll be back,'''' he said, heading toward the blonde girl.


    Moments later, Raegar slid into the seat across from her. Prompting the girl to look up, her grey eyes widening in surprise. He chuckled, greeting her warmly. ''''Long time no see, Zahara. Glad you chose Drakenwood.''''


    ***


    (Two weeks before Raegar started at Drakenwood and was messing around in the Moonfire Forest)


    ''''Zahara! Are you ready, dear?'''' her mother shouted from downstairs. ''''Your Father and Julian will be done soon.''''


    ''''Yes, mother!'''' she replied while putting on her winter dress, as it was still colder thanks to the southern storms that hit Duskwater Hollow, which was an isolated village that was on the southwestern peninsula.


    Descending the stairs, she found her mother and siblings waiting below. Her older brother, Vincent, stepped forward, enveloping her in a warm hug. ''''We hope you shine at Drakenwood, baby sister,'''' he said. ''''We''re all waiting for you''ll make the town proud.''''


    Zahara smiled when she heard her brother''s words, answering. ''''I hope so, I didn''t expect to become a Triarch Mage and be sponsored by Empress Dahlia Dwanfire,'''' she said


    Vincent laughed, ruffling her hair. ''''Have fun, little sis. Rodney and I are off to patrol the town limits, those reports, you know,'''' he said.


    ''''Be careful out there,'''' Zahara replied quickly.


    Grinning, he reassured her. ''''No worries, Samara''s coming with us. We''ll be fine.''''


    Moments later, Zahara''s mother stepped forward and enveloped her in a tight hug. ''''Look after yourself, sweetheart. Come back this summer, I''ll miss you, just like your brothers and sisters will.''''


    After heartfelt farewells to her mother and siblings, who would remain behind, Zahara prepared to depart. Her father and Julian would accompany her to the academy, a nine-day journey by carriage.


    Days later, they were traveling through the Darkwood Forest that separated their town from the outside world and shielded them from the recently ended war. While trekking on the Kingsway, she saw all kinds of carriages traveling alongside theirs.


    Zahara glanced up only to see Skyhaven Carriers travel north and east to take students to the other academies across the Dawnfire Empire. She continued watching the scene until her father, Baldwin, glanced at her.


    ''''Nervous?'''' he asked with a warm smile. ''''No need to be, Drakenwood is an amazing school. It''s a shame that the noble families shun it for the way the famous Ice Duchess Corinne von Hohenstein runs it.''''


    Julian bobbed his head before adding. ''''Yes, my brother Cassian said his company has set up a shop in Willowbank. He took advantage of the merchant families avoiding the school thanks to the idiotic nobles.''''


    Everyone laughed as Zahara questioned. ''''Why is it so hated if they provide the best result after the Dawnfire Academy?''''


    ''''Because some of the bigger ones banded together to petition the old emperor to influence the rankings, giving Drakenwood the fourth spot,'''' her father revealed. ''''But the headmistress doesn''t care, she focuses on the students and their talents.''''


    She nodded in understanding as Julian continued. ''''The famous Healer of the East is the head nurse at the school; she also teaches a class, so you''ll be able to learn from her. I heard Professor Kitsunia is a strong woman.''''


    ''''Shut up, Jules,'''' Baldwin commented. ''''You just like gorgeous fox women, and it so happens that she is beautiful according to the rumors.''''


    Zahara giggled as her father teased his friend again. ''''I still remember that cat woman who turned you down in Southwood City. Whoever her man is, I''m jealous of him. Did you see her reaction?''''


    Julian shuddered, mumbling in frustration. ''''Yeah, cat women are terrifying. She said she had a younger man when I asked his asked. She''s into toyboys, seems to be a new thing among beautiful women nowadays.''''


    Baldwin started laughing and replied. ''''Stop making excuses for your lack of charm, Jules. Even my Emily''s sister gave up on you, she said you were denser they Eryndor''s walls.''''


    Following that, the journey toward Brightwater City was peaceful, but rumors of someone called the Ghost of the South intrigued her; it was said a young man beat back the enemy invasion before vanishing.

 Chapter 131 131: Willowbank Bakery

    Zahara was staring at the northern city that she had heard much about from the talkative Julian, and she learned that the Vaelthrone Family controlled the Western Lands, prompting her to think about the handsome, white-haired boy who helped her a year ago.


    ''What was his name? Haegar? No its Reagar Blackwood,'' she mused with a smile. ''I wonder if he got into any of the academies? Rumors say he vanished after the Aether Test.''


    Following that, Baldwin called for her. ''''Darling! Come on, only a few more hours until we''re at Brightwater. We need to pick up stuff for the town, so I''ll book a carriage to the academy for you.''''


    ''''Yes, Father,'''' she replied, climbing back in and traveling along the Kingsway.


    Sometime later, the gates of the city appeared in the distance. Their carriage didn''t have to wait thanks to the permission the empress gave them when she joined the imperial project to help up-and-coming mages from the border regions.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the road to Willowbank Village, Zahara''s father secured the carriage. The path was safe for travel now. Stepping outside, she met Baldwin''s gaze, and the older man pulled her into a tight embrace.


    ''''My dearest daughter,'''' he said softly, voice thick with emotion. ''''I''ll miss you terribly. Write to us often, and I''ll send gold coins to your school account each week, but more importantly, show all those people what you can do and make us proud.''''


    Zahara nodded with a big smile. ''''I will, Father, don''t worry. I will get stronger to help the town the next time the Southern Giants attack,'''' she declared.


    The two men noticed the fire in her eyes, making them nod proudly as Baldwin. ''''That''s a daughter of the Ashbournes, just like your brother Vincent. Now go conquer Drakenwood and become like the Witch of the West, who is the empire''s best healer.''''


    Following that, Zahara said her goodbyes and started traveling toward the academy along the road that was being lit by the morning sun. While sitting in the carriage, she spotted a lone tent sitting away from everyone.


    ''Why is that student alone? Isn''t he worried,'' she thought.


    Moments later, the Drakenwood Academy appeared, and the sight amazed her as the carriage stopped just outside. Zahara got out and was met by an older woman whose expression changed when she saw her.


    A smile appeared as she introduced herself. ''''Morning, Miss Ashbourne. I''m Headmistress Corinne Von Hohenstein. I''m glad you chose to attend my school. Nurse Kitsunia will be a great help to you.''''


    ''''I hope so,'''' she replied with an excited expression. ''''I can''t wait to learn here. The Duke told me so many good things about this place.''''


    The headmistress laughed at this. ''''Yes, Tyrone Sunfire. A wild child, but was a good student if I remember correctly.''''


    Zahara watched the older woman shake her head, continuing. ''''Let me take you to the tests. If a formality to find out what class you''ll be in.''''


    She nodded as the two of them entered the testing grounds, as a massive explosion rocked the place. This surprised everyone around them, causing the headmistress to look at her. ''''One of the students must have gone over the top with their Aether.''''


    Following that, Corrine stuck by her throughout the tests for a few hours while muttering about a student she kept missing. This caught Zahara''s attention, prompting her to question. ''''Who is this person? He seems to be one step ahead of us.''''


    ''''It doesn''t matter,'''' the blue-haired woman dismissively said. ''''Let''s take you to the Eastern Griffin Tower and get you a room with the other Triarchs.''''


    Zahara grew curious. ''''How many students can use three elements this year?'''' she asked.


    ''''There are eight altogether, but some have yet to turn up,'''' Corrine responded. ''''Not all the professors know until we organize the timetables.''''


    Moments later, the two of them walked through the schools gardens which looked peaceful compared the deadly south. While doing that, the older woman turned to her. ''''I bet it''s different being so far north. Must be different compared to the borderlands.''''


    ''''You''re right,'''' Zahara answered. ''''When we reached Dunmara, things changed, and the land became more dense with farming villages, towns, and cities.''''


    ''''The people are less friendly?'''' Corrine inquired.


    She nodded with a confused expression. ''''In the villages, yes. They seem not to like outsiders.''''


    The older woman giggled at her words before revealing. ''''Well Willowbank and Brightwater love Drakenwood. You''ll be able to explore both on Dark Days, maybe you can try the Brightshakes that have become famous throughout the north.''''


    ''''Brightshakes?'''' Zahara muttered.


    Corrine quickly explained. ''''It''s a milk drink that a previous student created while at the school. She married another pupil and settled down in the village, the place is called Willowbank Bakery, it''s a favourite spot for the children.''''


    ''''I''ll try it,'''' she answered, looking forward to the drink.


    Following that, Zahara spotted the tower that was twice the size of the boys but wasn''t as tall. She paused, her breath catching as she gazed up at a magnificent tower. Its stone gleamed in the light, adorned with vines and flowers that spiraled toward the sky.


    The tower stood proudly overlooking the school''s beautiful garden, its base twice as wide as the boys'', but not too high. Below, the garden buzzed with life. Girls lounged on soft blankets spread across the emerald grass, their laughter mingling with the hum of conversation.


    Some read books, their heads bent over pages, while others sketched the blooming roses and lilies that framed the pathways. A few tossed a colorful ball, their movements light and carefree.


    Female professors walked through the scene, their robes swishing. One, with silver hair pinned neatly, paused to discuss a monster sketch with a student, her voice warm and encouraging.


    Another, carrying a stack of scrolls, nodded kindly at a group of girls debating a philosophical point about the origin of the worlds Aether and where it came from. Zahara shook her head and followed Corrine stopped.


    ''''First years are housed in Dragon and Griffin Towers,'''' the older woman explained. ''''Second and third years reside in Hydra and Wyrm Towers, while fourth years stay in Eldertree Tower to the west.''''


    Zahara nodded, taking the papers. ''''Choose your lessons,'''' Corrine suddenly said. ''''I need to help the other seven settle in, but I''ll return soon.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' she replied, clutching the forms.


    Once the headmistress vanished with two girls, Zahara settled into the Common Room, spreading out the forms on a table. After thoughtful consideration, she selected Healing, Potion Brewing, Dungeoneering, and World History, subjects that sparked her curiosity.


    Forms completed, she wandered the expansive room, marveling at the towering bookshelves lining the walls. Clusters of cozy couches were scattered about, with stairways branching off to the girls'' dormitories and other student areas.


    She sat down with a book about Griffin Tower, engrossed in its pages while awaiting the headmistress. A woman approached, her dark green and blue eyes standing out against her professor''s robes.


    ''''I''m Professor Silvershade,'''' she said with a warm smile. ''''A pleasure to meet you, Zahara. I''ll be guiding you in mastering your Earth and Water elements. If you''re a dedicated student, we''ll make great progress together.''''


    Zahara couldn''t help but respond. ''''Thank you for the kind words, Professor. I look forward to your classes.''''


    The headmistress returned, gathering her completed forms. She then led her up the tower to her room, a cozy space with a stunning view of the Black Forest stretching beyond the school walls.


    ''''Get some rest and I''ll deliver your timetable,'''' Corrine revealed with a smile. ''''I won''t be long.''''


    Following that, Zahara relaxed for a few hours until the students were summoned to the Common Room, and all the first years appeared as professors handed out their timetables for the term.


    When the headmistress gave her one, she checked over it and was surprised.


    [Zahara - Class S]


    [LIGHT DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Healing]


    [World History]


    [Dinner]


    [Free Class]


    [WATER DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Lunch]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Potion Brewing]


    [WIND DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [World History]


    [Lunch]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Dinner]


    [Free Class]


    [EARTH DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Lunch]


    [Healing]


    [Potion Brewing]


    [Dinner]


    [World History]


    [CHAOS DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Combat Magic]


    [Potion Brewing]


    [Dinner]


    [Healing]


    [FIRE DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [World History]


    [Lunch]


    [Dungeoneering]


    [Healing]


    [Dinner]


    [Combat Magic]


    [LIGHTNING DAY]


    [Breakfast]


    [PT]


    [Aether Fundamentals]


    [Lunch]


    [Potion Brewing]


    [Free Class]


    [Dinner]


    [Healing]


    [DARK DAY]


    [Rest Day]


    ''''Looks like I''ll be busy this year,'''' she muttered.


    Following that, Zahara continued to read in the common room until she noticed a group of noble girls giving her strange looks thanks to the simple dress she was wearing, prompting her to think. ''Not my thought we come from a small town.''


    They continued to allow her to return to her room and couldn''t wait to start classes tomorrow morning, as her first class was P.T, which helped mages improve their bodies with exercise.

 Chapter 132 132: Professor Silvershades daughter

    Zahara reached her room and glanced out the window, only to see darkness due to it being a moonless night. She shook her head and started getting ready before slipping into the comfortable bed.


    A soft mattress greeted her, causing her to start feeling drowsy and fall asleep moments later. Thanks to the Aether Runes, we used all of the tower that kept the cold air out and helped the first-year girls fall asleep.


    The next morning, Zahara woke with a yawn, slipped out of bed, and padded into the bathroom. She freshened up, ready to start the day with breakfast. After getting ready, she stepped out of her room only to bump into someone.


    ''''Hello there,'''' a green-haired girl greeted with a big smile. ''''I''m Luna Silvershade. I saw your Aether test and realized you can use three Elements just like me.''''


    Her head tilted, asking. ''''Zahara Ashbourne, and what are your elements?''''


    ''''Light, Fire, and Lightning,'''' Luna revealed, holding out her hand. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet another Triarch. There are a few of us this year, plus the infamous Scarred One everyone is talking about.''''


    Zahara grew curious and went to ask, but the girl interrupted with glowing blue eyes. ''''How about we have breakfast together? We can gossip on the way to the hall? It''s what friends do after all.''''


    As the duo left the Eastern Tower, she turned to her new friend and questioned. ''''Whose this Scarred One? Another Triarch?''''


    ''''Nope,'''' Luna responded. ''''The first Tetraarch in thousands of years, who is a part of our generation and joined Drakenwood. Rumors speak of him fighting Devils and battling monsters.''''


    When hearing this, Zahara''s eyes widened, thinking in shock. ''Raegar! You joined this school!''


    A big smile appeared on her face as she replied. ''''Interesting, if it''s the right person, I met him a year ago in Dunmara City in the Southern Lands, but was rushed around by Duke Vaelthorne.''''


    Luna''s face lit up with a wide grin. ''''We''re both in Class S! I bet the Scarred One will be there too. They say he wields eight elements, but he''s not your typical guy, definitely different from the other boys here.''''


    ''''Intriguing,'''' Zahara muttered, shaking her head. ''''Where are you from anyway, Luna? We can gossip about boys at breakfast.''''


    ''''A city named Mistmoor, it''s in the Eastern Lands,'''' the green-haired girl answered. ''''A quiet part of the empire, the mist surrounding us keeps the monsters and bandits away, so that''s one good thing.''''


    Luna turned to her with a big smile and asked. ''''What about you?''''


    ''''Duskwater Town on the Shadowfen Peninsula in the far south,'''' she revealed.


    ''''Oh, so you''re a border citizen?'''' her friend responded.


    Zahara nodded with a smile. ''''Yes, that''s what people refer to us as, the empire has a massive castle to the south that guards against pirate raids,'''' she replied.


    The two girls continued their conversation, strolling through the bustling school corridors until they reached the main hall. A swarm of students hurried in every direction, leaving her wide-eyed.


    ''''So many people,'''' she whispered when taking in the scene.


    Luna chuckled. ''''Yeah, Drakenwood has over a thousand students, and this is just the first year!''''


    Following that, the duo queued up to get their breakfast before sitting down at an empty table as her new friend commented. ''''This smells delicious, looks like the school is using Aether meat and fruit to give us a boost for our first classes.''''


    ''''I agree,'''' she smiled. ''''I''ve only had it a few times since we don''t get much Aether food on the peninsula, as only a few merchants travel there.''''


    Luna nodded, jumping up. ''''I''m going to get some more juice, do you want some Za?''''


    Zahara looked confused as the girls explained. ''''It''s my nickname for you. Now, do you want orange or apple?''''


    ''''Orange please,'''' she answered.


    Luna darted off to grab their drinks, leaving her alone at the table. Moments later, someone slid into the seat across from her. She looked up, startled, her breath catching as she recognized the boy, but his face was transformed by scars.


    The left side was a jagged, mangled mess, with smaller scars crisscrossing the rest of his once-handsome features. His piercing red eyes, still captivating, sparkled with excitement as they met hers, his white hair catching the light.


    ''''Zahara, it''s been ages! Glad you picked Drakenwood,'''' he said, his voice smooth and charming, sending her heart racing.


    She couldn''t help but smile as she greeted him. ''''Hello Raegar, I''m happy that you''re here. I thought you would have chosen Dawnfire or Starfall with your gift.''''


    ***


    Raegar watched the beautiful blonde''s brown cheeks go darker as he answered. ''''I came for the dungeons and gates to be honest. Drakenwood has so many that it will take a while to clear them all.''''


    ''''Yes, those interest me as well,'''' she revealed. ''''I took Dungeoneering class, I can''t wait to see what they teach.''''


    ''A battle healer, maybe? Not many people would wander into them,'' he internally questioned.


    This caused Zahara to answer it. ''''I''m becoming a battle healer, I can use my earth and water elements as attack magic while light can heal my teammates while in the dungeons or gates.''''


    ''''Fascinating,'''' he mumbled just as his friends joined him.


    Rune and Caspian plopped down at the table, Rune clutching his chest with a mock-wounded tone. ''''Rae, how could you ditch us over there? I thought we were pals!''''


    Caspian agreed with a firm nod while giving him a knowing look, causing Zahara to giggle at their dramatic expressions. Raegar sighed, introducing everyone. ''''Guys, this is Zahara, we met a year ago at the Aether Test in Dunmara.''''


    He turned toward the pretty blonde and continued. ''''The one with glasses is Caspian Harker, and the other is Rune Windermere. We met recently but somehow became friends.''''


    Zahara flashed a smile at the group. ''''It''s great to meet you both.''''


    Seconds later, the girls looked at him with a different expression that he couldn''t work out as she continued. ''''I''m glad you''re already making friends at the academy!''''


    Raegar felt his cheeks getting hot, causing his friends to give him knowing looks, just as a green-haired girl appeared beside Zahara. She was looking at each one and grimaced when she saw him.


    He looked at the blonde who was still smiling at him and questioned himself. ''She didn''t react to my scars at all, but her friend did?''


    Just then, Zahara introduced her to the three. ''''Boys, this is my friend Luna Silvershade, she''s a Triarch like me.''''


    Rune broke the ice with a friendly grin. ''''Hi, Luna! I''m Rune Willowmere, the Defender of Raegar''s dungeon-diving crew.''''


    The green-haired girl gave a quick nod as Caspian spoke up. ''''I''m Caspian Harker, the group''s mage and tactician, skills my family drilled into me.''''


    Following that, he was the last to speak, his mouth full of Aether meat, which he devoured with relish. ''''Raegar Blackwood,'''' he mumbled between bites.


    Her face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile as she met the black-haired boy''s gaze. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet all three of you!''''


    Suddenly, Raegar asked a question that caught the girl. ''''You''re Professor Silvershade''s daughter, aren''t you?''''


    Luna''s response slipped out before she could stop herself. ''''Yes, that''s right, Scarred One.''''


    A chilling silence gripped the table as Zahara''s head whipped toward Luna, her grey eyes blazing with shock. A suffocating, strange aura surged through the hall, pinning everyone in place.


    Raegar''s gaze darkened, his voice low and dangerous. ''''What did you just call me?''''


    Luna quickly raised her hands. ''''I''m sorry, it just slipped out but its what people have been calling you. They won''t say it to your face because you scare them,'''' she revealed.


    He pulled his aura back and calmed down, shaking his head, speaking. ''''Don''t worry about it, I''m used to it by now.''''


    ''''Do you hate me now?'''' the green-haired girl asked in a low voice.


    Raegar glanced at her while honestly answering. ''''You''ve annoyed me, yes, but I do not hate you. My face is ruined, and I''m lucky to get Scarred One as a name. It could be worse.''''


    ''''There''s nothing wrong with it!'''' Zahara suddenly exclaimed. ''''You''re a warrior, what else can these people expect?''''


    This surprised him but he nodded. ''''It doesn''t matter, once my grandmother wakes up she can heal me and watch when people try talk to me,'''' he said with a smile.


    Raegar pointed at a passing group of girls who were looking at him like a monster. ''''See? I''ve grown used to it.''''


    Everyone looked at the students with narrowed eyes, prompting Rune to comment with a growl. ''''Those fools don''t see the good person under the surface. They''ll regret treating you like this, Rae.''''


    ''''I agree,'''' Zahara added.


    Caspian couldn''t help but laugh. ''''Wait until your face is healed, people are going to want to be your friend,'''' he commented.


    Moments later, someone else sat down at the table, causing everyone to turn toward the newcomers, only for Rune to smile.

 Chapter 133 133: I Love To Learn, But Hate Reading

    Raegar turned toward the girl with light blonde hair and green eyes just as Rune cheerfully spoke while smiling. ''''Hello, sis. I was wondering when you would appear. Did you get your timetable?''''


    ''''Obviously, I was just talking to some girls from my floor in the tower. They seem nice,'''' she said with a grin, then turned to him. ''''Hey Rae, great to see you with this lovable giant.''''


    ''''Yes, we''ve become friends and I found myself a defender,'''' he chuckled.


    Moments later, Raegar introduced everyone as Luna dragged Vienna next to her as the two girls looked at Caspian, who was blushing with a knowing smile. This made him chuckle just as Zahara looked at him with a sweet smile.


    ''''What''s your first lesson?'''' the blonde curiously questioned.


    ''''P.T,'''' he answered. ''''What about you?''''


    Zahara''s smile grew as she reveled. ''''Same. Would you like to walk together? I know the way there because it''s close to the girls'' tower.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Sounds good to me.''''


    Following this, he turned toward the others who were watching them talk as Luna teased. ''''Looks like they get on well, this is a good start to a great romance tale.''''


    Zahara''s cheeks went dark as Caspian was about to speak, but Vienna interrupted. ''''It will be like the Azuthrian Princess and her brave knight who rescued her from the dying continent on the back of his mighty dragon.''''


    ''''They no longer exist, unfortunately,'''' Raegar revealed. ''''A shame, I would have loved to see one, but I can only read about them. There are many accounts of powerful Aether Mages battling dragons in the legends.''''


    ''''Well, that''s surprising, I didn''t know you read?'''' Luna spoke with wide eyes.


    ''''I do,'''' he replied. ''''I haven''t done it in a while. I''m going to start with the school''s library during my Free Class after dinner.''''


    ''''That''s boring,'''' Rune exclaimed while chewing on some meat. ''''Come fight with me once my lesson is over, it''s better than reading, and I could try to beat you in sparring.''''


    Everyone agreed, even Zahara, who added. ''''I can''t concentrate on books apart from spells; it''s hard to imagine what the author is trying to get across. I don''t find it boring, my father loves to read and built Duskhollow a town library.''''


    ''''I prefer technical books that teach us things that will be useful,'''' Caspian informed him. ''''Not many of our age read nowadays, apart from the ones the school forces the students to read for our classes.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he looked at his friends like they were idiots, before turning to Luna and Vienna. The green-haired girl giggled. ''''Books are boring, I''m like Cas here and will only read something that will help my magic.''''


    ''''Don''t look at me, Rae,'''' the light blonde girl laughed. ''''I love to learn, but hate reading.''''


    ''''You all are boring,'''' he responded. ''''Books are great, I''ve learned so much from them. I know Kaldorra is full of lost kingdoms, dangerous dungeons, and Gates. I survived the Bloodfang Forest thanks to the knowledge.''''


    Following that, the group continued chatting, finishing their breakfast. Once they were done, Luna jumped up while dragging Caspian. ''''Come on, Cas, we have Aether Fundamentals.''''


    Raegar watched as his friend''s cheeks went red, prompting him to tease the black-haired boy. ''''Enjoy yourself, Caspian, don''t let her bite too much.''''


    Everyone laughed as the two vanished into the crowd. Once they were gone, Zahara asked the Windermere siblings a question. ''''What classes do you both have?''''


    ''''P.T,'''' they answered at the same time.


    Raegar laughed, finished his breakfast, and stood up. ''''We should get going. I''m curious about our new professor.''''


    The group followed, heading to the Southern Fields as Zahara stayed close by his side, leading the way, while their friends trailed behind, stifling giggles. He turned to them, but they stopped with amused expressions.


    As Raegar and his peers streamed through the school corridors, the air buzzed with excitement and gossip. Vibrant paintings and gleaming awards adorned the hallways, showcasing the school''s storied history.


    While traveling through the building, he noticed most of the boys and girls couldn''t help but look at his face in horror, they started gossiping about him. When the blonde saw this, she became visibly annoyed.


    ''''The scars aren''t that bad,'''' she muttered, smiling at him. ''''I think they suit you well. You''re still handsome, so don''t listen to them.''''


    Raeger felt his cheeks going red, answering. ''''I don''t care about what anyone thinks, well apart from you guys, my family and Yuki,'''' he said with a grin.


    When Zahara heard this, her smile faltered briefly, but Vienna saw it and questioned. ''''Whose Yuki, Rae? I don''t believe you''ve mentioned her.''''


    ''''Oh, she''s a childhood friend back home,'''' he revealed. ''''Her mother is marrying my father in the summer, so I have to return to Blackwood County during break for the ceremony as they want me there.''''


    ''''Why hasn''t she joined the academy?'''' Zahara asked, barely containing her smile as a thought flickered through her mind. ''Does he already have someone else?''


    Raegar turned toward the blonde and instantly noticed the air around her dimmed, causing him to answer, which put the girl at ease. ''''She''s much older than us, plus she works for my family as a maid, she was very supportive of me joining here and meeting someone.''''


    Zahara stiffened, causing Vienna to giggle. ''''So she''s the older girlfriend who''s waiting for you to return?''''


    ''''Pretty much,'''' he revealed. ''''Yuki wants to wait until I''m seventeen before taking things further, but she kept saying she wouldn''t mind if I met other girls. I just have to be honest with everyone involved.''''


    Rune chuckled and nudged Zahara, who was smiling ear to ear. ''''She sounds like a rare woman. Are you both okay with your parents marrying? What did your Mother say?'''' she asked.


    ''''She loves Saki like a sister, and is happy for the two,'''' he revealed when the group stepped outside. ''''Mother wouldn''t lie over stuff like that, so I know it was probably her who put the idea in his mind.''''


    Raegar observed students bustling around, guided by professors to their classes. Notably, there was no uniform; everyone wore their normal clothes, prompting him to glance at his outfit, a simple black shirt, pants, and boots he''d bought in Dreadshade City months ago.


    His gaze shifted to Zahara, who wore a blue dress ending at her knees, paired with stockings that hugged her thighs. The dress stood out against her dark brown skin and blonde hair, which he found pretty.


    The girl turned to him with a smile, asking. ''''I''m curious, when do you turn seventeen?''''


    ''''Last Light Day of the summer. I was born when the Ashen Veil storm plagued Kaldorra,'''' he responded. ''''What about you?''''


    Zahara smiled, replying. ''''First Fire Day of winter. I turned seventeen not long ago.''''


    ''''Dammit you''re older then me by a year,'''' he chuckled.


    She laughed along with him as her gaze lingered on him just a second longer than normal before the group arrived at the P.T field, where twenty-odd students lingered around just as Ranthar walked out, accompanied by third years.


    The giant tiger man stopped in front of the crowd with a big smile, exclaiming. ''''Welcome to the P.T Class, children. I have a question for you, young ones. Can anyone tell me why Drakenwood teaches such a thing?''''


    Raegar watched a dozen hands fly up as Ranthar picked an elf girl who confidently revealed. ''''A mage''s fitness is important, it allows us to fight for longer, use our magic longer, and rumors speak of it being tied to a person''s Aether Pool.''''


    The tiger professor nodded. ''''Good, that is one of the reasons, but the other is to build up your stamina, which would help you gather more Aether. It puts a strain on your bodies as you move from Mist to Vapour.''''


    Just then, Ranthor suddenly spoke in a booming voice, scaring some nearby girls. ''''Now for the fun young ones. Run around the P.T field until you drop from exhaustion. I want to see how long you can go so I can plan our next class to benefit each of you.''''


    Rune let out a heavy sigh, drawing Raegar''s attention. The larger boy shrugged with an amused smile. ''''Being this big slows me down, I was built to tank attacks, not chase after monsters.''''


    ''''Don''t worry, big guy,'''' Vienna said with a giggle. ''''We can get you to run faster, it will just take time.''''


    Following that, Raegar started jogging around the field the size of a football pitch, just as the other students joined. Soon there was over a hundred boys and girls jogging around the field as Ranthar watched them with knowing green eyes.


    Ten minutes later, the larger students dropped to the ground, panting heavily, the exercise proving too much for them. He glanced back and noticed Zahara struggling to keep pace with him.


    He eased up, falling into step beside the blonde, who flashed a tired smile. ''''How are you still going, Rae?'''' she gasped. ''''Two laps, and I''m done for!''''


    ''''I''ve been training since I was five,'''' he revealed. ''''My father used to chase me around the manor, threatening to beat me, it was a joke, of course, but it was something that happened every day.''''

 Chapter 134: Samael Bloodrose’s Daughter

    Moments later, Raegar noticed the training field echoed with the thud of footsteps and labored breaths as the students pushed through their laps. He spotted Vienna, who was plastered with sweat, and Rune started struggling.


    ''''Come on, big guy!'''' he encouraged.


    His friend''s massive frame heaved with each breath, his face flushed red from exertion. The blonde, though nimble, was barely keeping up, her legs wobbling with every step. Just then, the giant staggered to a stop, his hands on his knees as he gasped for air.


    ''''Done... can''t...'''' he muttered, collapsing onto the grass with a heavy thud. ''''Need to rest, Rae.''''


    Raegar laughed at Rune just as he noticed Vienna tried to press on, only to manage a few more steps before her legs gave out. She stumbled and fell to her knees, panting, her hands braced against the ground. ''''No more, my legs feel like a baby Forest Deer.''''


    Following that, it was he and the blonde who were still running; she caught sight of their friend''s dramatic collapse and burst into laughter. ''''Look at them!'''' Zahara wheezed between giggles, her breaths coming short. ''''They''re out already!''''


    ''''The big guy didn''t stand a chance,'''' Raegar chuckled, his stride still steady.


    Soon enough, they passed Vienna, and Rune, Zahara''s laughter faded. Her legs, trembling from the strain, buckled beneath her. With a surprised yelp, she crumpled to the ground, clutching her thighs.


    ''''Okay... I''m done too,'''' she admitted, still laughing weakly as she lay sprawled in the grass.


    He shook his head, grinning, and kept going. ''''Wait with the others, I won''t be long.''''


    Raegar continued running as his endurance was unmatched, and he powered through seven more laps, his breaths growing heavier, but his pace barely faltering as his lungs burned. He pushed through just like his father taught him.


    The other students had long since stopped, sprawled across the field or slumped against the fence, watching him in a mix of awe and exhaustion. As this happened, Ranthar''s voice boomed. ''''Stop running, Blackwood!''''


    He finally stopped in front of Zahara and the group as the professor stepped forward, beaming. ''''Alaric must''ve put you through the wringer from young, but now that you''re at Drakenwood, I''ll push you even harder.''''


    ''''That''s fine with me,'''' he replied while catching his breath.


    The tiger man''s green eyes gleamed with excitement, pointing at the track. ''''Run until you drop and don''t use Enhancement or your Aether. I doubt you''re going to need a walkthrough for the basic workouts, it''s a Blackwood routine anyway.''''


    When his three friends heard this, Vienna curiously commented. ''''What do you mean, professor?''''


    ''''Raegar''s father, the Demon General of Dawnfire, designed many training programs used across Kaldorra,'''' the professor revealed, stunning the group. ''''Even the Imperial Guard uses them.''''


    The professor smirked. ''''Alaric was offered a Duke''s title too. He''s all about battle and family.''''


    Ranthar then waved him off, guiding the group toward the other students. He overheard them whispering about his scars, some girls wincing as he heard one speak. ''''Eww, that''s disgusting. How are those three friends with the Scarred One?''''


    Raegar was going to say something, but he brushed it off, unfazed. Soon after that, he started jogging around the training field. An hour passed, and his legs started trembling thanks to the exhaustion before he dropped to the ground with a thud.


    While lying there, he watched the clouds passing, but another group of boys and girls caught his attention. Raegar''s eyes roamed over Class A''s Combat Magic lesson, where students engaged in sparring, their wooden weapons clattering and bursts of magic flaring in the training yard.


    Moments later, his gaze locked onto a figure: the red-skinned Tiefling, daughter of Samael Bloodrose. She had white hair just like him, and remembered that her race could have such a trait.


    He quickly noticed her piercing yellow eyes burning with focus as she fought the other students. She moved like a predator, effortlessly dominating her sparring match. Two opponents, wielding wooden swords and basic spells, stood no chance against her.


    The girl disarmed one with a fast, precise strike and sent the other stumbling back. The crowd erupted, some in celebration, but she paid them no mind, her focus unbreakable as she continued to train.


    When seeing her fight, a surge of adrenaline pulsed through Raegar, his heart quickening with anticipation. He''d heard tales of the Tiefling''s prowess, fierce warriors forged in the fire of battle, their swordsmanship unmatched across Kaldorra.


    This girl was no exception, and the prospect of crossing blades with her ignited a fierce desire in him. Raegar snapped out of his thoughts, startled as Yuzuki, the small black fox he met on the way to school, appeared from a nearby portal.


    He chuckled and gently stroked her soft fur. ''''Hey, girl, it''s good to see you again. I wondered when I''d see you,'''' he said warmly.


    As Ranthar called for the students to take a break, Yuzuki yipped in delight as she turned around to face her master. From the crowd, a beautiful black-haired vampire approached. As she drew near, he grinned.


    ''''Hello Dominique,'''' he greeted. ''''I didn''t realize you were in my class.''''


    Her grey skin caught the light as she smiled, watching him dote on Yuzuki, who squirmed happily in his lap, rolling playfully under his scratches. ''''Three elements would''ve landed us in the same class,'''' she said, her tone teasing. ''''Still, it''s good to see you, Raegar.''''


    Dominique settled beside him, her presence relaxed yet alert. Moments later, Zahara, Rune, and Vienna approached, their footsteps drawing her sharp green eyes. Her gaze narrowed briefly, assessing them, but Raegar eased the tension with quick introductions.


    ''''Guys, this is Dominique D''Ambrose,'''' he said. ''''She''s a friend I met on the Kingsway, and this pretty little girl is Yuzuki.''''


    When Zahara and Vienna saw the little black fox, they started fussing over it as she climbed out of his lap. Rune sat down with a friendly smile. ''''It''s good to meet you, Dominique, a friend of Rae is a friend of mine.''''


    She nodded just as Raegar questioned. ''''What classes did you take, Dominique?''''


    ''''Dungeoneering, World History, Summoning and Monster Studies,'''' the dark-haired girl answered. ''''What about you?''''


    ''''World History, Dungeoneering and Devil Hunting,'''' he revealed. ''''I couldn''t pick a fourth, nothing caught my eye.''''


    Dominique nodded with a smile just as Zahara commented. ''''Looks like we''ll be together in most classes. I have Potion Brewing and Healing instead.''''


    The group''s lively chatter filled the air until Ranthar''s sharp command cut through, urging them back to training. He sprang to his feet, energy coursing through him, as Vienna, the blonde, piped up with an eager smile.


    ''''Raegar, could you show us some of the Blackwood workout routine?'''' she asked.


    He paused, his mind flashing to the grueling drills his father and Rodric had instilled in him, each movement etched into his muscles. With a confident nod, he replied. ''''Alright, I''ll show you. Line up and follow my lead.''''


    Following that, the training yard hummed with the morning sun casting long shadows across the dirt. Raegar stood before Dominique, Zahara, Vienna, and Rune, his posture relaxed yet commanding.


    Yuzuki joined in and stood next to her master, which put a smile on his face. ''''Looks like she wants to be involved,'''' he said, pointing at the fluff ball.


    Dominique glanced down only to giggle. ''''Yes, she does, ever since I summoned her, she loves doing anything I do.''''


    Moments later. Raegar decided to start them with the basics, simple exercises that his father and Rodric had used on him when he was younger. It helped build up his strength and stamina, allowing him to use Ather better.


    ''''This is what my father and his commander taught me,'''' he said, his voice firm. ''''Push-ups, squats, and planks. Sounds easy, but you''ll feel it. Follow my count, and don''t stop.''''


    The four lined up, their faces a mix of confidence and curiosity. Dominique''s grey skin shimmered faintly as she stretched alongside Yuzuki. Zahara cracked her knuckles with a big smile, ready to prove her strength.


    Vienna''s blonde braid swung as she bounced lightly, her enthusiasm infectious. Rune gave a curt nod, signalling that he was ready. Ranthar watched from nearby, sipping from a flask, his eyes glinting with amusement.


    ''''Push-ups first,'''' Raegar announced, dropping to the ground. ''''Fifty, slow and controlled. Chest to the dirt, full extension.''''


    He began, his movements precise, each push-up a study in discipline. The group followed, their arms flexing. Dominique''s vampiric strength made the first twenty effortless, but her form wavered as fatigue crept in.


    Zahara held strong, but soon struggled as her body shuddered with strain by thirty. Vienna''s cheerful hum turned to grunts, her elbows shaking. Rune''s jaw clenched, his muscles quivering as he fought to keep pace.


    ''''Slow down, Vienna, form over speed,'''' he called, his push-ups unrelenting. ''''Dominique, keep your back straight.''''


    By the fortieth rep, the group was struggling. Vienna''s arms buckled, forcing her to pause, her face red with effort. ''''Gods, Raegar, these are brutal,'''' she panted.

 Chapter 135: I’m Professor Silvershade

    Raegar watched as Dominique hissed through gritted teeth, her grey skin slick with sweat. Zahara growled, pushing through sheer willpower, while Rune''s silence grew heavier, his breaths sharp.


    ''''Fifty!'''' he finished, standing as the others collapsed or knelt, chests heaving. ''''No break. Squats next, sixty, deep and steady.''''


    He demonstrated, sinking low, thighs parallel to the ground, then rising with controlled power. The group groaned but complied. Zahara powered through the first thirty, but her breaths grew labored.


    Dominique''s agility helped, but her thighs trembled by forty. Vienna''s squats grew shallow, her cheerful facade cracking as she muttered, ''''This is torture.''''


    Rune''s form stayed perfect, but his red face betrayed the burn, sweat dripping from his brow. ''''Keep your knees behind your toes,'''' Raegar instructed, his squats flawless. ''''Push through the heels.''''


    By the final ten, the group was a mess of shaking legs and gritted teeth. Vienna stumbled, catching herself with a laugh. ''''I''m going to feel this for days!''''


    Dominique shot him a mock glare, her green eyes flashing. Zahara, panting, muttered, ''''You and your father are monsters, Rae.''''


    Rune, still standing, wiped his face, his nod one of grudging respect. ''''One more,'''' Raegar said, his tone unyielding. ''''Plank, two minutes, no sagging.''''


    He dropped into position, his body a rigid line. The group followed, forearms digging into the dirt. Thirty seconds in, Vienna''s hips dipped, her giggles turning to groans. Dominique''s core trembled, her endurance pushed to its limit.


    Zahara fought to hold steady, her breaths ragged. Rune''s arms shook, his stoic mask cracking as sweat pooled beneath him.


    ''''Hold it!'''' Raegar''s voice was a whip.


    At ninety seconds, Vienna collapsed, rolling onto her back with a dramatic sigh. ''''I''m dead! I can''t do it anymore!''''


    Dominique dropped next, cursing softly. Zahara held on, her dark brown skin flushed, but crumbled just before the end. Rune lasted longest, collapsing at one minute fifty, his breaths harsh.


    Raegar rose, barely winded, and grinned. ''''Well, that was the Blackwood basics. You pushed hard, proud of you.''''


    The group lay sprawled or hunched, trading exhausted laughs and complaints. Ranthar clapped from nearby, chuckling. ''''Not bad for a first go. Raegar, you''re as merciless as Alaric was back in the day, but at least I have someone here to help me.''''


    Dominique tossed a pebble at him, smirking. ''''Next time, warn us.''''


    Zahara gave a weary nod, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Vienna, sprawled on the ground, mustered a playful scowl and raised a trembling fist in mock defiance.


    Rune locked eyes with him, a rare glint of amusement softening his stoic features. From the sidelines, Ranthar let out a low, rumbling chuckle. ''''Alright, you lot, take a breather,'''' he called. ''''I''ll wrap up with the rest of the class before the bell. You''ve earned it.''''


    ''''Alright,'''' Raegar said, sitting next to Yuzuki.


    The fluffy black fox climbed into his lap and balanced against his chest, licking his face, causing him to laugh as he rubbed her ears. While this happened, Dominique and Zahara joined him.


    ''''You like her, don''t you?'''' the vampire girl asked. ''''Most people avoid them; they believe their bad omens.''''


    Raegar''s brow furrowed with skepticism as he gently scratched Yuzuki under her chin, the little black fox squirming with delight, her eyes half-closed in bliss. ''''An omen? No way,'''' he said firmly. ''''Dark Foxes are rare, sure, but they''re incredible creatures, solitary by choice, steering clear of cities and crowds. They''re lucky in my opinion, King Arthur had one as a companion, she passed away when he did due to heartbreak.''''


    When the two girls heard this, they looked at the little black fluffball who was licking his cheek as Dominique teased. ''''Seems like she loves you, Rae. I''ve never seen her act like that with anyone else.''''


    He chuckled as Yuzuki jumped back into a portal with a yip, causing him to reply. ''''She could sense my Darkness element, it''s probably why she''s comfortable with me.''''


    They nodded in understanding as Zahara glanced at him with a smile and questioned. ''''What''s your next lesson?''''


    ''''Aether Fundamentals, Combat Magic, World History, then I have a Free Class,'''' he answered. ''''I think I''ll go to the library and check it out. I read that it is one of the biggest outside the Imperial Palace.''''


    Dominique nodded, her green eyes glinting with certainty. ''''Exactly,'''' she said. ''''My father and the Far North Duke rely on Drakenwood''s library. The school is obsessed with collecting books. People from across the empire bring rare tomes as gifts, and the staff ensures they''re preserved there.''''


    Following that, Rune and Vienna appeared after catching their breath. The big guy looked at him with a chuckle. ''''That was brutal, but I can tell if I continued doing those workouts, my body will get stronger.''''


    ''''That''s the point,'''' Raegar replied. ''''It builds up your strength and stamina if you add jogging to the routine. Thanks to that, I can use Aether better.''''


    To prove it, he raised his hand and created a flame in his hand before sending wind to it, which turned it blue. When the four saw this, their eyes widened in awe as Vienna commented. ''''Is that Fire and Wind Aether?''''


    Raegar nodded while continuing. ''''Yes, and now I''ll add Lightning.''''


    A crackling blue orb, laced with jagged arcs of lightning, materialized just above Raegar''s hand, its volatile energy humming with raw power. The glowing bullet spun rapidly, casting faint sparks.


    ''''This is Stormfire Bulle,'''' he said, his voice steady with pride. ''''A piercing spell I crafted. It''s sharp, precise. My Lightningfire Blast hits harder, but this one''s for cutting through defenses, it works well against Tier Two monsters as it burrows through their hides.''''


    When the group heard this, their eyes widened as Dominique questioned. ''''Are you combining Aether Rae? I thought that was dangerous.''''


    ''''It is,'''' a soft voice echoed behind him.


    Raegar spun around, his eyes meeting those of an older woman with dark green hair and striking blue eyes. She wore a tailored, suit-like outfit that highlighted her hourglass figure, exuding confidence and poise.


    A pair of glasses perched on her nose, lending an air of intelligence to her captivating charm. He was mesmerized, causing Dominique to pinch him as she whispered. ''''Stop looking at her like that!''''


    He let out a chuckle as the green-haired woman pressed on, her blue eyes twinkling behind her glasses. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you, Raegar Blackwood. I''m Professor Silvershade, instructor of Aether Fundamentals for Class S.''''


    She introduced herself with a smile that made him gulp. This annoyed Zahara as the woman continued. ''''I must say, I''m surprised you chose Drakenwood. The Dawnfire Headmaster is jealous that we''ve snagged the first Tetraarch.''''


    ''''I know this is a random question, are you Luna''s big sister?'''' he asked as he put the pieces together.


    The older woman giggled, which was music to his ears as she smiled. ''''What a charmer you are, but no, I am her mother. Now I have to go prepare for class, I''ll see you guys there.''''


    She said her goodbyes and walked toward the building as he watched her leave. His eyes trailed down her body to reach her round behind, only for his arm to get smacked. ''''Stop looking at our friends'' Mother like that, Rae,'''' Zahara hissed.


    Raegar chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Sorry, I didn''t expect her to be gorgeous,'''' he said.


    The moment those words slipped out, the group erupted in laughter. Rune, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, leaned in and teased. ''''Seems our friend here has a thing for both younger and older women.''''


    ''''There''s nothing wrong with that,'''' he defended himself. ''''Once we Aether Mages pass a certain Tier, we stop aging.''''


    The laughter swelled at that, but Raegar sensed two pairs of eyes lingering on him. He turned to find Zahara grinning. ''''Can''t blame you,'''' she said playfully. ''''Professor Silvershade''s a stunning woman. Plenty of you boys have a crush on her."


    Dominique smirked, her green eyes sharp. ''''Hate to ruin the fantasy, but she''s not interested in relationships since her divorce from the border Count Northwind,'''' she added, her tone knowing.


    Raegar looked at the vampire with a questioning glance, asking. ''''How do you know that?''''


    ''''Cecilia and her ex-husband served with my father''s army in the Northern Border Wars,'''' she revealed. ''''A brutal time, but the whole north is happy it''s over.''''


    ''''I heard it was horrible,'''' he said as the group listened. ''''My parents fought from the northwest and battled with the Stormrune Kingdom''s barbarian warlords, but what caught my attention was the Forest Giants.''''


    Dominique went stiff when she heard that name. She suddenly stood up, surprising everyone. ''''It was nice talking to you guys, but I''m going to prepare for the next class while we have ten minutes,'''' she said.


    Raegar watched the vampire girl walk off as he thought. ''She must have a history with the creatures.''


    ''''Let her get some space, you touched upon a sore subject, Rae,'''' Vienna said from the side.


    The others agreed as Rune commented. ''''The D''Ambrose Family has suffered greatly from controlling the border lands. Between the Barbarians and monsters, they never get a break.''''

 Chapter 136: Like A Kid In A Museum

    Raegar''s words to Rune stopped, drowned by a bone-chilling dread that gripped his soul. At that precise moment, a piercing alarm shattered the air, its wail echoing across the training field.


    Ranthar and the Combat Magic Professor sprang into action, barking orders to herd the students to safety, but time betrayed them.


    A tear in reality tore open at the heart of the field, its jagged edges pulsing with Devil energy, right where a cluster of girls stood frozen in terror. Raegar''s instincts surged; with a sharp ching, his twin daggers materialized in his hands.


    In a heartbeat, he cast Flash Step, his form blurring into a streak of light, reappearing in an instant between the girls and the towering menace that emerged. A Tier Eight Devil, its grotesque form radiating raw, unholy power, loomed in front of them.


    Without thinking, the creature swung just as Raegar blocked the strike aimed at the girls and felt his arms struggle under the attack. He grinned while activating his special ability. ''''Fusion Overdrive!''''


    Moments later, an epic battle erupted as the Devil started fighting him. The two of them bounced around the field as the fiend bellowed. ''''You will die here, Devil Killer! Then I shall be rewarded.''''


    Raegar met the devil''s guttural taunt with a fearless lunge, his daggers flashing toward its throat, that missed because the fiend leaned back and went to attack. At the last second, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast.


    A searing torrent of electric flame that propelled him sideways in a dazzling arc, evading the creature''s counterstrike. Just then, Ranthar thundered onto the scene, his massive form a blur as he unleashed a devastating barrage of blows, each strike resonating with fury.


    The air shuddered with booming shockwaves as the towering tiger-man fought alongside Raegar, their combined assault a spectacle of raw power and precision. Gasps rippled through the onlookers, students and professors alike.


    Everyone''s eyes were wide with awe and disbelief at the ferocity of the duo facing down the Tier Eight Devil. The training field had become a battlefield, and students and professors alike witnessed the birth of a legend.


    Moments later, Ranthar let out a primal roar that shook the heavens, his muscles rippling as he launched into a deadly combination. His fists, wreathed in crackling Aether, hammered the devil with a relentless flurry.


    A bone-shattering uppercut, a blazing claw strike, and a thunderous double-fisted slam that sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The beast staggered, its otherworldly hide scorched and cracked, its guttural screams echoing across the academy.


    Seizing the moment, Raegar surged forward, his daggers gleaming. With a primal yell, he became a whirlwind of steel and fury, his arms blurring into an indistinguishable storm as he sliced the devil thousands of times in mere seconds.


    Each cut carved glowing gashes across the fiend''s form, ichor spraying like a tempest. The onlookers stood frozen, their breaths caught in their throats, witnessing a legend unfold.


    ***


    Zahara watched with wide eyes as Raegar danced around the training field as the Devil chased him, leaving behind a red and white blur. Her heart was racing when she noticed how strong he truly was.


    ''''Rae''s fighting side by side with a Tier Seven Warrior!'''' Rune exclaimed in awe.


    ''''For some reason, his power has shot up so much I cannot tell what Tier he is now,'''' Vienna muttered in complete shock. ''''Why is he even here, if he can wield such Aether?''''


    ''''He''s Tier One and hasn''t even reached Vapour yet,'''' someone spoke from behind them.


    Zahara spun around, her heart pounding, as Professor Morris stormed past, leading a group of knights clad in rune-etched armor. They charged toward the portal, cutting down a swarm of lesser fiends that spilled through with ruthless efficiency.


    The creatures collapsed in heaps, their twisted forms dissolving into ash as the knights'' blades sang with holy fire. Her gaze flicked to Raegar, who had just ceased his assault on the Tier Four Devil, his daggers still dripping with blood.


    She watched him approach with a yawn as he spoke. ''''Should we head to Aether Fundamentals? I want to see how to improve.''''


    Before she could reply, Professor Morris called out. ''''Blackwood! Come to my office once lessons finish.''''


    Raegar yawned and nodded as the group approached the building. Zahara noticed how people were avoiding them. This prompted Vienna to comment. ''''Between the scars and surprising power, it scared people away even more.''''


    ''''It doesn''t matter,'''' she declared with a big smile. ''''We''re his friends, and it doesn''t seem like he cares for the other students.''''


    ***


    Raegar stopped at the entrance and turned to the three. ''''Are you coming or not, Za? I don''t want to be late.''''


    That''s when his gaze settled on the Windermere siblings. ''''I''ll catch you both at lunch. What classes are you headed to again?''''


    Vienna offered a weary but warm smile. ''''Healing.''''


    Rune, brushing ash from his sleeve, chimed in a moment later. ''''Potion Brewing,'''' he said.


    As they reached the towering oak doors of the academy building, Raegar and Zahara paused, exchanging brief goodbyes. With a nod, they stepped inside, their paths diverging as they headed to their respective classes.


    Zahara glanced back at Raegar, her eyes glinting with curiosity. ''''Rae,'''' she called softly, slowing her steps. ''''Is it just me and Luna who are Triarchs in our group?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he nodded. ''''There are six more, remember, but enough of that, let''s get to class.''''


    Raegar and Zahara strolled down the grand hallway, its walls adorned with vibrant works of art done by students and detailed murals depicting Drakenwood''s storied past, scenes of battles, Aether rituals, and legendary triumphs.


    His eyes widened, captivated by it all, his steps slowing as he took in every detail. Zahara glanced at him, a giggle escaping her lips at his expression. ''''You''re like a kid in a museum,'''' she teased.


    Moments later, the blonde tilted her head thoughtfully. ''''If I recall correctly, Drakenwood''s stood for centuries, built on the very ground where King Arthur vanquished a dragon, and Brightwater is an Old World city according to Imperial Scholars.''''


    Raegar''s head snapped toward Zahara with an excited expression as he asked. ''''How do you know that? I''ve never heard of such a thing.''''


    Her eyes widened with a mix of shock and amusement, a giggle bubbling up as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ''''You should grab a copy of The History of Brightwater. There''s this old scholar who swears there are hidden underground tunnels beneath the academy and the city.''''


    ''''That''s too good to pass up. I''ll check it out during my free period, as you have one?'''' He tilted his head, enthusiasm lighting his features. ''''Want to come with, Za?''''


    She shook her head, a playful pout tugging at her lips. ''''Wish I could, but I promised Vienna I''d help her with her healing magic.''''


    Zahara gave him an encouraging nod. ''''Let me know what you find, though!''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement as the duo made it to Class A, where they noticed other students entering. She looked at him and spoke. ''''This is Aether Fundamentals Class, we should get in line to get a seat.''''


    Following that, they entered only to see most places were taken, but one table caught his eye. Dominique was sitting on her own while daydreaming as Professor Silvershade wasn''t here yet.''''


    Raegar didn''t hesitate, striding toward the vampire girl and settling beside her with a quiet confidence. Zahara slid into the seat on his other side. The girl stirred, her body tensing as her green eyes flicked to him, but he spoke before she could back away.


    ''''Hey, I''m sorry for bringing that up earlier,'''' he said, his voice low and sincere, laced with a warmth that cut through the tension. ''''I know it''s probably a painful topic, and I didn''t mean to stir anything up. I just want you to know it wasn''t intentional.''''


    Just then, two girls approached the table before the closest one spoke first. ''''Thank you for saving me. I''m Emily Pearson, and my family is in your debt. If there''s anything we can do, just let me know.''''


    The next girl stepped forward and bowed her head. ''''I''m Ann Veyra. My uncle is the owner of the Veyra Trading Company, he will make sure you''re rewarded for saving me from that vile Devil.''''


    Raegar''s eyes opened as he smirked while taking out the Gold Pass that the old man had given him some time ago. ''''Looks like I saved another Veyra from getting killed. Cassian gave me this to show at his shops.''''


    Ann''s brown eyes widened in shock as she muttered. ''''Uncle''s only given that to one person.''''


    ''''And who was that?'''' Dominique asked curiously as her suspicion was proven right.


    ''''The Ghost of the South,'''' the girl muttered as her gaze landed on his hair. ''''Why are you here?''''


    ''''You''re the famous ghost who freed the Southern Lands from the Korrveth and Lunathyr Kingdoms!'''' Zahara exclaimed with a shocked expression. ''''She''s right. Why are you studying here when the empire would allow a powerful court mage to train you?''''

 Chapter 137 137: Now Take Out Your Pass

    Raegar looked at Zahara, Dominique, Emily, and Ann, who were staring at him with amazed expressions. He answered honestly. ''''Yes, I drove the enemy armies from the Southern Lands, killing every pirate who tried to raid Blackwood County.''''


    ''''How did it feel to kill all those people?'''' Emily questioned. ''''I heard you used a spell that can wipe out an army, is it true?''''


    ''''I used Stormfire Bullet and Lightning Blast,'''' he revealed with a smile. ''''Those are the only two spells I use and need for the moment.''''


    The four girls nodded as a familiar woman stepped into the room and spoke to the students. ''''Morning, children! I''m Professor Silversahde and will be your Aether Fundamentals teacher for Class S this year. Now sit down and make sure you''re listening. I have something to go over.''''


    A hush fell over the classroom as every head whipped toward the green-haired professor standing at the front, her presence commanding instant attention. Ann and Emily scurried back to their desks, their footsteps echoing in the tense silence.


    Raegar felt the weight of the professor''s gaze as she offered him an approving smile before addressing the room. ''''As you''re all aware, our academy faced a Devil Incursion at two critical points,'''' she announced, her voice clear and authoritative.


    ''''The first was neutralized by Professor Morries and the Order. The second,'''' her blue eyes flicked briefly to him, a spark of pride in them. ''''Was defeated through the extraordinary teamwork of a student and Professor Crowhurst.''''


    Whispers spread through the room, glances flickering toward Raegar, who remained unruffled, stifling a weary yawn. ''''We''re erecting Anti-Devil wards around the school. No one leaves the grounds until the Order deems it safe.''''


    Then, hands flew up as Zahara did the same, only for the professor to pick her. ''''What is it, Miss Ashbourne?''''


    ''''How can they open portals like that?'''' she curiously asked. ''''Shouldn''t the empire be more worried?''''


    Professor Silversahde nodded. ''''The Imperial Guard and High Command are taking this seriously. If I remember correctly, the Order has dispatched every Devil Hunter it has in its ranks to most cities across the empire.''''


    She turned around and started writing something on the board, continuing. ''''They are stretched thin, meaning Inquistor Vaelthorne has requested the year three and four hunters to aid the knights in Willowbank and Brightwarer.''''


    The class took in the information and started gossiping, which the professor allowed. Moments later, the green-haired beauty approached his desk with a knowing smile as she leaned on it while looking at him.


    ''Oh shit what is she doing!'' he internally complained as it felt like the older woman was trying to charm him.


    The professor''s eyes gleamed with admiration as she spoke, her voice carrying a hint of awe. "Witnessing the Ghost of the South in action with my own eyes was nothing short of breathtaking. Especially from one so young, it was like I was reading about the Aether King from the legends.''''


    ''''I reckon by this time next year, Raegar, you will surpass your father, Alaric, sooner, and when that day comes, when the son outshines the father, I''ll owe him a drink, as our old wager from years ago demands.''''


    His eyes widened as he asked. ''''You know my parents?''''


    Professor Silverslade noddded. ''''That I do. We fought together years ago when the Demon General was fighting the Stormrune Kingdom alongside your mother, who was a talented Fire Mage.''''


    Zahara and Dominique were surprised, which amused the older woman, who admitted. ''''I haven''t spoken to them for years. I did hear about your birth and sent a letter, but I couldn''t come visit as life was crazy back then, thanks to the Ashen Veil causing wars and famines all across Kaldorra.''''


    ''''Yes, mother told me those days were bad,'''' the blonde commented. ''''The empire was always at war with someone.''''


    ''''My siblings said the amount of monsters that appeared during those days brought adventurers from other continents here to hunt,'''' Dominique added.


    Raegar was curious and questioned the older woman. ''''Are there accounts in the library?''''


    ''''There is,'''' she answered before curiously asking. ''''Do you like reading?''''


    ''''Yes, he does,'''' Zahara interrupted with a big smile. ''''He''s the only one out of all of us that likes books.''''


    Professor Silvershade giggled as a sparkle lit up in her blue eyes, nodding. ''''Interesting, a warrior and a scholar. A rare combination nowadays, especially among the nobility, as they think having the strongest spells is what it''s all about.''''


    ''''They are wrong,'''' he revealed. ''''No matter the spell, if you don''t understand the fundamentals, then you''ll fail. It''s one of the reasons I can''t get to Vapour to make my Aether stronger.''''


    When the woman heard this, she nodded with a thoughtful expression. ''''It''s good that you know your limits. If you like, I could give you extra lessons to help bring out the best of your Aether. I believe because you''re the Tetraarch, it will take longer for you to progress, unlike your friends here.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' Dominique asked.


    ''''For example,'''' she said and pointed at both girls. ''''You both are Triarchs, who have three elements to improve. Then you can ascend to Tier Two or even Vapour, but it''s still faster compared to what Raegar has to do with all eight.''''


    His friends'' faces flashed with shock, then softened into apologetic looks, but he dismissed their concern with a wave. ''''No worries. It''s part of the journey, why I joined the school. Sure, Grandfather Griffin could''ve helped, but I''d have missed something vital if I hadn''t come here.''''


    ''''That''s a good attitude to have,'''' Professor Silverhsade said, looking at him. ''''Stay behind after class, I would like to talk to you.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but nod with a smile. ''''Of course, professor.''''


    The older woman nodded as she approached the front of the room and shouted to get everyone''s attention. ''''Settle down now, children! Who can tell me how someone jumps to Vapour as beginner mages?''''


    When the students heard this, they grew quiet as a boy put his hand up, prompting the professor to pick him. ''''Yes, Quentin, what is the answer?''''


    ''''We buy pills from the school shop and take them before meeting in one of the Element Gardens,'''' the blonde boy explained. ''''If I recall, that''s where the monopoly kicks in. Going solo or with family risks things going wrong, but here, the headmistress and staff guide us through.''''


    ''''Brilliant answer!'''' she exclaimed. ''''Five points, Quentin, now take out your pass.''''


    Raegar observed the professor scan the boy''s Academy Pass. The class then covered Aether basics, familiar to him from reading in the past, though he learned that imagining a spell''s effect better sharpened its precision.


    Zahara and Dominique scribbled notes, their focused expressions caused him to smile as he found them adorable. He kept looking at both, prompting the vampire girl to look up with a knowing look.


    ''''Enjoying what you see? Not many boys would look at two girls at the same time,'''' she said.


    He couldn''t help but give her a charming smile that sent Dominique''s heart racing as he replied. ''''Yes, you both are pretty and I like looking at you both.''''


    ''''Huh!'''' Zahara exclaimed in surprise while blushing.


    Dominique glanced away, a playful smile tugging at her lips. ''''Such a playboy, charming the professor and now us. Should we be worried?''''


    ''''Not unless you hate excitement,'''' he answered with a chuckle.


    Following that, the trio tuned back into the lesson. The current lesson offered little new to Raegar, but he was eager for the next, where the professor would dive into moving on to Vapour, which excited him.


    By the time the bell when, the older woman looked at him. ''''Stay behind, Raegar. I want to talk to you.''''


    ''''Meet us at the hall entrance, Rae,'''' Zahara said with a big smile. ''''We''ll wait there for you.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied.


    Dominique shot him a coy grin, her eyes lingering as she sauntered off with the blonde. Soon, the classroom emptied, leaving only Raegar as Professor Silvershade walked in his direction and settled next to him.


    Raegar''s gaze instinctively flicked to her curvaceous figure, those thick thighs and alluring waist, before she caught him with a playful smirk. ''''Eyes up here.''''


    ''''S-sorry,'''' he stammered, a flush creeping up his neck.


    She waved it off with a sultry chuckle. ''''No need to fret. I know how you Blackwoods are, especially if you''re anything like your father and his brothers.''''


    ''''What''s that supposed to mean?'''' he asked.


    Her smile turned mischievous, a teasing glint in her gaze. ''''Oh, you Blackwood boys have a reputation for fancying older women. Take your mother, she''s older than Alaric, and it''s downright charming how he pursued her for years.''''


    ''''Seems like everyone knows them or some member of my family,'''' he muttered in annoyance.


    The professor started giggling before suddenly hugging him and shoving his head into her cleavage as she spoke. ''''Thank you for being friends with my Luna, she''s an awkward girl but it seems like she likes your group.''''

 Chapter 138 138: Carry On, Cas

    Raegar looked at the beautiful green-haired professor and was honest. ''''Luna seems fine, I haven''t spent much time with her, but that will change as time passes. She and Caspian seem to get on good.''''


    ''''Good,'''' she said, taking out eight small capsules and a book, explaining. ''''These will help you get to Vapour, but please wait until I have some free time. I''ll guide you through the first part.''''


    ''''I''m free after classes today if you have the time,'''' he answered. ''''I can meet you then?''''


    The older woman nodded with a big smile and glowing blue eyes as she cleaned her glasses. ''''Sounds good to me. Meet me by the entrance of the Northern Courtyard when the last bell rings?''''


    Raegar nodded gratefully. ''''Thank you, Professor,'''' he said warmly.


    She beamed before preparing for her next class, Raegar bid her farewell and left to join his friends. Shortly after, he encountered a group of students who sneered at him just down the hall.


    ''''Well, if it isn''t Professor Silvershade''s favorite,'''' one taunted. ''''Sure, you helped defeat the Devil, but something about you just doesn''t add up.''''


    ''''Yes, what sort of person keeps that hideous scar out in the open? Why not cover it up?'''' One of the girls said with disgust. ''''I feel sorry for anyone who gets close to a monster like you, strong, yes, but still a monster nonetheless.


    He sighed just as the ringleader stepped for only for his head to snap back as a fist crashed against his head. Just then, Raegar noticed Rune barreling past him like a rhino as he bulldozed into the group and started laying them out with swings of his giant arms.


    ''''You do not insult my friend!'''' the big guy bellowed.


    Followed by that, Vienna and Luna appeared to deal with the girls who insulted his scars, catching him off guard. While standing there, Dominique explained. ''''Rumors have it that some of the professors think your abilities are a lie and would use any reason to expel you from the academy.''''


    ''''That''s why those three are beating them up, as you won''t get in trouble,'''' the blonde added.


    Raegar chuckled. ''''They wouldn''t be able to throw me out, considering some of the staff like me and the biggest trading company in these parts can vouch for my skills,'''' he revealed.


    Moments later, one of the boys tried to attack Rune from behind he appeared between them and slapped the bully. A loud clap echoed out, which sent him flying backward and crashing into the nearby wall.


    Just then, Professor Silvershade opened her classroom door and noticed what was happening, causing her to sigh. ''''Get to lunch, you five, I''ll have Head Nurse Kitsunia come check on these idiots.''''


    The older woman turned to her daughter and warned. ''''No more fighting, Luna.''''


    ''''They insulted my friend, and I don''t want the other professors having something over him,'''' she answered in her defence.


    Raegar couldn''t help but smile as he spoke. ''''Thank you, but as your mother said, it''s not worth the risk when the headmistress is most likely to let those teachers go before I leave the school.''''


    ''''Enough chatter!'''' Professor Silvershade called out. ''''Go eat and unwind.''''


    The five friends strolled to the dining hall, laughing and talking with other first-years. Once there, they grabbed their lunch trays and settled at an empty table. As Caspian took his seat, he noticed Dominique and Zahara sitting close to Raegar.


    Surprised, he remarked. ''''What''s going on? Since when are those three so tight?''''


    Raegar grinned and gestured to the group. ''''Caspian, meet Dominique D''Ambrose, Domi, this is Caspian Harker.''''


    ''''Domi?'''' Dominique said, eyes narrowing. ''''Don''t call me that that you little shit.''''


    Raegar smirked. ''''So you can shorten my name, but I can''t do the same? That''s not fair, isn''t it?''''


    The vampire girl giggled, which made Zahara huff. Raegar playfully poked her side, prompting a startled yelp. ''''Rae!'''' she exclaimed, swatting his hand. ''''Don''t do that, you scared me!''''


    ''''They are protective over him,'''' Rune revealed. ''''Like territorial cats protecting their mate in the wild.''''


    The girls flushed at the banter, but he chuckled, and the group began eating. While eating and talking, he discovered Zahara had Healing, while Dominique and Rune had Monster Summoning.


    Caspian shared Raegar was enrolled in Politics, Vienna was in Healing with the blonde, and Luna had Summoning with Dominique. ''''So, I assumed you could already summon monsters with Yuzuki?'''' he teased Dominique with a grin.


    ''''Her and Baldur were lucky,'''' she revealed as the owl appeared from a portal and landed on his head.


    Raegar smiled at the Black Northern Owl while stroking the creature, who melted into his hand, making Dominique smile as she spoke. ''''Why do these two love you? Are you sure you''re not a summoner?''''


    ''''My Dark Aether speaks to them,'''' he answered with a charming smile. ''''Remember, I can use all eight, and these guys can sense that and want to be close to me.''''


    The group went wide-eyed before Zahara questioned. ''''Can you use healing magic?''''


    Raegar chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Nah, I can''t. My second mom, Saki, tried teaching me it when I was younger, but I never got the knack for it, so I gave up. Besides, I''ve got you and Vienna now, though she''s more of a Battle Healer.''''


    ''''Yes, we will become the best dungeon diving team on Kaldorra by the end of the year!'''' Rune declared. ''''With Rae at the front, we can conquer them and the Gates.''''


    Everyone agreed, causing Raegar to become embarrassed, but Dominique leaned in. ''''And I''ll be your support, I can be a scout or mage with my Dark Aether.''''


    ''''Perfect,'''' he replied, making the girl beam.


    ''''Really? I could be useful to you?'''' she whispered.


    Raegar nodded, going into detail. ''''Summoners can use a wide range of monsters in many situations, especially with the Earth and Dark elements. You could easily be an attack mage in a dungeon, but do what makes you comfortable.''''


    Dominique''s green eyes widened in shock as he continued. ''''How about I find you some books? This could help you wield your powers better?''''


    ''''That would be nice,'''' she answered with a smile. ''''Thank you, Rae.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''You''re welcome, Domi,'''' he said.


    Moments later, the vampire girl was hitting his arm, which caught everyone''s attention, making them laugh. That''s when Caspian spoke up. ''''Did you know the slave markets will have a fairy for sale at the auction this Dark Day?''''


    ''''They are real?'''' he asked the black-haired boy.


    Caspian nodded with a grimace. ''''Yes, a Dark One at that, apparently she''s cursed, and the auction house is trying to unload her to the highest bidder. Rumors say the nobles are interested in her.''''


    Raegar''s red eyes glowed as he pulled out his pouch of gold and started counting as everyone looked at him. Zahara shook her head, questioning. ''''Are you planning to buy her? No surprise they are a female-only race.''''


    ''''It''s nothing like that, Za,'''' he replied. ''''I want to free her. Fairies are powerful Aether beings who thrive when free, and I''ve always wanted to meet one.''''


    ''''And you''re willing to give up your wealth for such a thankless feat?'''' Dominique asked.


    Raegar gave the vampire girl a charming smile, answering. ''''I hate slavery, especially with beings so rare. The Vaelthornes have been working to eradicate it. Grandmother Elysia has saved a group of fairies in the past who honored her and now can walk in the Fairy Forest on the lost continent of Azuthra.''''


    ''''Then Dominique and I are coming with you!'''' Zahara declared.


    This caught him and the vampire off guard, but he agreed, teasing the blonde. ''''It''s a date then, Za.''''


    When the brown-skinned girl heard this, her cheeks went dark, making everyone laugh, including the vampire, who didn''t say anything. Zahara quickly spoke. ''''Well, it could be, but it''s to keep you out of trouble, we''d have to sneak out, and I know the only way.''''


    ''''How do you know this?'''' Luna questioned.


    ''''I''ll show everyone the next Dark Day,'''' the blonde responded. ''''I don''t want it to mess with our excursion into Brightwater.''''


    Rune chuckled. ''''She means date, sister.''''


    Vienna started giggling as she added wood to the fire. ''''I told you those scars wouldn''t scare all the girls away. They aren''t my thing, but I bet you look different without them.''''


    Raegar laughed. ''''Yes, I was told by the Blackwood citizens I was the best-looking boy in the country,'''' he jokingly bragged.


    His friend burst out into laughter as Caspain commented. ''''Well, that''s surprising. You would give children nightmares if you approached on a night. Like one of the Skinweaver stories we used to hear about as children.''''


    The table went quiet at his remark as everyone, apart from Raegar, looked at him, who suddenly started laughing before retorting. ''''Carry on, Cas, and I''ll charm your sisters when my scars are gone.''''


    Everyone watched as the black-haired boy''s face went red, but soon a voice appeared from behind him. ''''Charm us, you say? Did you hear that, Mirelle?''''

 Chapter 139: Professor Tharion Velrath

    ''''I certainly did, and why wait? The scars are hot?'''' a second voice sounded.


    Raegar turned around to see the Harker twins standing there, making Zahara and Dominique narrow their eyes. The punk-looking Sasha gave him a bright smile as her purple eyes glowed.


    ''Oh shit!'' he thought with a gulp. ''They are going to tease me again.''


    ''''I''m glad my baby brother has found a group of friends, thanks to you,'''' she said while running a finger down his scar.


    A shiver ran down his spine, and the scene caught every student''s attention, but that didn''t bother the twins as they continued. Mirelle stepped forward, planting a kiss against the main one that made him paranoid.


    His eyes widened while thinking. ''I knew it! But I have to admit Mirelle is something else.''


    The black-haired girl with glasses seductively whispered. ''''You are fucking gorgeous, Blackwood. Stop doubting yourself, or one of these days I''m going to eat you up to prove how handsome you are.''''


    Raegar''s heart raced, causing the older girls to laugh as Sasha added, giggling. ''''Come on, sis, let''s stop teasing Rae. His little girlfriends are giving us the evils, but seeing him blush excites me to no end.''''


    Following that, they said hello to everyone as the sisters got back to their duty as third-year students, the other year one boys and girls watched this with wide eyes as if watching an entertaining Korean drama.


    Moments later, Raegar sat down while Rune chuckled at the red-faced Caspian before slapping him on the back. ''''Looks like you''ll have to protect Rae from those two,'''' he exclaimed with a knowing expression. ''''They looked like they''ve taken a liking to him.''''


    ''Here he goes,'' he mused with an internal chuckle.


    Vienna and Luna were amused, but Dominique pulled on his sleeve while asking. ''''How can you let that girl kiss you like that?''''


    Raegar smiled. ''''Are you jealous, Domi? You can do it as well?'''' he offered.


    When the vampire girl heard this, she went red along with Zahara, who knew it wasn''t his fault as she knew of the Harker menaces. Drakenwoods'' gremlin duo are top students, but also naughty according to the professors.


    Just then, chaos erupted as professors rushed into the dining hall, declaring. ''''Year one students stay inside! Devils have been spotted between here and Willowbank Village. The Order is dealing with it, but we''re waiting here to be safe.''''


    As his friends heard this, they looked at Raegar, who yawned once again. ''''I''m not fighting anymore. I burned through too much Aether on the fiend during P.T and need to recover from it or gather at least.''''


    The group exchanged nods, though Zahara and Dominique shared a knowing smile, their eyes glinting. The professors and school guards held them for another half hour, the air thick with anticipation.


    Finally, the heavy oak doors creaked open, signaling their return to classes. Rune, Vienna, Luna, and Caspian were the first to vanish as they rushed to class, leaving the others behind as the other students poured out of the hall.


    ''''Hey,'''' Zahara said abruptly, "I''ve got to run to Healing Class. Catch you at dinner, Rae.''''


    ''''See you then,'''' he replied, pulling her into a quick hug.


    The blonde, caught off guard, flashed a smile before hurrying off. Dominique, chuckling, called out. ''''I''m off to Summoning. See you at dinner!''''


    Raegar tried to hug the vampire, but she was too quick, her laugh echoing as she vanished, leaving him alone at the entrance of the dining hall. He instantly noticed the other students giving him a wide berth.


    ''Idiots,'' he thought in annoyance. ''Wait until you need my help, won''t be avoiding me then.''


    Following that, Raegar started making his way to the Combat Magic Fields and wondered who he''d have the lesson with, as the others were in the second S Class Lesson, which was for the less physically active students.


    ''A shame Zahara and Dominique are more on the support side,'' he mused while walking through the corridors.


    Ten minutes later, Raegar arrived at the S Classes combat field, where he saw a group of forty boys and girls standing around waiting for the professor. He didn''t join any of them and sat off to the side while scanning his surroundings.


    After that, a tall, muscular man appeared with dark blue hair and yellow eyes, giving off a Tier Seven aura just like Ranthar. This caused him to think. ''Seems like the school has hired powerful Aether Mages to teach these lessons.''


    Just then, the professor stopped in front of the crowd as his voice echoed across the field. ''''Afternoon, children. I''m Professor Velrath. I was brought on this year to teach you talented students how to use your magic to fight.''''


    This caught Raegar''s attention as he jumped up and approached the group, only for the others to avoid him. He ignored it as the man continued speaking. ''''We will run through the basics with the help of Year Three helpers who are helping out for extra marks on their tests.''''


    Afterward, three older boys and girls stepped out, catching everyone''s attention. This caused the professor to conclude. ''''Now pair up with each other and spar lightly, we don''t want any injuries or deaths, but the shield around the field should stop this.''''


    As soon as those words left the man''s lips, some of the students turned to him. Raegar sighed before reading his Aether for a battle. Moments later, a big guy who stood taller than Rune appeared.


    This surprised him, but he shrugged. ''''Fuck it, the bigger they are, the faster they fall,'''' he muttered while stretching his arms.


    Following that, they faced each other as the rest of the class prepared to fight their own battles. One of the third-year boys appeared and spoke in a no-nonsense tone. ''''No kill shots or death blows. Keep it clean and tidy.''''


    Just then, the battle started as the giant rushed in his direction, who didn''t move until the boy sent a Water Bullet flying toward him. He leaned back as the projectile passed by his cheek, as the opponent closed in.


    Raegar dodged the wild punches that were aimed at his face while charging up a Stormfire Bullet and slammed it into the boy''s chest. A boom erupted, sending the opponent flying across the training field as he smiled.


    ''''Easier than I expected,'''' he muttered just as two more students appeared.


    The girl chanted something, and Raegar instantly felt the ground shake, prompting him to use Flash Step just as a stone spike erupted. He used the point to push himself toward the blonde boy as he aimed a kick at the newcomer''s head.


    A fierce new challenger brandished a gleaming shield, weaving an Enhancement spell that pulsed with radiant energy, deflecting his strike. An Earth Blast erupted from the ground, slamming into Raegar''s ribs with bone-crushing force.


    He crashed to the earth with a thud, pain searing through his bruised frame. Yet, defiance burned in his red eyes as he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, a torrent of crackling flames that engulfed the boy, leaving him a charred silhouette.


    Enraged, the girl let out a scream, her hands weaving chaotic Earth spells that tore through the battlefield. Jagged stones and molten rock hurtled toward him, who countered with a blazing Flash Step, his form a blur as he evaded the barrage.


    A few strikes grazed him, each hit a jolt of agony, but he clenched his jaw and stood tall. With a roar, Raegar unleashed a storm of Stormfire Bullets, blazing projectiles that streaked through the air like comets, overwhelming his foe in a relentless, fiery tempest.


    Explosions roared, engulfing the battlefield in a maelstrom of fire and debris, scattering Raegar''s foes like leaves in a storm. His blazing eyes locked onto Professor Velrath, whose lips curled into a taunting smile.


    With a roar, Raegar summoned his daggers and charged. The air itself seemed to scream as the two titans collided, their clash drawing every eye on the training grounds. He moved like a phantom, his speed leaving behind afterimages that danced across the arena.


    Professor Velrath matched him, his form a streak of shadow, his voice booming over the chaos. ''''Come, boy! Push beyond your limits!''''


    No encouragement was needed. Raegar''s body surged with power as he cast Enhancement, a radiant aura igniting his frame. Their movements reduced them to twin blurs, white and black lightning tearing through the grounds.


    Each clash of their blades created shockwaves that shattered the earth, sending sparks cascading like molten stars. The crowd gasped as he used Fusion Overdrive. His power surged to the mythical Tier Seven, a radiant inferno enveloping him.


    The older man''s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. The training grounds quaked, the heavens themselves trembling before their cataclysmic duel. Raegar was slashing so fast that the professor couldn''t keep up, but the fight only continued.


    As they went to clash again, the two of them were frozen in ice up to their necks as Headmistress Von Hohenstein appeared with an annoyed expression. ''''Professor Velrath, Blackwood. Is there a problem between you two?''''

 Chapter 140: Its Something Im Used To

    ''''No headmistress!'''' Professor Velrath answered, chuckling. ''''But I have our first test subject for the Combat Crucible, we can give the class an early viewing of one of the strongest first years.''''


    Raegar looked confused, just as the other students gathered around listening intently, making the blue-haired woman sigh before speaking to the class. ''''Students, this wasn''t going to be announced until Fire Day''s Assembly. Now follow me and don''t fall behind.''''


    Following that, everyone trailed behind the headmistress as she led them toward the southern part of the school, which was more garden, along with more workshops or greenhouses.


    Moments later, Raegar''s sharp eyes caught sight of a sprawling, warehouse-like structure standing apart from the surrounding buildings, its silhouette stark against the stormy sky. A dozen academy guards patrolled its perimeter.


    The air carried the crisp scent of fresh timber and mortar, betraying the building''s recent construction. Its clean lines and sturdy frame stood in contrast to the weathered architecture of the nearby village.


    ''Looks like an indoor arena straight out of Earth,'' he mused, his gaze sweeping the area with curiosity and caution.


    Headmistress Von Hohenstein stopped at the entrance, turning to them all with a serious expression. ''''If anyone outside the school finds out about this before Fire Day, you''ll be banned from using it during Combat Magic Class.''''


    Raegar chuckled when seeing the students nervously nod in agreement as she looked at him and continued. ''''Come here, Blackwood, we have to go through some things.''''


    Following that, he approached the two adults as Professor Velrath apologized. ''''Sorry about that, boy. I sensed you were holding your aura in, which shocked me as first-year students aren''t able to do it until year two.''''


    ''''That''s fine,'''' Raegar replied with a smile. ''''I like fighting stronger warriors, coming to Drakenwood was the right choice compared to Dawnfire or stuck up Starfall.''''


    The headmistress''s eyes widened in shock, but a delighted smile spread across her face, softening her stern features. ''''Ready, Raegar?'''' she said, her voice tinged with surprise and pride.


    ''''The Combat Crucible represents decades of tireless research and a million gold coins'' worth of craftsmanship. It''s a marvel designed to revolutionize our training and future tournaments,'''' she revealed. ''''With it, we can simulate countless scenarios, battlefields, ambushes, even Aether Storms.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened in surprise as he spoke. ''''Aether Technology?''''


    ''''That''s correct, it''s a new field of study in Dawnfire, but in the five years since it started, the researchers have designed many things,'''' she said, pointing at the building. ''''In there, is something that the empress herself came up with as a princess.''''


    ''''Oh wow,'''' he muttered in amazement as the two entered.


    Professor Velrath waited outside to stay with the other students as the hall wasn''t prepared. They''d be able to watch from an Aether screen outside. Once inside, he looked at the blue-haired woman and questioned her. ''''What do I get for testing this thing?''''


    ''''Twenty points and your name at the top of the board,'''' she answered.


    Raegar accepted with a nod while being led inside, as there were four groups of six all over the place, causing him to question. ''''A six-man party? Is that the total allowed in the Drakenwood Dungeons?''''


    ''''Well, that is any Gates or Dungeons Rank D or above because it would be too easy with any more students,'''' the headmistress revealed as she led him to the closest machine.


    This scene spooked him out. ''Virtual reality? How is such a thing possible here?'' he thought with wide eyes.


    The headmistress gestured toward the nearest machine, its sleek metallic surface humming faintly with arcane energy. ''''Take a seat, Blackwood.''''


    Moments later, she continued with a curious expression. ''''The Combat Crucible offers three scenarios: a forest, a city, or a desert. Which one will you test your skill against?''''


    ''''Let''s go for the forest,'''' he replied. ''''It''s something I''m used to, maybe I''ll take the city on my next go.''''


    The older woman nodded with a pleased look on her face. ''''Good choice. Just some things to remember. One hundred points for Tier One monster, two hundred for Tier Two, and three hundred for the next tier.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened as he agreed. ''''That''s perfect. I''ll give it a go now, headmistress.''''


    Following that, he climbed inside the VR machine and felt his Aether connect with it, forcing a peaceful feeling to wash over his body and put him at peace. Seconds later, he appeared in a weird clearing.


    ''This feels real,'' he thought, glancing around.


    Raegar quickly summoned his daggers and armor just in time as the first monster appeared. A Tier One Forest Wolf lunged from the nearby underbrush with a vicious growl as it tried to bite down on him, but he moved to the side.


    A sharp gust of wind grazed Raegar''s face as he struck with lethal precision, his blade cleaving the lunging wolf into gory chunks. Blood sprayed across the clearing, painting the grass crimson.


    He tried to catch his breath just as a pack of snarling beasts burst from the shadows, their eyes glinting with hunger. He grinned while springing into motion, darting and leaping around the clearing with the agility of a rabbit, his daggers a flashing arc of death.


    Sometime later, the air was thick with the coppery tang of blood, remnants of the first wolf he''d carved into chunks still scattered around him. A chilling howl split the night, and a pack of six more wolves appeared, their eyes glowing like embers, fangs bared in fury.


    ''''These monsters seem so real,'''' he muttered.


    Raegar''s lips curled into a smirk, his grip tightening on the hilt, its edge still dripping crimson. The largest lunged first, its massive paws tearing at the earth. He sidestepped, his weapons flashing in a diagonal arc that split the beast from shoulder to flank.


    It collapsed in a heap, blood pooling beneath it, but there was no time to savor the kill. Two more wolves attacked in tandem, one snapping at his legs as the other leapt for his throat. He spun, his blade a blur, slicing through the wolf''s muzzle and sending it yelping back.


    The second met his boot as he viciously kicked it mid-air, the crack of its ribs echoing as it tumbled into the dirt. A quick thrust finished it, the daggers piercing its heart. The remaining three circled, their growls vibrating through the clearing.


    Raegar''s heart pounded, not with fear but with the excitement from the fight. He darted forward, feinting left before pivoting right, catching another wolf off guard. His daggers drove through its skull, the beast dropping with a lifeless thud.


    Just then, the other two monsters seized their chance, charging together. Without waiting, he leapt, twisting mid-air like a storm-wrought specter, and landed behind them. His blade sang twice, once to sever a spine, twice to open a throat.


    Blood sprayed, painting his armor in streaks of red as the wolves crumpled, their whimpers fading into silence. Only one remained, a scarred alpha, its fur matted with old wounds and its eyes burning with desperate rage.


    It didn''t rush like the others but stalked forward, each step deliberate, its growl a low promise of death. Raegar met its gaze, his own red eyes alight with resolve. ''''Come on, then,'''' he muttered, twirling his weapons.


    The wolf sprang, jaws wide, as he vanished thanks to being faster. He ducked under its leap, thrusting upward, his blade punching through its chest and out of its back. The alpha''s body crashed to the ground, twitching.


    Raegar straightened, his chest heaving as he surveyed the carnage. Seven wolves lay dead, their blood soaking the earth, the clearing now a silent graveyard. He wiped his blade on a patch of clean grass, the steel gleaming once more under the moonlight.


    With a final glance at the fallen pack, he flicked his weapons free of blood and stepped back into the shadows, the thrill of survival coursing through his veins. As that happened, several things popped up which confused him.


    [+ 100 Points x 20 - Tier One Forest Wolves]


    [+200 Points - Tier Two Alpha Forest Wolf]


    ''''It''s like a game!'''' he said in excitement.


    Following that, Raegar rested for a minute before continuing through the forest, fighting more wolves. He killed dozens until something changed, and a woman''s voice echoed out. ''''Round One complete. Prepare for wave two!''''


    When hearing that, he whispered in an amazed voice. ''''Its a fucking game! Maybe I can add something to improve students'' learning?''''


    Raegar gave a nonchalant shrug, his stance relaxed despite the eerie stillness of the forest around him. Without warning, a suffocating wave of raw, primal aura slammed into him, rattling his bones and setting his senses ablaze.


    From the undergrowth, a horde of orcs burst forth, their pig-like snarls echoing through the trees. The hulking humanoids, their muscled frames covered in crude hides, brandished jagged weapons, axes, clubs, and rusted swords that gleamed as they charged.


    ''''Tier Two Orcs,'''' he grinned while casting Enhancement over him.

 Chapter 141: Too Mature For His Age?

    Raegar watched as the Orcs roared in frustration, their heavy blows tearing chunks from the earth where he''d stood moments before as he dodged their attack by using their weapons as stepping stones.


    One larger than the rest landed a hit. Its warhammer connected with his side, the impact sending him hurtling through the forest. Trees blurred past as he soared, pain flaring in his ribs, but his mind remained sharp as a quote from Earth popped into his mind.


    ''A lesson without pain is meaningless,'' he thought with a smile.


    Mid-flight, Raegar twisted, his hands a blur as he summoned his two daggers. With lethal accuracy, he flung them, the blades whistling through the air. One sank into the forehead of a charging orc, dropping it instantly.


    The second found another''s skull, the beast collapsing with a gurgling cry.


    [+ 200 Points - Tier Two Wild Orc]


    [+ 200 Points - Tier Two Wild Orc]


    His boots skidded across the earth, slowing him down, a feral grin splitting his face as he landed in a crouch, the forest trembling with the roar of an approaching swarm of Orcs that wanted to kill him.


    From the shadowed depths of the trees, a fresh wave of orcs surged forth. But this time, he was a force unleashed, his body thrumming with the thrill of battle and his Enhancement magic, every muscle coiled for war.


    Raegar moved like a storm given form, a blur of motion too fast for the lumbering orcs to track. He ducked beneath a swinging axe, the blade whistling harmlessly over his head, then dove past a spiked club that cratered the ground.


    With a leap, he vaulted over a charging orc, twisting mid-air to land behind another, his laughter ringing out like a challenge. The monsters bellowed in rage, their clumsy strikes no match for his agility, as he danced through their ranks, untouchable.


    His daggers, extensions of his will, never ceased their deadly waltz. They flashed in the dim light, carving arcs of silver through the air, each strike precise and merciless. Blood sprayed, and Orcs fell, their roars turning to gurgles as Raegar wove a tapestry of destruction.


    Following that, Raegar''s eyes locked onto the leader, a towering brute clad in spiked armor, its tusked mouth snarling commands. His grin widened, predatory and fearless. In an instant, he was upon the chieftain, appearing before it like a specter of death.


    His daggers became a storm of steel, unleashing a hundred slashes in the span of a heartbeat. Each cut was a masterstroke, tearing through armor, flesh, and bone with effortless precision.


    The orc leader staggered, its massive frame shredded, unable to comprehend the whirlwind that dismantled it. With a final attack, he drove both daggers into its chest, and the beast collapsed, its dying roar swallowed by the silence of the awestruck horde.


    [+ 200 Points - Tier Two Wild Orc x 20]


    [+250 Points - Tier Two Orc Leader]


    Seeing that, Raegar continued attacking until round two was over, only to run into the Tier Three monsters. ''''Oh shit a Forest Troll and I''m already too tired for this shit,'''' he said while gritting his teeth.


    ***


    Corinne Von Hohenstein watched in shock as the Blackwood boy battled through a swarm of Forest Wolves and Orcs. When seeing this, she thought with a small smile. ''Despite being tired, you''re here fighting with monsters while grinning.''


    The older woman watched as the boy was slaughtering Tier Two Monsters like it was nothing, which surprised her. ''''He fights above his level at the cost of his body, but it seems to be healing slowly.''''


    Just then, a robed woman appeared beside her with the lower part of her face showing a smile. ''''Looks like the Crucible is doing exactly what it was designed to do, headmistress, and out of all people, you send the Blackwood boy?''''


    When the headmistress heard this, she leaned forward, her light blue eyes glinting with a mix of pride and mischief. ''''He''s the only choice, Liah. Even if you drag in the third-years, they won''t do as good as him,'''' she revealed.


    Following that, Corinne continued talking. ''''Raegar''s Aether Pool, it''s not just impressive, it''s extraordinary. Gifted students might look like a pond. But his? It''s a vast, dwarfing the others by double, no, triple the size.''''


    She watched as Raegar was jumping, spinning, and moving so fast that the staff members couldn''t see him sometimes, as she concluded. ''''His power is a force of nature waiting to be unleashed, and it''s good he joined the academy instead of going it alone.''''


    ''''Well, he''s the first Tetraarch whom I''ve been watching closely since he woke,'''' the hidden woman named Liah commented. ''''The boy is fascinating and there''s something about him that I can''t put my finger on.''''


    ''''Too mature for his age?'''' she suggested with a giggle.


    ''''Maybe,'''' her friend responded. ''''His whole reaction to the ruined face and the students'' reactions surprised me, but his cat girl seemed to help in that regard.''''


    Corrine started laughing when she heard the twinge of jealousy. ''''Why not show yourself, Liah? Maybe you could teach him?''''


    The robed figure shook her head. ''''Not yet, too many in the shadows moving against him, Cori. I believe the Lion is savagely routing out the families who turned against the empire, but it isn''t enough.''''


    ''''The boy scares too many people,'''' she finished. ''''While he''s in Drakenwood, the Order has promised to dispatch the Belmont Family to protect him from all threats, but thanks to the Northern Wars starting, they''ve been busy.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about that,'''' Liah reassured with a smirk. ''''The empress has dispatched ten Elite Hunters paid for by the crown to Willowbank Village, but they are still sailing from the Kyoshara Continent and won''t arrive until spring.''''


    Corrine laughed when hearing this. ''''That doesn''t surprise me, you haven''t changed since our days in the academy, despite everything that''s happened,'''' she honestly said.


    Her friend giggled. ''''Oh, shut up, Cori, how can someone like me change? You know I love Aether too much to let that snobbery go to my head.''''


    Following that, the two turned back to the screen as Raegar stood opposite the Tier Three Forest Trolls. When Corrine saw this, she commented. ''''I know his strong, but these creatures are something else.''''


    ''''He can''t use his ability or he''ll collapse due to exhaustion,'''' Liah commented. ''''I bet this is where he uses his magic to fight, considering he loves those daggers.''''


    ''''I don''t understand why he fights with assassins'' weapons,'''' she questioned to no one in particular. ''''A spear or sword would do more damage.''''


    Her friend laughed while shaking her head. ''''Still blind to the things in front of you. He''s learned from Crowhurst as the fighting style is hers, then there''s the famous Shadowclaw Legions Enhancement.''''


    Corinne''s eyes widened, a spark of astonishment flickering across her face as she leaned in, her voice tinged with disbelief. ''''The legendary catfolk of Vinterheim, from the Northern Continent? I thought the Shadowclaw Clan was wiped out during the purges.''''


    Liah shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. ''''Far from it. A small noble family in the empire opened their doors to the last of the Shadowclaws, sheltering them from the purge''s aftermath.''''


    She noticed her friend''s smile grow. ''''And here''s the twist: their son and the clan''s final daughter have taken a shine to each other. The girl''s biding her time, waiting for him to reach seventeen before she locks in her future with him.''''


    When hearing that, Corrine''s eyes widened. ''''The Blackwoods!''''


    ''''Yes, those are the fellows,'''' Liah giggled. ''''Now imagine my surprise when the Intelligence People told me that the girl taught him how to use the famous Shadowclaw Enhancement Magic.''''


    ''''That makes sense why he''s so fast, and thanks to being a Tetraarch Mage, he must have been able to learn it,'''' she muttered in surprise.


    Following that, Liah nodded before the duo continued watching Raegar fighting the Forest Trolls.


    ***


    Raegar darted around the forest as the monsters massive stone clubs crushed trees sending hand sized splinters everywhere, like small, lethal missiles. One of the projectiles slammed into his shoulder causing him to yelp.


    He used Flash Step to avoid getting grabbed by one of the Trolls before he threw his daggers into the creature''s eyes, then followed that up with a Lightningfire Blast that scorched everything around him.


    Blue flames with lightning arching off it as it hit the creature''s head, forcing it to explode, thanks to him overcharging the attack.


    [+300 Points - Tier Three Forest Troll]


    Moments later, he turned around just as another Troll struck. A massive club turned Raegar into blood mist, prompting him to wake up in the Combat Crucible. Seconds later, it opened as the headmistress appeared.


    ''''Well done, Blackwood. Tier Three on your first run is good, now shake your head and come too before we check on the scoreboard,'''' she commented.


    ''''Yes, give me a minute,'''' he said while feeling sick. ''''The pain is weird, but it''s good, it will encourage others to be more careful.''''

 Chapter 142 142: World History

    Raegar shook his head and climbed out of the pod, which was a simple seat that he found comfortable and something that activated the Aether. He stood up and stretched just as a whoosh was heard.


    His gaze snapped in its direction as the headmistress instructed. ''''This way, Blackwood.''''


    Following that, the older woman led him toward the opposite side of the hall, where it led into a walkway that would take anyone back to the main foyer of Drakenwood. Once she stopped walking.


    ''''There you go,'''' she said while pointing to the board. ''''Your name is there already.''''


    Raegar glanced up and grinned when he saw his name in first place.


    [1st - Class S - Raegar Blackwood - 7150 Combat Points]


    ''''Oh nice,'''' he commented before turning toward the headmistress. ''''Will there be more forest monsters?''''


    The blue-haired woman nodded. ''''Indeed, the empress plans to contribute more when her schedule allows. For now, the empire''s researchers are here to ensure everything functions smoothly.''''


    Raegar smiled. ''''That''s good, I look forward to trying it out more, but I guess it can only be during Combat Magic Class?'''' he questioned.


    She looked at him for a moment before she responded. ''''For now, yes. Do good in classes and studying, then it may be expanded to you during your free period.''''


    ''''Thank you headmistress,'''' he said.


    The older woman grinned before ushering him out of the hall. ''''Come on, let''s go outside and let the others have a try now we know the students will be safe thanks to you.''


    He agreed with a nod, then remembered his reward. ''''Can I have my school points, please?''''


    ''''Give me your pass,'''' she replied.


    Raegar handed her it, and she whispered cryptic words. A glowing number twenty appeared on it as she returned it. ''''Go rest,'''' she urged. ''''Your special ability may be powerful, but it ravages your body before rebuilding it. I can see your exhaustion.''''


    ''''Huh?" he frowned, puzzled. ''''I mean, I''m always drained after using it, but I only rely on it against opponents far stronger than me.''''


    The old woman''s eyes narrowed, a glint of curiosity in them. ''''There''s something unique about you. I''m eager to witness the true potential of a Tetraarch Mage.''''


    Raegar started walking away as he replied with a smirk. ''''Wait until I reach the next Tier headmistress, I''ll let you feel my aura.''''


    Following that, he remembered Zahara''s directions to the World History Class and started walking through the school. Soon enough, he came to a smaller building with classes inside, which was the one he was looking for.


    ''''Now I can rest until the next bell,'''' he muttered while lying down on the nearby grass.


    Raegar gazed at the drifting clouds until exhaustion overwhelmed him, his eyes fluttering shut. Later, a soft hoot stirred him awake. Blinking, he found Dominique''s black owl perched beside his head, watching him intently.


    He smiled before stroking the wary bird, who nudged his hand. ''''Hoot.''''


    ''''Thank you for guarding me, Baldur,'''' he replied while pampering the owl.


    Moments later, Raegar sat up with a yawn as it hooted again, causing him to reply. ''''Your master is coming? Alright, I was waiting for the two girls anyway.''''


    Following that, Zahara and Dominique turned the corner while chatting as Baldur took off and returned to wherever he wanders off to. He watched the owl vanish into the blue sky as the vampire commented. ''''The silly boy wanted to guard you as you slept.''''


    Raegar chuckled, stretching with a yawn. ''''I wish that owl could visit my room, but it''s miles under the ocean. All I get are fish and the occasional shark.''''


    The girls giggled, and before he could react, Zahara threw her arms around him in a sudden hug. He froze, startled, as the blonde grinned. ''''You''re about to be the first test subject for my healing spell!''''


    She murmured a few words, and a warm, soothing energy washed over him, easing some of his lingering exhaustion. Raegar shook his head as Dominique suggested. ''''Why don''t we head to the class to get the best seats?''''


    They agreed and entered the building only to see a foyer with a staircase in front of them, with a sign leading the group to the S Class room. When entering, the other students turned to him, only to notice his face.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with a sigh, but to his surprise, no one said anything.


    ''''Come on, Rae, there are a few seats left,'''' Zahara cheerfully said and dragged him toward the nearby table with three chairs.


    Dominique followed behind while shaking her head before sitting on his right, as the blonde to the left. Whenever his gaze met another student, they avoided it, but soon enough, the professor stepped inside.


    A tall young woman with brown hair and green eyes entered, towering over the class. Noticing everyone was present, she nodded and flashed a warm smile. ''''Good afternoon, children,'''' she said brightly. ''''I''m Professor Wentworth, your World History teacher for the year.''''


    Following that, the professor grabbed a stack of plain books and started handing them out while explaining. ''''You''ll write down any notes for the tests, the headmistress agreed to let me hand these out so students won''t forget.''''


    Moments later, she placed three on Raegar''s table and moved on as Dominique took her mumbling. ''''At least we get books here; the other professors make you buy your own.''''


    ''''It helped with Healing,'''' Zahara commented. ''''What about you, Dom? Did it help with Monster Studies?''''


    ''''Yes it did,'''' the vampire replied begrudenly.


    Just then, Professor Wentworth spoke in an excited tone. ''''We''ll learn about the lovely Kaldorra before moving south to the Lost Continent of Azuthra and all its wonders. But firstly, who can tell me what the northern tip of our land is called?''''


    ''''The Northern Wastes,'''' a boy at the front answered.


    Raegar watched the professor smile as she nodded. ''''And why do we call it that?''''


    No one added anything, causing him to speak. ''''It''s not the monsters, cannibal tribes, or demonic cults you have to worry about, it''s the cold that kills expeditions the empire sent north. Whole camps freeze over in minutes, according to Jorvik''s Third Journal to the Northern Hell.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her eyes widened as she questioned. ''''You''ve read that?''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Yes, my uncle has the collection in the Vaelthorne library and my grandmother let me read them, despite how gruesome they were,'''' he revealed.


    Professor Wentworth and the class leaned in, captivated, as he continued. ''''The first journal described his shipwreck on the Barren Shores in the east. The survivors built a camp, but deadly White Bears and cannibal tribes attacked relentlessly.''''


    This shocked the listeners, even the professor hung off every word. ''''Fortunately, the Lion of Dawnfire swooped in, rescuing the remaining forty sailors and bringing them safely to the Far North but that was the last time, people have tried to establish a city there but the first attempt failed when the whole colony vanished.''''


    ''''The Night of A Thousand Tears,'''' the older woman muttered. ''''A horrible time from history for the northern lands, but thanks to the Demon General who pushed back the tide of death.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but smile when hearing his father''s nickname, catching the professor''s attention, causing her to question. ''''There''s nothing to smile over that, it was lucky that he helped out.''''


    ''''What''s the general''s name, professor?'''' he answered with a grin.


    ''''Alaric Blackwood,'''' she responded, only to go wide-eyed.


    Raegar nodded. ''''And I''m a Blackwood, hearing people talk about my father is unusual for me, but it''s good,'''' he explained.


    Zahara and Dominique giggled at the older woman''s shocked expression before she approached the front while replying. ''''Oh yes, I did read on the S Class list that you were attending, no wonder you know your history.''''


    ''''Only basic bits and pieces,'''' he revealed. ''''It''s why I picked World History, there''s more to this land than deadly forests or monster-filled mountains. Take the Old World, for example, I heard that was a different time completely.''''


    When Professor Wentworth heard this, she laughed before announcing to the class. ''''After your spring test, we will start learning about many things, but until then, we will focus on Kaldorra.''''


    Following that, the class learned about Drakenwood''s long history and how the school was founded over a thousand years ago. By the time the class came to an end, everyone was excited.


    ''''Rae, it seems like you''ve read loads of history,'''' Zahara commented while standing up.


    Domonique giggled as she teased. ''''Well, what do you expect from the bookworm of our group?''''


    Raegar looked at the vampire with a raised eyebrow, causing her to laugh even more as the blonde commented. ''''Haven''t we all got a free class?''''


    ''''No, I have Monster Study Class,'''' the vampire girl replied with an excited tone.


    Following that, the trio left the class as Zahara commented. ''''Are you two coming to dinner? I heard it will be delicious.''''

 Chapter 143: Take Their Privacy Seriously

    Raegar, Zahara, and Dominique walked through the school''s corridors alongside other students while making their way to dinner. As they did that, the vampire girl looked at him and asked. ''''Didn''t Professor Morris want to see you after lessons?''''


    ''''Yes, but I''ll go see her during my Free Class,'''' he answered. ''''Professor Silvershade wants me to meet you at the Northern Courtyard to help me move to Vapour.''''


    The two girls nodded in understanding, but the blonde girl''s eyes lingered on him longer than usual. Afterward, the trio stepped into the dining room, where it was full of talking, clinking of plates, and the laughter of friends.


    He glanced around only to spot Rune, Caspian, Vienna, and Luna sitting off in one corner. Raegar grabbed his food and sat down as the black-haired boy commented. ''''How were your first lessons, Rae?''''


    ''''Informative,'''' he responded while eating. ''''Most will start teaching me stuff by the next class, which is interesting.''''


    As the group began eating, Luna piped up. ''''How was Aether Fundamentals with my mom?'''' she asked curiously.


    ''''Raegar has a thing for her,'''' Zahara randomly announced, catching everyone off guard, including him.


    ''''Huh? Don''t bring me into your wild fantasies, Za!'''' he defended himself, chuckling. ''''She''s pretty, yes, but I don''t fancy her.''''


    The blonde giggled along with everyone else as Luna continued. ''''She likes to help students progress. She spoke about helping you reach Vapour.''''


    ''''Yes, she is,'''' Raegar replied, nodding. ''''I have to go see her after Professor Morris.''''


    Ten minutes later, the group dispersed to their classes. Zahara and Vienna headed to the Healing Wing, while Raegar stood, returned his tray, and made his way toward the Devil Hunter part of the sprawling castle.


    He trekked across the castle to the Devil Hunting Wing, finally spotting a sign for Professor Morris''s office. As he walked, he bumped into the blonde inquisitor, who grinned upon recognizing him.


    ''''Ah, there you are, Blackwood,'''' she commented. ''''Come with me, I want to go over the Devil Hunting Class, as this year the training has grown intense.''''


    Raegar trailed the older woman through the bustling corridors, where knights and hunters moved purposefully. He noticed other students bound for the same class, their brief glances meeting his as they passed.


    ''''I''m glad you want to become a Devil Hunter, Rae,'''' the professor suddenly said. ''''We need as many as we can for the coming darkness.''''


    ''''Coming darkness? You sound like a mystic fortune teller,'''' he replied with a chuckle.


    The blonde smiled before retorting. ''''Shut up, you, it''s what the scholars are calling it.''''


    Raegar was confused, and Professor Morris noticed and explained. ''''We believe that the Devils will find a way to bring enough of them into this realm.''''


    ''''Oh,'''' he muttered as the duo entered her office.


    ''''Would you like some tea?'''' she offered with a sweet smile.


    Raegar nodded while getting comfortable as he questioned. ''''How do you know my Grandmother Agatha?''''


    ''''Call me Valentina when we''re alone,'''' the professor said. ''''And to answer that question, it started two decades ago in a small northern town called Frostwatch. The empire used it to keep watch over the northern storms.''''


    He watched as she stopped talking and focused on making the tea before bringing it over to him, continuing. ''''That is where I met Agatha for the first time, she was an Imperial Mage stationed in the town.''''


    ''''I remember father mentioning that they used to tell the weather in the Far North,'''' he revealed while taking a sip of the warm drink. ''''If I remember correctly, that place was destroyed by the Stormrune Kingdom in the Northern Wars.''''


    ''''That''s correct,'''' she answered with a sigh. ''''A beautiful town at the end of the world, but it was also creepy thanks to the Forest Giants and Wood Devils that plague the land.''''


    ''''Wood Devils? Like the fiends we''re supposed to fight?'''' Raegar asked, brow furrowed.


    Valentina shook her head. ''''No, just a shared name. These are tall, creepy humanoids that stalk the Kingsway, preying on its isolation. Rumors claim they lure travelers off the road and devour them.''''


    ''''How many damn creepy humanoids are lurking on Kaldorra? I''ve met the Nightwalkers, Watchers, and Hollowborns,'''' he ranted.


    This made the older woman smile. ''''Hundreds, if you believe the scholars. Those three are the most common down south. Forest Giants, Wood Devils, and Northern Walkers are common up here.''''


    Raegar shook his head before asking. ''''What did you want to talk about?''''


    Valentina nodded, smiling. ''''Yes. I know you are interested in becoming a Devil Hunter, but I was wondering if you''d like a more intense version of the classes?''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' he curiously inquired.


    ''''We will organize for you to meet me at my private training ground during one of your free periods,'''' the professor said. ''''There, I''ll personally train you in some of the secret ways the Order has locked away for their most talented hunters, as the empress desires.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes went wide with excitement, making the older woman giggle. ''''Calm down, we won''t start until next week. That will allow you to get used to your lessons.''''


    Following that, Valentina told him everything he needed to know about the Devil Hunting Classes. He learned that there were three parts to the class, which she explained. ''''There''s the Devil Combat, Devil History, and a researcher lesson to learn more about the fiends.''''


    ''''I''ll tackle the first two challenges,'''' Raegar declared, his voice brimming with steely resolve. ''''I care not for the Devil''s inner workings. For what they did to my grandmother, I''ll slaughter them in droves, storm their wretched realm, and unleash a genocide they''ll never forget!''''


    The older woman smiled as she requested. ''''Show me your aura, you''ve been hiding it since stepping into Drakenwood.''''


    Moments later, a torrent of raw, primal Aether erupted from him, a shimmering wave of crimson and obsidian that pulsed like the heartbeat of a slumbering titan. The room trembled, and the air grew heavy, charged with an oppressive force.


    Shadows danced wildly, twisting into shapes that hinted at claws and fangs, while a low, guttural roar seemed to emanate from the aura itself, reverberating in the bones of all who stood near.


    Valentina''s confident smirk vanished. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back, her hand twitching toward the hilt of her blade. The aura wasn''t just powerful, it was ancient, a force that felt like it had clawed its way from the depths of forgotten legends.


    It was as if Raegar had torn open a rift to a primordial realm, and she, a seasoned inquisitor, stood before a mythic beast of old, its gaze promising death. Her heart pounded, a rare chill of fear creeping up her spine, whispering that this boy was no mere Tetraarch Mage but something far more dangerous.


    His aura pulsed once more before he reined it in, the oppressive weight lifting as the forest exhaled. He stood there, breathing heavily, his eyes locked on Valentina. ''''That''s enough for you?'''' he asked.


    Valentina swallowed, regaining her composure, though her hand lingered near her weapon. ''''By the empress...'''' she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. ''''What are you, Blackwood?''''


    Raegar chuckled while standing up as his red eyes glowed. ''''The first Tetraarch Mage that loves to grow stronger, the Devil Lord, was a testament to that, Valentina, but I have a Free Class before dinner tomorrow. Do you want to meet then?''''


    He watched as the blonde''s smile grew wider. ''''Okay then. Meet me at the courtyard entrance after your third class. You have Devil Hunting as the last lesson tomorrow, so it will be good to give you some extra work.''''


    Following that, he said his goodbyes before walking through the quiet corridors while making his way to the Northern Courtyard to meet Professor Silvershade to try reach Vapour with the pills she gave him.


    Five minutes later, he entered the sprawling garden encircling the castle, its distant walls far enough to fade from notice. With a casual shrug, he set off northward toward the professors'' living quarters.


    After some time, Raegar appeared by a small gateway with benches on the outside but a wooden door blocking his way forward. He glanced up only to see a shimmering field blocking the way past.


    ''Looks like the adults take their privacy seriously,'' he mused.


    Raegar slumped down on the bench as there was still some time for the last class to end. He sat there as the guards watched him from the wall above as he started gathering and refilling his Aether Pools.


    ''''Damn Fusion Overdrive,'''' he muttered. ''''I feel exhausted still.''''


    Following that, he continued doing it and felt Aether pouring into his body from the world around him. Raegar didn''t know how long he was doing that, but a sweet smell hit his nose as the professor spoke. ''''I''m glad you came, Raegar. I thought you would have forgotten about little old me.''''


    His eyes opened only to see the beautiful green-haired woman leaning down, smiling at him with glowing blue eyes.

 Chapter 144 144: Happy Now?

    Raegar smiled as he returned to reality. ''''Sorry about that, I was gathering Aether as I''m exhausted from fighting that Devil with Ranthar and wanted to recover some,'''' he explained.


    The older woman waved him away, smiling. ''''No need to apologize, let''s head to my cottage. I''ll make you some of the famous Northern Tea, it will energize you enough to get to Vapour.''''


    Following that, Professor Silvershade led Raegar toward the courtyard entrance and waved her hand. The door opened, and she stepped through with him trailing behind while looking around.


    When seeing this, he thought. ''Looks like whoever founded this place wanted a big enough place to make the professors happy.''


    There were cottages all over the place and a private walled-in training field behind some of them. He assumed they were for the Combat and P.T professors like Elara and Ranthar, which made him chuckle. ''Bet those two are enjoying having a place to call their own while working here.''


    After that, Raegar noticed Drakenwood''s wall was hidden by a sea of ivy that made it feel like he was in an isolated fairy tale village from a book back on Earth. While walking, the older woman glanced back.


    ''''This place is amazing to live in. Doesn''t feel like we''re in a castle, and by the way, this road is known as Professor''s Lane; it has everything we teachers need to reside at Drakenwood,'''' she informed him.


    ''''Yes, the boy''s tower amazes me,'''' he cheerfully replied. ''''My room is the only one that has a window to the sea bottom. A shame it''s at the bottom, but Professor Riverhold seems to have an issue with me.''''


    She looked around before speaking. ''''Call me Cecilia when we''re alone, Rae, it makes things easier and ignore that old fart, he is a strict professor but means well.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you, Cecilia, and I''ll take your word for it,'''' he said with a charming smile.


    Moments later, a radiant smile appeared, she suddenly looped her arm through his, and eagerly began the tour around the Northern Courtyard. Their first stop was a charming row of glass greenhouses, their panes glinting in the afternoon sun.


    She excitedly gestured toward them, exclaiming. ''''Welcome to the Professor''s Garden! This is where we grow ingredients, carefully tended for use in our classes and training sessions.''''


    Raegar watched the older woman''s blue eyes gleam as she continued. ''''It''s a living laboratory, bursting with herbs, roots, and rare plants. I''ve been trying to grow Aether Fruit to give out in class.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he nodded. ''''What other places has the courtyard got?''''


    Cecilia''s eyes sparkled. ''''Over there,'''' she said, pointing to a cozy, ivy-clad building with warm light spilling from its window. ''''Is the Cauldron''s Hearth, our restaurant and bar. It''s the heart of our downtime, where we gather to unwind or to mark papers depending on the day.''''


    She gestured toward a stately stone building next, its towering arched windows hinting at the treasures inside. ''''That''s the library. Beyond it, you''ll find the faculty offices and an indoor swimming pool. Honestly, this place is so vast, I haven''t even uncovered all its secrets yet!''''


    Raegar listened intently, a warm smile spreading across his face at her infectious excitement. Reaching into his satchel, he produced a sleek, ceramic bottle of sake, its label etched with eastern letters.


    He offered it to the professor. ''''A gift for you,'''' he said. ''''This is freshly brewed sake, a specialty from the eastern continent.''''


    When Cecilia saw this her eyes widened while taking the bottle. ''''This stuff is rare and sells out in Brightwater whenever it comes in stock. How many do you have?''''


    ''''Close to three thousand,'''' he answered honestly. ''''I love the stuff, it''s good to unwind and relax.''''


    Following that, the older woman pulled him toward a cottage in the distance. ''''Come on, we will try it together.''''


    After five minutes, the duo arrived at a lone place that was down a quiet path. Cecilia looked at him with a big smile. ''''Corrine gave me this place. I wanted it last year, but she was staying here.''''


    ''''Where does the headmistress live?'''' he curiously questioned.


    She pointed at the main building. ''''Look, they finished it just before the new year, but she has private quarters up there.''''


    Raegar glanced up only to see a massive tower jutting from the school that looked over the whole grounds, including the landscape beyond. His eyes widened as Cecilia explained. ''''That''s the Headmistress''s Tower. It''s where her office and home are, the local nobles paid for it as a gift.''''


    ''''Oh, that''s so cool,'''' he replied before she entered the cottage,


    Cecilia ushered him inside. ''''Come in, Rae, take a seat. I''ll go make us the tea.''''


    Raegar nodded appreciatively and settled into one of the sofas, the cushions enveloping him in comfort. He took a moment to absorb his surroundings, struck by the cozy, lived-in charm of the living room.


    A crackling fireplace cast a warm, golden glow across the space, it was adorned with a few well-loved trinkets. Two inviting sofas flanked a sturdy wooden coffee table, all resting on a soft, patterned carpet that added a touch of homeliness to the room.


    His gaze wandered to a collection of framed photographs on a nearby shelf. Among them, he spotted the professor beaming alongside Luna. In other frames, three young men, likely her sons, their features echoing their mothers.


    ''''Those are Leo, Ross, and Theo, my boys,'''' Cecila''s soft voice sounded from behind him. ''''Leo attends Drakenwood as a second year, Ross and Theo are in your year.''''


    ''''You have son''s here?'''' he asked, shocked.


    The older woman giggled before revealing. ''''Remember, I should be your parents'' age, Rae, so it shouldn''t be such a surprise that I have children.''''


    She put down a tray, smirking. ''''I hope that doesn''t change anything, I would still love to help you reach Vapour and maybe teach you a few other things.''''


    Raegar was curious and questioned the professor ''''Like what, Cecilia? But won''t your sons think it''s strange to have a male student in your home?''''


    Cecilia leaned back against the plush sofa, her dark green hair catching the firelight as a playful, knowing smile curved her lips. ''''As a Tier Eight Mage,'''' she purred, her voice low and teasing, ''''I can invite whomever I please into my home, my children have no say in the matter.''''


    Her eyes sparkled with mischief, lingering on Raegar just long enough to make his pulse quicken. He shifted slightly, a faint flush creeping up his neck as he muttered under his breath. ''''Better be only me.''''


    The mature beauty''s expression softened into a delighted grin and slid onto the sofa beside him, close enough that her shoulder brushed his. Leaning in, her breath warm against his ear, she whispered. ''''And what if someone else did come here, Rae?''''


    ''''I wouldn''t come here anymore,'''' he answered honestly. ''''I''m not competing with any other students for your attention. Just give me instructions, and I''ll use one of the Aether spots in the school gardens to advance.''''


    Cecilia''s expression flickered, but it quickly melted away as she gently grasped his arm, her touch warm. ''''I''m not helping any other student, and I won''t be,'''' she said softly, her voice steady with conviction, her eyes searching his for a moment to make sure he understood.


    Then, she leaned in closer, her breath a soft caress as her lips grazed the edge of his ear. ''''And no other men will be stepping through that door either,'''' she whispered, her tone an intoxicating. ''''My boys hardly visit these days, so it''ll just be you, Raegar. Only you.''''


    She pulled back slightly, her smile radiant yet subtly coy. ''''Happy now?''''


    Raegar happily nodded while taking a sip of the hot tea, which sent energy surging through his body, but it failed to clear the exhaustion that was building up within him. He shook his head and answered. ''''Yes, now what did you want to teach me?''''


    ''''What element do you use the most?'''' Cecilia questioned.


    ''''Lightning and fire,'''' he replied.


    The older woman gave him a nod, speaking once again. ''''Now take out the eight pills I gave you. We''re going to choose one of the elements you don''t use to advance.''''


    Raegar''s brow furrowed in confusion, his expression a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, which only amused Cecilia, who found it adorable. Her lips curved into a warm, teasing smile as she leaned back slightly, clearly delighted by his reaction.


    ''''Let me break it down for you,'''' she said. ''''When you''re in the pool, the Aether will surge within you, like a tide rising. You''ll need to hold it steady, keep it contained. If you let it slip or overflow, the advancement could fail, and you might end up hurting yourself.''''


    After hearing her explanation, Raegar understood and spoke. ''''So just take the pill, absorb the Aether, and hold it in until it expands?''''

 Chapter 145: Expected You To Come Earlier

    Raegar watched as Cecilia nodded at his question. ''''Yes, that''s correct, Rae, you''ll know when to stop absorbing as your body will react,'''' she explained.


    ''''Alright, I understand now,'''' he replied while taking out the eight pills she gave him earlier in the day.


    Before he could take the earth one the older woman offered. ''''Do you want to use the garden? Earth Aether is abundant there?''''


    ''''That would be better,'''' he responded. ''''Who knows what will happen, and I don''t want to ruin your house.''''


    Cecilia nodded. ''''That''s thoughtful of you, but you''re right. The first advancement is usually done in a specially prepared room,'''' she said.


    When Raegar heard this, his head tilted. ''''Then why are we doing it here?''''


    ''''Oh, because I''m the best suited to help you advance and the headmistress put up a special barrier around this cottage,'''' she answered, smiling. ''''She moved me here when finding out you''d attend Drakenwood.''''


    Following that, he was led outside, and the older woman pointed to a nearby patch of dirt. ''''Use that to take the Earth pill, once you do, make sure you pull in as much Aether as possible.''''


    Raegar flashed a determined smile, settling onto the ground. He took a steadying breath and swallowed the earthy brown pill Cecilia had given him. The moment it dissolved on his tongue, a surge of energy sparked within his Earth pool.


    His focus sharpened instinctively, guiding the swelling energy into the proper pathways within his core. As the world''s Aether flowed into his pool, it began to expand, stretching the boundaries of the reservoir.


    The sensation was excruciating, a relentless pressure that made his body ache as though it were being reshaped from within. Just when he thought he could endure no more, a strange, suffocating feeling gripped him, his lungs seemed to fill with thick, heavy mud, clogging his breath.


    ''What the fuck is this!'' he internally panicked.


    Panic surged as the sensation intensified, the weight of the earth seeming to engulf him, as if he were sinking into the ground itself. His heart raced, his mind teetering between focus and fear, unsure whether this was part of the process.


    Just then, Cecilia''s soft voice sounded in his mind. ''Rae calm down, its only happening in your inner world, you need to push through.''


    Upon hearing Cecilia''s reassuring words, Raegar felt a flicker of calm settle over his racing heart. He drew a deep breath and focused inward, channeling the surging Aether into his Earth Pool with care, ensuring not a single wisp escaped.


    The energy swirled within him, heavy and grounding, like soil packed tightly beneath the weight of mountains. Moments later, the pool began to expand, its boundaries stretching in a slow, relentless surge.


    A searing pain erupted through his body, sharp and unyielding, as though his very bones were being forged anew in the crucible of the earth. The agony was nearly unbearable, a tidal wave of torment that set his nerves ablaze.


    His muscles trembled uncontrollably, and beads of sweat traced rivulets down his spine, soaking his tunic. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a battle against the suffocating weight in his chest.


    Yet, even as his body screamed for reprieve, Raegar clenched his jaw and steeled his resolve. His eyes burned with determination, fixed on the vision of mastery that lay beyond the pain.


    Drawing on every ounce of willpower, he pushed forward, anchoring himself against the storm within, refusing to let the Aether''s power break him.


    ***


    While Raegar was trying to advance the first of his elements, Cecilia stood nearby watching over him. Her blue eyes narrowed when she saw him tremble, but he held on and only let out a whimper.


    ''He''s tough for his age,'' she thought with a small smile. ''Many would have given up by now and usually achieve it on the third or forth go.''


    Following that, Cecila sensed someone appearing beside her, prompting her to speak. ''''Hello Corrine. I expected you to come earlier.''''


    The blue-haired woman giggled before replying. ''''I had to block off the area or the other students would sense him advancing to Vapour.''''


    ''''Why are we hiding him here?'''' she asked the headmistress.


    ''''The Order helped with the barrier, it will stop the Devil spies finding out he advanced until the time is right,'''' her friend replied. ''''The Lion dropped off a bag of Tier Ten Aether Cores to power it. He is on a crusade against the fiends thanks to the Witch.''''


    Cecilia frowned when hearing about the Witch of the West being put in a coma because of the Devil''s foul magic. Healers were traveling to Deadwater City to help the duchess, but nothing had helped so far.


    She shook her head and asked. ''''Should I keep bringing him to advance until all his elements are on Vapor?''''


    The headmistress turned to her with narrowed eyes. ''''Will you stay out of his pants, Ceci? I see the way you''re looking at the boy.''''


    Her cheeks reddened when she heard Corrine''s words, but she shook her head. ''''I don''t see him like that, and he certainly wouldn''t like a woman with four children, Cori.''''


    A giggle rang out, catching Cecilia off guard as the headmistress teased. ''''I watched you both during your little tour of the Northern Courtyard. He looked to enjoy his time with you, so don''t go counting yourself out.''''


    Her friend turned around to leave, concluding. ''''There''s no rule on that sort of thing, just keep it out of the classroom and no favoritism, Ceci.''''


    A poof was heard as the headmistress vanished using her space magic, leaving Cecilia alone, watching over a sweating and trembling Raegar.


    ***


    The feeling of drowning in mud overwhelmed him, but after a couple of hours, it started to ease as his Earth Aether Pool had grown to the point that he could see it was even bigger when looking into his inner world.


    ''Finally, now six more elements to go,'' he thought with a tired chuckle.


    Raegar tried to stand up, but his legs shook, and he felt weak while turning to see Cecilia reading a book under an Aether Light thanks to being dark. Her blue eyes glanced up only to become shocked as she jumped up and rushed over to him.


    ''''Rae, how do you feel?'''' she questioned.


    He raised his hand and created an Earth Spike that popped out nearby, shocking the older woman as he spoke. ''''I want to do another, I think I''ll be able to handle one more.''''


    Cecilia shook her head. ''''No can do, you need to go rest. Return here on Wind Day once classes are over. I must travel to Brightwater City to get some stuff for the lesson I forgot.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Alright, thanks for your help, Cecilia,'''' he thanked the older woman.


    Following that, she walked him back to the courtyard entrance as the exhaustion took its toll on his body. He let out a yawn, causing her to laugh. ''''Make sure you get some rest when you get back to your room.''''


    ''''Will do,'''' he replied, saying his farewells. ''''I''ll see you here on Wind Day, Ceci.''''


    ''''That you will, Rae, now have a nice sleep,'''' she said with a big smile.


    As dusk enveloped the garden, he strode toward the Western Tower that wasn''t too far away. The deserted paths didn''t faze him as he navigated through the shadowed greenery to the boys'' dormitory.


    When Raegar entered the tower grounds, he spotted guards posted in a nearby shack. He descended to his room and, upon stepping inside, saw the sea outside, vast and empty, with the tide gently swaying scattered plants.


    ''At least there isn''t a monster watching me,'' he thought, looking at a nearby plant pot.


    He waved his hand, and the dirt came out while turning into a smooth sphere thanks to his thinking about it. ''''Looks like my control over Earth Aether is growing better since it''s Vapour now.''''


    Moments later, Raegar grinned before putting the dirt back and undressing as he climbed into bed, only to get comfortable moments later. He watched the swaying underwater trees only to jump out of his skin.


    A massive shark appeared in the window, and its dark eye stared at him. He gulped as the beast was at least Tier Nine, causing him to mutter. ''''Damn monsters lurking in the shadows but it doesn''t seem threatening.''''


    Following that, the two of them looked at each other before the creature nodded its head and swam off, which surprised him. He soon fell asleep as the cover overwhelmed him with its softness.


    Raegar was woken up to banging on the door as Rune''s voice echoed out. ''''Wake up, Rae! Breakfast is nearly ready.''''


    ''''I''m coming!'''' he shouted in reply while climbing out of bed. ''''Let me wash, I''ll meet you two in the Common Room.''''


    ''''You better!'''' Caspian answered this time.


    Raegar chuckled and stood up before walking toward the bathroom that every room came with and stepped inside to sort himself out.

 Chapter 146: She Was Beaming

    Raegar emerged from the bathroom, towel slung over his shoulder after he got dressed, and stepped out of his dorm room only to find Rune and Caspian waiting in the hallway, messing around.


    ''''What are you idiots doing?'''' he questioned after wrapping his cloak around him.


    His black hair friend flashed a grin and greeted him warmly. ''''Morning, Rae! How''d training go? Luna mentioned you were with Professor Silvershade last night.''''


    Caspian''s tone carried a mix of curiosity and playful teasing as Rune leaned against the wall, smirking in anticipation of his response. He raised his hand and sent a stream of Aether toward his hand, creating a dirt orb.


    The faint glow of his magic slowly formed a shimmering orb of earthen vapor that pulsed and expanded, leaving his friends wide-eyed. He let out a low chuckle, amused by their reactions, before casually dismissing the spell.


    ''''Professor Silvershade helped me reach Vapour thanks to a pill,'''' he explained, his voice shaking slightly. ''''But it was brutal, like drowning in a suffocating sea of mud. Not an experience I''m eager to repeat.''''


    When the two boys heard this, they shivered as Rune said. ''''I''ve heard about moving to Vapour, it differs between elements, and you have all eight, so I feel sorry for you.''''


    Raegar casually shrugged. ''''It''s fine, I already feel slightly stronger and my Earth Aether is better than before.''''


    ''''Are you going to use Earth spells now?'''' Caspian questioned as the three made their way to the dining room.


    ''''No, maybe in the Grand Magic Games when it starts,'''' he answered. ''''I''ll use it to surprise my opponents. Everyone thinks I only use Lightningfire Blast and Stormfire Bullet, or that''s what the rumors say, but there are more spells I have.''''


    His friend''s eyes widened in surprise, but Rune started laughing while wrapping his arms around his shoulder and cheerfully speaking. ''''You''re sneaky, Rae. That will shock whoever you end up fighting.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but laugh as Caspian informed him. ''''The Grand Magic Games start at the end of spring, and the winners will represent Kaldorra at the Global Aether League.''''


    ''''Whats that?'''' he questioned. ''''I''ve never heard of it.''''


    The two boys'' eyes went wide as Rune teased. ''''Look at that, Cas? Rae doesn''t know everything like we thought.''''


    He couldn''t help but laugh as Caspian explained. ''''Do you know the trading nation of Nivara?''''


    ''''Yes, they live on a massive island between Kaldorra and Kyoshara in the Lost Hope Sea, and trade with both continents. I believe they have access to the rare Deepsea Ore that most realms want,'''' he answered.


    ''''They do,'''' Rune revealed. ''''My Uncle Tomas works in Ghosttide Harbor to the east, the empire has been bringing in boatloads of the stuff.''''


    Following the giant boy''s words, Raegar, Rune, and Caspian made their way to the elevated walkway connecting their dorms to the academy''s main building. As they crossed the narrow stone path, Raegar glanced over the edge, his breath catching at the sight below.


    Far beneath them yawned a vast chasm, its depths plunging toward the expanse of the Siren''s Sea. The distant crash of waves echoed faintly, a haunting reminder of the perilous beauty that lay hidden below the Western Dragon Tower.


    ''''You don''t want to fall in there, Rae,'''' Rune commented. ''''I heard some horrible monsters lurk in the darkness.''''


    ''''They do,'''' he responded. ''''Demon Sharks, Krakens the size of a city, and the infamous Sirens.''''


    The two boys shivered at that statement before Caspian dragged them toward the main building. ''''Stop with the gloominess, it''s creepy enough we have to walk over it every morning.''''


    ''''We could''ve taken the other route,'''' the boy with glasses remarked as they stepped off the walkway and into the bustling school. ''''But that''d take three times as long to get to the dining hall.''''


    Inside, the corridors teemed with life, hundreds of students weaving through the halls, some chatting animatedly, others hurrying toward their destinations. Raegar, Rune, and Caspian navigated the crowd, their steps purposeful as they made their way to the dining hall.


    Upon entering, they spotted Zahara, Dominique, Vienna, and Luna already seated at their usual table, their laughter and animated conversation cutting through the lively hum of the room.


    The group waved them over as Vienne jumped up. ''''Come, guys! Get your food and get over here!'''' she exclaimed.


    Rune began laughing as Raegar approached the line, as Yuzuki appeared beside him out of nowhere. He shook his head and scooped the fluffy fox up before plopping her down on his shoulder.


    She yipped and licked his face, causing his friends to laugh as Caspian teased. ''''I see you''re trying to get into Dominique''s good books, a good call, she seems like a nice girl.''''


    ''''I already saved Yuzuki from a Devil attack,'''' he revealed while stroking the little monster''s chin, which made her happy. ''''I love friendly monsters, they are smarter than we give them credit for.''''


    Just then, Raegar noticed Dominique standing up, looking around with a concerned expression before glancing in his direction. He chuckled and moved to the side, revealing the little fox innocently sitting there.


    The Vampire girl smiled and sat back down, causing them to get their breakfast and sit at the table. As he did that, Luna was staring at him while chewing on a piece of bread, her blue eyes sparkled with amusement.


    ''''How was Mother''s training session?'''' she questioned. ''''When I saw her this morning, she was beaming.''''


    ''''Professor Silvershade helped me get to Vapour with my Earth Aether,'''' he answered honestly.


    The group nodded as Zahara turned to him with a big smile before asking. ''''Did you hear what''s happening on Fire Day? We have a combined Combat Class with A Class, the professors are revealing something.''''


    ''''The Combat Crucible,'''' Raegar revealed.


    This shocked everyone, his friend''s head snapped toward him as Dominique curiously questioned. ''''What''s that, Rae?''''


    He glanced at the dark-haired girl. ''''To help us train. I used it yesterday and must admit it''s fun but tough to get through, I think you guys will like it.''''


    ''''I can''t wait!'''' Rune exclaimed with an excited expression.


    Following that, the group started eating their breakfast as the dining hall was filling up with the other year one students. Raegar noticed the food was porridge and bacon alongside some bread.


    Then there was a Water Aether Fruit causing him to think. ''It doesn''t matter what I choose, they will help me eitherway.''


    Just then, Yuzuki returned to her realm as Dominique curiously asked. ''''Have you tried the Dark Fruit Rae? It''s heavy but helps with the Aether.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow shot up as he grabbed the half-eaten pear-like food from the Vampire''s hand, which shocked her. Moments later, he started eating it, which made her green eyes widen in horror.


    The other giggled as Luna added wood to the fire. ''''Isn''t that an indirect kiss? Get in there, Dom!''''


    Dominique''s face went red as she looked away, causing him to smile. The group continued eating, Raegar loved the bacon, which was perfectly cooked, and by the time everyone was done, they headed toward their classes.


    Zahara stopped him from rushing off and quietly asked. ''''Do you mind helping me find some healing books?''''


    ''''Of course, Za,'''' he replied with a charming smile. ''''I have Devil Hunting as my last lesson. Meet me after that, then we can head to the library from there.''''


    The blonde beamed and suddenly hugged him. ''''Thank you, Rae! The professor believes I can use rare healing magic that hasn''t been seen in decades.''''


    Raegar''s eyes widened as a thought crossed his mind. ''What if she can heal Grandmother!''


    He shook his head before asking. ''''If you can use such a magic, would you do me the biggest favor? And I''ll be in your debt.''''


    Zahara looked shocked, her grey eyes widened in surprised. She steeled herself and nodded. ''''What can I do for you?''''


    Raegar''s voice trembled with hope as he looked at Zahara. ''''Would you please heal my grandmother? She was struck down by Devil Poison and fell unconscious. She''s the only one who knows how to mend my face,'''' he said softly.


    Zahara''s face lit up with a radiant, heartfelt smile, her cheeks flushing a soft shade of crimson. ''''Of course, Rae,'''' she warmly replied. ''''Anything for you.''''


    Without warning, he cuddled the dark-skinned girl who couldn''t help but smile at the gesture. Following that, the two of them joined Dominique, Rune, and Vienna for P.T, Ranthar had him train his friends.


    Raegar couldn''t help but enjoy it as Zahara begged him to have mercy on them. ''''Please, Rae! My legs are hurting and my arms feel like jelly.''''


    ''''Shut up Za!'''' he barked. ''''I don''t want you or Dominique to get hurt in some F Rank Dungeon!''''


    The group''s eyes sparkled with amusement, their knowing glances darting between Raegar, Zahara, and Dominique. Vienna leaned forward, her voice laced with playful mischief as she started speaking.


    ''''Well, well, seems Rae''s got a protective streak for our dear friends here,'''' she teased, winking at the others. ''''We''d better keep a close eye on them, Luna, make sure they''re properly looked after.''''

 Chapter 147: The Blood Princess?

    Raegar watched as Zahara and Dominique went red-faced faced causing him to laugh as he worked them even harder. Rune was the first to drop, followed by the others, and he stood over the group.


    ''''Good, we shall do this every class until Professor Crowhurst stops us,'''' he said.


    Moments later, a familiar voice echoed from behind him. ''''Looks like you''re working them good, Blackwood.''''


    Raegar turned around only to notice the orange-haired tigress standing there with a big smile as he spoke. ''''Hello Elara, I was wondering when I would bump into you again.''''


    ''''It''s a shame you aren''t in A Class for Combat Magic,'''' she responded. ''''But alas, I saw your score on the crucible, shocked us professors.''''


    When his friends heard this, Zahara asked in a curious tone. ''''What is it?''''


    ''''Let me show you,'''' Elara answered, taking out the academy pass and muttering something, causing a screen to appear.


    [1st - Class S - Raegar Blackwood - 7150 Combat Points]


    ''''If you five can find three more people, you''ll be able to compete in the team rounds when the Combat Magic Classes,'''' she revealed with an excited smile. ''''The headmistress believes the crucible is the perfect course of action for Drakenwood.''''


    Raegar watched his friends'' faces light up as Vienna commented. ''''We could bring in Cas and Luna. With those two, it will make seven, we just need one more person.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her smile grew wide as she revealed. ''''If I remember correctly. Rae, you would be the group''s main attacker. What are the others'' roles?''''


    He pointed at the giant boy who was recovering his breath. ''''Rune is our defender, Vienna is a mage. Zahara is a healer, and Dominique is more of a support role who can also be an attacker like me with her magic.''''


    ''''What about the other two?'''' she questioned.


    This time, it was Zahara who answered. ''''Caspian is a tactician while Luna is a mage who can use healing magic.''''


    Elara nodded. ''''So you need another attacker to help little Blackwood here. Perfect, I''ll introduce my suggestion on Fire Day,'''' she revealed.


    Raegar''s eyes narrowed. ''''What''s wrong with this person? You''re being dodgy, Lara.''''


    When the tigress heard his words, her tail straightened in surprise, but a smile appeared on her pretty face as she responded. ''''Oh, it''s nothing bad, she just doesn''t get on with everyone and loves to fight, just like someone I know.''''


    He chuckled at that but nodded. ''''As long as she''s strong and can help us in dungeons or gates. If they are anything like that Rank D one, I went inside, we''re going to need someone who can handle herself.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about that, Blackwood,'''' Elara reassured. ''''I wouldn''t just suggest anyone.''''


    Just then, Zahara stepped forward and questioned with glowing grey eyes. ''''Who is she?''''


    The older woman glanced at the blonde with a friendly smile, replying. ''''Selene Bloodrose, I teach her in Combat Magic. She can use two elements, but is extremely skilled with a sword. I reckon she could keep up with you, Rae.''''


    When Elara said that, he remembered the red-skinned girl who was fighting yesterday. While he thought to himself, Zahara and the others looked shocked as Vienna questioned. ''''The Blood Princess? Hasn''t she got a group yet? I heard she''s popular.''''


    ''''She doesn''t get on with many people thanks to her being overexcited to fight,'''' the tigress answered honestly. ''''Selene hasn''t been beaten in a fight for years; she has caused chaos in Brightwater City.''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Okay, bring her to us on Fire Day, I assume that''s when all year one classes combine?''''


    ''''Yes, it''s when the headmistress will reveal everything to the students,'''' Elara replied while preparing to leave. ''''Anyway, I have to get to my class. Speak to you later, Rae and friends.''''


    Following that, he watched the older woman leave, prompting Zahara to question. ''''It seems like you both know each other outside of school?''''


    ''''We do,'''' he responded honestly. ''''She was in my father''s group back in his academy days, just like we are, I guess.''''


    Afterward, Raegar started training them once again until Ranthar ended the class and moved them along. The Combat Magic Class was much of the same; the students fought each other, with him winning his first three, and after that, no one else would fight him.


    Professor Velrath waved the class off for lunch, and Raegar set out for the dining hall, eager to join his friends. As he navigated the bustling corridor, a streak of crimson flashed past him, startlingly swift.


    Before he could react, a girl materialized in front of him, her lips curved in a bright, mischievous smile. Her appearance held his gaze: smooth, blood-red skin that seemed to shimmer faintly under the sun, and long, snow-white hair swept into a high ponytail.


    But it was the pair of dark, curved horns protruding from her head that truly set her apart. His mind raced, a single thought crystallizing. ''She''s strong! There''s something chaotic apart her.''


    ''''So you''re the Scarred One everyone''s afraid of?'''' she spoke with a big smile. ''''I can see you''re a real warrior, unlike the other boys here who like to fake it, I can see that you''ve been through some shit.''''


    A black sword appeared in her hand as her smile grew even wider. ''''I say we fight to see if you''re worth joining, like Professor Crowhurst claims.''''


    When Raegar heard this his red eyes gleamed with excitement as he nodded. ''''I''m up for that, where can we do it?''''


    ''''This way,'''' she said, walking off.


    Ten minutes later, the duo arrived at an arena that was built for students to have mock battles or to settle challenges. Someone must of witnessed their meeting as more boys and girls poured into the seats.


    Zahara, Dominique, and the others appeared as Rune roared. ''''Come on, Rae! Show her what the strongest student in Drakenwood can do!''''


    This riled up the crowd, causing even professors to appear to watch the bout between the two to see who was the strongest. He summoned his gear and daggers with a ching, causing the Bloodrose Armor to appear.


    When the girl saw this, her yellow eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed. ''''It accepted you! How!''''


    Raegar grinned. ''''Because I''m worthy of your mother''s work,'''' he answered.


    ''''I''m Selene Bloodrose,'''' she introduced herself with a bow. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you.''''


    The helmet appeared around his face while replying. ''''Raegar Blackwood, let''s fight?''''


    Following that, the Demon girl burst forward and swung her sword, but he deflected the attack. He felt the power as she whispered. ''''Enhancement.''''


    Raegar instantly reacted by jumping back and throwing his daggers at Selene, who was quick to block the knives, but he used Aether to aim them at her legs, causing the demoness to jump over them.


    Following that, she cast a Lightning Blast in his direction. This caught him off guard as he summoned his blades to block the attack. He felt a shock wash over his body just when she moved, grinning in excitement.


    With a sudden, predatory lunge, the Tiefling girl launched herself at Raegar, her movements a blur of speed and intent. Instinctively, he deflected her initial strike, his training kicking in, but she was relentless.


    Her fist connected with his jaw in a brutal, unexpected blow, snapping his head back with a jolt of pain. Gritting his teeth, Raegar Flash Stepped, his body flickering out of reach in an instant, putting distance between them.


    His hands crackled with energy as he summoned a Lightningfire Blast, the air sizzling with the spell''s raw power. The fiery bolt surged toward the Tiefling, forcing her to dive aside in a frantic scramble, her horns glinting as she narrowly evaded the attack.


    Selene''s glowing yellow eyes gleamed with a mix of defiance and exhilaration, as if the clash only fueled her fire. ''''You''re good, Blackwood, but it''s not enough to beat me, unfortunately.''''


    Raegar chuckled at her words, summoning his daggers and vanishing just as he cast Enhancement. Moments later, the two of them started bouncing around the arena while their blades clashed.


    In a whirlwind of red and white, Raegar and the Selene collided mid-air, their clash a tempest of raw power and agility. With a powerful kick, he sent the Demoness hurtling downward, her body crashing into the ground with a resounding thud, kicking up dust and debris.


    Seizing the moment, he unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets, crackling orbs of electric flame that streaked toward her with lethal precision. The Demoness, undeterred, raised her arms, creating a shimmering purple shield that pulsed with an otherworldly glow.


    The bullets slammed into the barrier, each impact sparking violently but failing to penetrate. Raegar''s eyes widened at the sight, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. ''''Chaos Aether,'''' he muttered under his breath.


    Just then, she let out a scream as her body was enveloped with more of the magic before she vanished and appeared in front of him. Selene''s fist crashed against his chest, which sent him catapulting across the arena.

 Chapter 148: Flipped A Switch In Me

    Raegar crashed into a nearby wall, causing him to drop to the ground with a thud just as the atmosphere descended on the arena. He glanced up to see Selene''s blade inches from his throat.


    Without thinking, he summoned his blade to stop the attack, which it did, but at the cost of his left arm. The Demoness sliced through his muscle, and he quickly cast Lightningfire Blast into her body and sent her flying.


    Just then, Professor Crowhurst and Morris appeared inside the arena to stop the fight as the blonde woman parried Selene''s wild slash and slapped the girl who came out of her rage, only to look apologetic.


    The students around them were going crazy and cheering for the Blood Princess as Raegar stood up, shaking his head as Elara appeared smiling. ''''You managed to activate her Demon Rage, not many can do that, Blackwood.''''


    He chuckled before replying. ''''I have to go see Nurse Kitsunia to repair my arm, but let me check on Selene.''''


    Following that, Raegar approached the nervous girl and offered a hand. ''''That was a good fight. Next time I''ll beat you, even in that rage of yours.''''


    Selene''s yellow eyes widened in surprise as she pointed at her neck. ''''You won Blackwood, it''s what kicked off my Demon Rage, my mother has been helping me get it under control, but it comes out when I feel threatened.''''


    ''''My bad,'''' he quickly replied, chuckling. ''''Want to come to the nurse''s office? My arm is useless like this, and I have Dungeoneering after lunch.''''


    The Demoness looked baffled but nodded. ''''Yes, I''ll come, do you want me to get us some lunch? I''m sure the dining hall has some food left?''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered as the two left the arena under the eyes of everyone who was cheering.


    Just then, Zahara and Dominique, along with the others, appeared. Raegar noticed Yuzuki growling at Selene, making him laugh. He stepped forward and grabbed the little fox, pampering her.


    ''''No need to growl, girl,'''' Raegar said, chuckling. ''''She''s my friend, and that''s how Tieflings like to start their friendship.''''


    When the red-skinned Demoness heard this, her eyes widened. ''''How do you know that?''''


    Raegar glanced at Selene and revealed. ''''I read the Diary of Tarok Bloodfang, the famous Tiefling Bandit King in the Forbidden Wastes.''''


    After the tension of their clash settled, he gestured toward the Tiefling, addressing the group gathered outside the arena. ''''Everyone, meet Selene Bloodrose, our newest member and second Attacker alongside me.''''


    He noticed the two girls exchanged a glance, they nodded in unison. Zahara stepped forward, smiling warmly, and extended her hand. ''''Zahara Ashbourne,'''' she said. ''''I''m Rae''s Healer, and his closest friend.''''


    Selene took it while not noticing the subtle looks and spoke. ''''What''s up, Zahara? I''ve seen you around the Eastern Tower. You''re the girl who can use three elements and is called the next Witch of the West?''''


    Raegar smiled as Zahara replied with a shocked expression. ''''Don''t call me that! I''m nothing like Elysia,'''' she said.


    ''''I haven''t seen you heal anyone, but if that''s what people are saying, then who am I to judge?'''' he reassured the blonde. ''''And I''m sure you''ll be just like my grandmother one day.''''


    Zahara couldn''t help but smile as the others agreed, and Raegar moved on to the others as he motioned toward the pretty Vampire girl. ''''This is Dominique D''Ambrose, our support mage and summoner.''''


    ''''Did you have to injure his arm like that?'''' she pointed at his arm.


    Selene let out a light, infectious giggle, her crimson cheeks flushing slightly as she waved a hand dismissively. ''''I''m sorry about earlier,'''' she said, her voice carrying a playful edge. "It wasn''t on purpose, I swear. Something about this idiot.''''


    She shot him a teasing glance. ''''Flipped a switch in me, and I just had to fight him. The urge to test his power was too strong!''''


    Raegar chuckled, shaking his head, then turned to the group to continue the introductions. One by one, he presented the rest of the team: Rune, Caspian, Vienna, and Luna, who greeted the Demoness.


    Their expressions radiated curiosity and camaraderie, eager to embrace Selene as the newest addition to their group. The air buzzed with a sense of budding friendship, the earlier clash already fading into a story they''d laugh about later.


    Following that, Raegar spoke to the group. ''''I''m going to head to the nurse''s office, do you guys want to grab me some lunch, please? I missed it due to the fight.''''


    ''''Sorry,'''' Selene said, giggling.


    The group strolled toward the dining hall, but Raegar''s steps slowed as his eyes caught a familiar sign pointing toward the nurse''s office. He paused, turning to his friends with a faint smile.


    ''''I''ve got to make a quick stop,'''' he said, bidding them goodbye.


    Selene grinned and called out. ''''I''ll bring you some food, Rae, don''t worry!"


    Raegar waved in acknowledgment, his expression softening as he watched the group continue without him. He walked alone, he dismissed his armor with a thought, collapsing into a sleek ring on his finger.


    In the same motion, he summoned his blades, their edges catching the light, and stored them in his storage ring. The surrounding students cast wary glances, their whispers tinged with concern at the display, but he paid them no mind.


    He approached the nurse''s office, hallway lanterns casting long, flickering shadows. As he drew closer, Miss Kitsunia, the older fox woman, emerged, her blonde tail swaying softly. Her sharp amber eyes lifted, and a warm smile spread across her face.


    ''''Well, look at you, showing up on your second day already!'''' she said, her voice filled with fondness.


    Raegar let out a low chuckle, glancing down at his arm, where the sleeve of his tunic hid the injury. "Took a bad hit," he admitted, gesturing toward it. "The muscles are severed. Could you heal me, please, Miss Kitsunia?"


    At his words, a mischievous grin curled her lips, her fox ears twitching as she leaned closer, her tone teasing. ''''Only if you drop the Miss and call me Aiko, handsome,'''' she quipped, her eyes glinting.


    ''''Alright, Aiko,'''' he replied with a smirk.


    This caught the older woman off guard as she approached him and stopped right in front of him. His eyes shot toward her fluffy ears, causing her to smile even more while sniffing him. ''''I see you are a fan of Demi Humans, tell me, who is she?''''


    He nervously chuckled. ''''That would be Yuki, she''s a Cat Demi-human back home.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' Aiko purred as she ran a finger down his scar. ''''Maybe I should mark you as well? Seems like she cares for you very much.''''


    He shivered when he heard her seductive tone, but the older woman''s smile grew wide. ''''There it is, I love it when you''re flustered.''''


    Moments later, Aiko led him into the nurse''s room and pointed at a nearby chair. ''''Take a seat and I''ll fix ya right up, handsome.''''


    Raegar did as she said and slumped down as she turned on the light before approaching him. She mumbled something, causing her hands to glow as they hovered above his arm and started healing it by slowly going down.


    As he cautiously opened and closed his hand, he felt a tingling warmth spread through his arm, the once-numb limb gradually regaining its strength. The muscles flexed and expanded with each movement, responding as if waking from a deep slumber.


    Within minutes, the sensation of normalcy returned, his arm fully restored and moving fluidly once more. Aiko, the young nurse''s aide, watched his progress with keen eyes, her face lighting up with a gentle, satisfied smile.


    ''''All done,'''' she said, her voice soft. ''''Whoever you fought knew exactly what they were doing.''''


    Miss Kitsunia rose from her chair, her blonde tail flicking lightly as she adjusted her posture. Her sharp, knowing gaze lingered on him as she continued, her tone carrying a mix of admiration and caution. ''''They targeted every nerve to disable your arm completely. It was no amateur''s work, each blow was calculated to incapacitate without causing permanent harm.''''


    Raegar chuckled but stood up and stretched his arms. ''''Yes, Selene is a skilled warrior. Anyway, I have to go to Dungeoneering.''''


    ''''Have fun, darling,'''' she said with a smile.


    Following that, he left for the Dungeoneering Class only to run into Selene, who was waiting for him. The Demoness beamed when seeing him. ''''Hello, Rae, sorry but they didn''t have anything left to eat.''''


    Raegar smiled and waved her away before pulling out some campfire bread and cracking it in half. He offered some to Selene, who happily accepted. ''''Thanks!''''


    The two of them ate while walking through the school and made their way up the massive staircase where Dominique, Zahara, and Vienna were waiting. When they spotted the two of them, the trio smiled.


    ''''I see Nurse Kitsunia healed you back to normal,'''' the blonde commented.


    ''''Yes, she''s a skilled healer,'''' he replied with a charming smirk. ''''Aiko said Selene knew what she was doing as the strikes were too precise.

 Chapter 149: What Are These Points?

    ''''In my defence, you did flip the Demon Rage within me,'''' Selene explained with a big smile. ''''Only my father could do that. What''s even better, you blocked my strike! Are you sure you''re human, Rae?''''


    Raegar laughed softly at her words, his red eyes burning with resolve. ''''Yes, I am, but I''m set on getting stronger, steadily chasing that goal. It''ll take me longer to hit the next Tier than you all, but when I do, no one will stand a chance against me.''''


    Everyone agreed as Zahara exclaimed. ''''You''re Tier One, who fights much stronger foes. A damned Devil Lord scarred your face and your not wallowing in depression but pushing forward.''''


    ''''A Devil Lord!'''' Selene said with wide eyes. ''''You fought one of those fiends?''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''Yes, and defeated it to save the Strike Squad I was with, it was one of the hardest fights I''ve had, but thanks to my training, Aether, and daggers, I killed it, becoming hated by the creatures.''''


    The group was fascinated, but he quickly changed the subject. ''''Let''s get into class. I have a free period after this and am going to check out the library while you guys are in your lessons.''''


    When they heard this, Zahara looked at him, and he nodded. ''''Yes, we''ll head there once I finish my Devil Hunting class.''''


    The group entered the corridor where the Dungeoneering Classroom was and noticed the other students walking into it. Raegar led the way as Selene pleaded for him to tell some stories.


    ''''Not now, maybe when the Combat Magic Classes combined,'''' he answered with a smile. ''''You and the others will join us, so I can tell everyone.''''


    Moments later, the group crossed the threshold into the classroom, their footsteps echoing softly. Instead of the familiar clutter of desks scattered across the room, they were greeted by an unexpected sight.


    A tidy row of desks hugged the wall, their polished surfaces gleaming and free of clutter. Above them, vibrant posters adorned the walls, showcasing intricate dungeon maps, menacing creatures, and glowing Aether Cores in vivid detail.


    The heart of the room remained an expansive, open space, deliberately cleared to provide the professor ample room to engage and instruct the class. Just then, Selene grabbed his hand.


    ''''Come on, let''s get a seat together!'''' she happily exclaimed.


    Raegar grinned and settled into his seat, Zahara on his left and the Demoness on his right. Catching sight of the arrangement, Dominique shot a sharp hiss at the blonde. ''''Halfway through, you''re switching so I can sit next to him.''''


    Everyone laughed as Vienna sat next to Selene, just as a dark-haired older woman entered the room from a door on the opposite side of the class, and he noticed the scar running down her face and under her dress.


    She scanned everyone with narrowed black eyes and introduced herself with a welcoming smile. ''''Good afternoon, children. I''m Professor Howard, and I''ll be your teacher for the year.''''


    Moments later, the older woman glanced at him and asked a question. ''''Blackwood, can you tell me why the empire guards the dungeons alongside the school?''''


    ''''To earn income and stop breaks, if one ever happens,'''' he responded.


    ''''Correct, but you missed something,'''' she said with a smile, speaking to the rest of the class. ''''Can anyone tell me what the last thing is?''''


    A random boy at the front of the room raised his hand, causing the professor to motion for him to speak, which he did. ''''Monster materials, the stuff that comes out of the dungeons, can be used for many things.''''


    ''''That''s right!'''' the woman replied while nodding. ''''Many of the dungeons that Drakenwood controls produce tons of materials that we sell or use on site to help with our students.''''


    Just then, a girl spoke up. ''''When can we start exploring them?''''


    Professor Howard beamed, revealing. ''''Maybe a week or two, depends on when I can get a slot for us. But it will only be a F Rank Dungeon. Anything higher is risky considering many of them are close to full of monsters.''''


    Following that, she went on to explain about the school''s dungeons. ''''There are one hundred and sixty-seven dungeons around the local area, but twenty of them are out of service thanks to being cleared by adventurers and year three students.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened in excitement as Selene nudged him with a cheeky smile. ''''We can explore one together soon, we could go far.''''


    He glanced at the Demoness and nodded just as Professor Howard continued. ''''Dungeoneering is a more practical class with students exploring the lower-ranked dungeon to earn points, which will go to your grades.''''


    Raegar raised his hand, catching the woman''s attention, causing her to motion for him to talk. ''''What are these points?''''


    ''''Okay, class,'''' she said with a wave of her hand, and Aether writing appeared in the air. ''''Dungeon Points are exclusively used in Dungeoneering, but they can boost your grade at the end of the year.''''


    The professor gestured toward the Rank F section on the chart, marked with a number one, and elaborated. ''''Take, for example, the Belching Swamp Dungeon, a Rank F. Completing it earns you two points. Accumulate one hundred points, and don''t worry, you can rerun the dungeon to gain the same points each time, along with monster materials you can sell at the shop.''''


    Following that, Raegar and the girls learned about the Rank F Dungeons on school grounds that amounted to sixty in total. By the time the class came to an end and everyone started leaving.


    ''''It warms my heart to see you all so eager to learn about dungeons,'''' the professor declared with a broad smile. ''''But for now, off to your fourth lesson. I''ll see you next time!''''


    He turned to the three girls and spoke. ''''Wait for me outside. I want to report that I completed that dungeon yesterday.''''


    ''''Alright, but hurry up, we have classes,'''' Dominique answered with a small smile.


    Just then, Raegar approached Professor Howard, who looked up and commented. ''''What can I do for you, Blackwood?''''


    ''''I want to report that I finished the Nightmare Forest,'''' he revealed.


    When the older woman heard this, her eyes widened as she questioned. ''''Can I see your Academy Pass?''''


    Raegar passed the item to the professor, who scanned it with an Aether device. Moments later, she looked up, a wide grin spreading across her face. ''''You cleared it yesterday?''''


    He nodded, answering. ''''Yes, the boss was a Giant Forest Spider, and you can ask Elara or Ranthar, they''ll confirm it.''''


    The professor dismissed him with a casual wave, her voice brisk. ''''Two point for you. I''ll record it each time you complete a dungeon. It''ll show up on your Academy Pass.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' Raegar replied, giving the professor a nod before exiting the classroom.


    Outside, he spotted Dominique, Zahara, Selene, and Vienna waiting for him, their faces lighting up as he approached. He escorted the four girls to their next class, exchanging light banter along the way.


    After seeing them off, he headed toward the library. When he finally reached it, his jaw dropped, utterly stunned by what he found. Raegar pushed open the heavy oak doors, expecting a modest room filled with dusty tomes and flickering candles.


    Instead, his breath caught in his throat, and his eyes widened in awe. The library was colossal, its size stretched far beyond what he assumed. Towering shelves of polished dark wood rose like ancient trees.


    Their heights disappearing into a vaulted ceiling adorned with walkways and tables, allowing the students to reach up there. Spiraling staircases twisted upward to mezzanines that circled the upper levels, where people moved like shadows among the stacks.


    In the center, a massive crystal orb hovered above a marble platform, casting prismatic light across the room. It hummed softly, projecting faint holographic images of dungeon maps and arcane symbols that danced in the air.


    Scattered throughout were long tables of polished obsidian, where students pored over scrolls and grimoires, their quills scratching softly in the reverent hush. Raegar''s boots echoed on the mosaic floor, each tile depicting a fragment of some grand historical saga.


    The air carried the rich scent of aged parchment, ink, and a faint tang of magic. He craned his neck, spotting a distant alcove where a librarian sorted tomes that floated obediently into place.


    ''''Gods above,'''' he whispered, his voice swallowed by the library.


    Raegar was shocked but couldn''t wait to start reading as he headed toward the monster section to see if the Northwest had any rare creatures. He found three books and a cozy nook to sit in.


    Settling into a secluded corner of the library, Raegar eased into a cushioned chair and pulled a small flask of sake from his ring. He took a sip, the warm burn grounding him as he cracked open the first book on the pile before him.


    His eyes scanned the page, then froze, widening in disbelief at an illustration of a creature he''d battled before, a Hollowborn, its twisted form etched in vivid detail.

 Chapter 150 150: Its Called The Blood Road

    Raegar leaned closer, muttering under his breath as he drank some more sake that burned his throat once again. ''''Hollowborns prowling the northern border? What is the Stormrune Kingdom doing about this?''''


    ''''Nothing,'''' a woman''s voice sounded from behind him. ''''Those barbarians send them south to cause chaos on the Borderlands.''''


    He jumped out of his skin and glanced behind him to see an old woman standing there with narrowed eyes. The librarian pointed at the bottle and scowled. ''''Too young to be drinking such stuff, don''t let the professors see you or you''ll be in trouble.''''


    Raegar chuckled, taking out a glass and pouring some of the sake into it before replying. ''''Is that why the empire deployed the military there? And Duke D''Ambrose is having issues with the Forest Giants?''''


    The old woman sat opposite while nodding. ''''That is correct. If my predictions are true, the school will restrict your movements when the creatures make it this far south, this isn''t an if but a when.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he muttered. ''''If the Nightwalkers and other creatures of the night make it this far south, the empire will become dangerous to travel around.''''


    His gaze flicked up from the book as a woman rose from a nearby table, her movements graceful yet deliberate. She reached into a leather satchel at her side and pulled out a weathered book.


    Stepping closer, she extended it to him with a steady hand. ''''Read this,'''' she said, her tone calm but carrying an air of authority. ''''And return it when you''re finished. It was written by a friend who wandered the Borderlands for seventy years, documenting its secrets.''''


    Raegar accepted the book, his fingers brushing the worn leather, a spark of curiosity igniting in his chest. ''''Thank you.''''


    ''''You''re welcome, young Vaelthorne,'''' she replied with a knowing smirk.


    ''''I''m Raegar Blackwood,'''' he introduced himself to correct her. ''''I didn''t take my mother''s family''s name, I stuck with my father, I''d hate to leave him alone when my siblings became Vaelthornes.''''


    ''''A loyal lone wolf,'''' the old librarian commented. ''''I''m Silvia, Drakenwoods Head Librarian. It''s nice to meet a young noble who finds interest in books.''''


    Raegar gave a curt nod, but before he could respond, the woman vanished in a faint whisper of air, leaving only a lingering pulse of Dark Aether in her wake. His senses prickled at the potent energy, and his eyes widened, a wry smirk tugging at his lips.


    ''''Shadow Step,'''' he muttered, voice laced with admiration. ''''Tier Ten or higher. What a beast.''''


    He took a slow sip of sake, the warmth spreading through him as he tilted the weathered tome to read its cover: Xavier''s Journey Across the Borderlands. His fingers traced the faded words.


    Raegar flipped open the book, his eyes skimming the introduction as he hunted for the monster chapters. Finding them, he turned the pages eagerly until a striking illustration caught his attention.


    A tall, gaunt humanoid, its grey skin almost translucent, crouched behind a tree. Its hollow eyes seemed to peer directly at the artist, exuding an eerie menace. He leaned closer, the image sending a chill down his spine as he absorbed every detail of the creature.


    ''''What is it with all these creepy humanoids? And why are they flocking to the empire?'''' he muttered to himself.


    Raegar continued reading and learned that the Northwest border was covered in a massive forest called the Darkhollow, as a few meters into the underbrush, it went dark. The author, Xavier, traveled through the only road that led through the nightmarish landscape.


    ''''It''s called the Blood Road,'''' he said to himself. ''''Named after the number of battles that have happened there.''''


    The Dawnfire Empire had long been locked in conflict with the Northern Kingdoms, whose relentless raids plagued the Borderlands, but it also opened up the way for the creatures to slip in.


    An unknown amount of time passed, and he lingered in the library, savoring his sake and poring over the book as he became lightheaded. An hour later, a bell rang out, signaling the start of his first Devil Hunting Class.


    ''''Oh shit, I missed dinner,'''' he muttered with a chuckle.


    Raegar rose, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, and slipped the book into his storage ring with a flick of his wrist. Leaving the library behind, he strode toward the eastern wing of the main building, where his next class awaited.


    Ten minutes later, he appeared in a large hall with two dozen other students lingering around. While standing there, a red blur appeared, and Selene appeared in front of him with a big smile.


    ''''Looks like we have a class alone Rae,'''' she chirped before poking him in the side.


    He was shocked and jumped back as Selene giggled as Professor Morris stepped into the hall and spoke to the students. ''''Evening, children, I''m glad to be here to help you grow into strong Devil Hunters.''''


    Everyone started gossiping as the blonde woman glanced at him and smiled before continuing. ''''Today will be a test to see how well you can handle the pressure of a fiend in a combat situation.''''


    The older woman''s words quietened the hall as more hunters appeared around them, and Professor Morris began walking toward a nearby door while speaking. ''''Follow me and don''t fall behind. We are on a strict schedule as most of us have to patrol the road.''''


    Following that, Raegar and Selene trailed behind the crowd. The Demoness turned to him with an amused smile. ''''So you want to fight Devils as a career? Didn''t peg you for someone who will take orders from someone weaker.''''


    He started laughing before shaking her head, retorting. ''''They will have to pay me to kill the stronger fiends. I''ve become skilled at killing them, but I don''t know too much about the creatures.''''


    Raegar motioned toward the professor. ''''I want to know more about the Devils so I can take out even more, maybe even go for their leader so the attacks stop.''''


    When she heard this, her yellow eyes widened as she held out her hand to nudge him. ''''Then I''ll be beside you to cover your back from the weaker ones, someone will have to make sure you return.''''


    He glanced at the red-skinned beauty and nudged her with nod. ''''You better not let me down, I need a powerful warrior to protect my rear and the others while we''re in the dungeons or gates.''''


    Selene''s smile grew wider as she nodded. ''''No one will be able to hurt them or you with me around! I may only have two elements, but I''ve trained since a little girl to use the spells to kill monsters.''''


    Raegar was just about to reply as the class stepped outside into an enclosed courtyard, but Professor Morris interrupted. ''''Blackwood! Bloodrose! As you two seem busy chatting, you''ll go first.''''


    When the Demoness heard this, she got excited. ''''I''ll go first! I''ve heard about the Tier One Devils the Order uses to prove that the hunters can fight the fiends.''''


    The blonde woman shook her head. ''''Just step into the arena, and be careful, you won''t die but will get hurt,'''' she warned.


    Raegar watched Selene wave the professor away with a confident smile as she stepped into the arena that was being protected by a powerful Anti-Devil barrier. He was ready to summon his daggers and jump in, but something told him the Demoness could handle it.


    ***


    Selene felt Raegar watching her and turned back, thinking as her determination surged. ''I will get strong enough to fight at your side.''


    Just then, she felt the air change as a scared Tier One Devil appeared, causing a smile to appear as she hopped on the spot. She was ready to fight and cast Enhancement that washed over her body.


    A thunderous boom shattered the air as she surged forward with blinding speed, materializing before the fiend in a heartbeat, her presence a storm of menace. The devil recoiled, its grotesque features twisting in shock.


    With practiced skill, she unleashed a devastating flurry of strikes, each blow hammering the creature''s vulnerabilities with surgical accuracy. Her movements were a blur of grace and fury, and yet she pressed on, her onslaught far from finished.


    Selene watched the Devil stagger. Before the dust could settle, the air rippled again as three more appeared. Her lips curled into a savage grin as her magic powered her body and made her yellow eyes glow with power.


    ''''Come, then,'''' she snarled, her voice a low, guttural challenge that echoed across the battlefield.


    The first lunged, but Selene sidestepped, severing the limbs with a single swipe of her Aether-infused sword. She vaulted onto its back, driving her fist through its skull in a spray of viscous fluid.


    As the second charged, she spun, hurling a crescent of dark energy that cleaved it in two, its halves collapsing in a sizzling heap. The third roared, summoning a storm of hellfire, but she laughed and plunged through the flames unscathed.

 Chapter 151 151: Id Be Delighted, Blackwood

    Raegar watched as Selene seized the creature''s throat, and with a surge of raw power, she tore its head free, casting it aside as its body crumpled. More Devils emerged, each more monstrous than the last, but she was untouchable.


    His eyes blazed with exhilaration as the Demoness, a fierce mirror of his battle-hungry spirit, charged into the fray. A thrill surged through him, and a single thought roared in his mind. ''She''s mine!''


    Selene''s strikes reverberated like thunder, each kill fueling her momentum. The battlefield became a graveyard of shattered fiends, their remains piling high as her Dark Aether pulsed stronger, a beacon of dread and dominance.


    ''Oh wow, she''s strong,'' he thought, smiling. ''Glad the Demoness is on my team.''


    Just then, the remaining Devils dropped dead as Professor Morris ended the fight with a wave of her Aether. ''''Selene Bloodrose, that was an impressive fight. Rest now while the others have their battles.''''


    ''''Yes, professor,'''' she muttered before joining him with a bright smile. ''''Did you like that?''''


    Raegar nodded. ''''You''re a skilled fighter, I would love to see how strong you are in ten years,'''' he replied.


    ''''Oh, I''m certain you will know me very well in the coming years,'''' she teased with a knowing look in her eyes.


    ''''Blackwood! You''re up!'''' Professor Morris called out, catching everyone''s attention. ''''Show the class how you fight these fiends!''''


    With a sharp ching, Raegar summoned his daggers, their dark blades glinting in his hands. The other boys and girls gasped, eyes wide, as he leaped into the arena. Moments later, the first Devil emerged, and Raegar sprang into action.


    ***


    Selene''s heart thundered as he vanished in a blur, reappearing before the fiend in a flash of steel. His daggers danced, shredding the creature into a thousand pieces. ''So fast!'' she thought.


    Her eyes widened in awe, shock gripping her as a horde of Devils surged into the arena. Yet Raegar moved like a storm unleashed, too fast for her eyes to track, a streak of white that killed every creature he came across.


    The surrounding students roared, their cheers shaking the air as he carved through the Devils with effortless skill. Selene''s pulse pounded in her ears, her saucer-wide eyes locked on the breathtaking spectacle, every strike an epic clash of mortal and monster.


    Selene''s entire body trembled, her breath catching as Raegar tore through the arena. The air sang with the ching of his daggers, each swing a masterful stroke that cleaved Devils in half with surgical precision.


    Her wide eyes struggled to keep pace with his blinding speed, a white-blue blur weaving through the demonic horde, leaving trails of ichor and shattered fiends in his wake. Every slash was a spectacle, every pivot a dance of death.


    A Devil lunged, only for Raegar to vanish, reappearing behind it to carve its spine into ribbons before it could scream. Another charged, and he spun, daggers flashing, reducing it to a spray of ash in a single heartbeat.


    The crowd of students erupted, their cheers a deafening roar, but Selene barely heard them. Her heart slammed against her ribs, her hands shaking as she gripped the edge of her seat, utterly captivated by the sheer skill unfolding before her.


    Raegar was unstoppable, a lone warrior against a tide of nightmares, each kill more breathtaking than the last. Her awe swelled with every fallen Devil, her excitement a wildfire as she watched him dominate the battlefield.


    ''''A legend in the making,'''' Selene muttered. ''''You''re mine!''''


    Abruptly, a malevolent aura crashed over the arena like a suffocating wave, sending a ripple of dread through the crowd. Students stumbled and scrambled backward, their gasps and cries echoing in the chaos.


    Amid the panic, she caught sight of Raegar, who stood rooted to the spot, his body trembling as his formidable power erupted in a brilliant, defiant surge. From the shadows, a Tier Three Devil emerged, its menacing presence radiating raw, unholy might, its eyes glinting with cruelness.


    ***


    (Minutes before the Tier Three Devil appeared)


    Valentina watched as the Blackwood boy slaughtered any Devil she sent against him. She glanced at the mage the Order sent to train and nodded. ''''Send in a Tier Three, he can handle it.''''


    The man''s eyes widened in shock at her words, just as a phalanx of knights surged forward to shield the student. Noticing his hesitation, she called out sharply, ''''Lord Inquisitor Vaelthorne authorized us to test him against any Tier!''''


    Following that, the mage opened a portal to the Order''s Devil Prison, and moments later, a Tier Three Warrior stepped through it. She noticed Raegar came to a stop as his expression changed.


    ''What is he going to do now?'' she thought with a curious gaze.


    Just then, Raegar erupted as his power skyrocketed to Tier Four as more Devils stepped through the portal. This shocked everyone as the students started gossiping about him becoming the top hunter.


    Moments later, he vanished only to appear behind the fiend as he shouted. ''''Lightningfire Blast!''''


    Valentina watched as a blue flame erupted from the tip of his blade. This fire was laced with lightning as it struck the first Tier Three just as he disappeared but it wasn''t that; he was moving so fast that she could barely keep up.


    Her hands started to shake with an unknown emotion welling up inside her as a thought popped into her mind. ''It''s him but all grown up! Damn you mother!''


    Following that, a memory of a familiar white-haired boy she met many moons ago caused her eyes to widen in shock, remembering that they had danced at the noble party, only for her to remember their fight from the first day of school.


    ''I can''t believe he slapped my ass!'' she thought with red cheeks the long buried memories appeared in her mind.


    ***


    Twelve years ago, on her sixteenth birthday, Valentina attended a grand noble ball in the Western Lands. It was hosted by the prestigious Vaelthornes, with whom the Morris Family had been allies for decades.


    When the party began, she was wandering around the hall amid the swirl of elegant gowns and flickering chandeliers. Seconds later, her red eyes caught a young boy who looked to be four or five across the hall, his presence radiant with a faint, shimmering Aether that set him apart.


    Beside him sat a cat maid, a couple of years younger than herself. The girl''s curious gaze darted around the room as she leaned close to him, their bond evident in their shared glances.


    His presence, like a beacon in the sea of nobles, drew her forward. As she got closer, the maid noticed her approach first, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. With a protective step, she placed herself between herself and the boy, her tail flicking warily, ready to act.


    Valentina paused, her red gown shimmering under the chandelier''s light, and offered a warm, disarming smile. ''''I mean no harm to either of you,'''' she said softly. ''''I''m Valentina Morris, daughter of Count Theodore Morris, and I wanted to introduce myself.''''


    The maid''s ears twitched, her guarded expression softening as recognition flickered in her eyes. They were a renowned monster hunter family in the Western Lands. She relaxed, her shoulders easing as she stepped aside with a nod.


    ''''Forgive my caution, Lady Morris,'''' she said respectfully. ''''I''m Yuki, and this...'''' She gestured to the boy, who had been watching the exchange with quiet curiosity, his red eyes sharp and assessing. ''''...is my young master, Raegar Blackwood.''''


    Raegar rose from his seat and inclined his head in greeting. The Aether around him pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat of raw potential. ''''A pleasure to meet you, Lady Valentina,'''' he said, his tone laced with a hint of curiosity.


    Valentina''s smile widened, her interest piqued. ''''The pleasure''s mine, Raegar Blackwood,'''' she replied.


    Just then, the hall broke out into a dance as the band started playing, and Duke Griffin gave the command. Nearby, she watched as Yuki nudged the little boy. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head toward Valentina.


    She couldn''t help but smile when she watched Raegar being caught off guard as he got embarrassed. He shot the cat maid a glance, his cheeks faintly flushing. But her nod was unwavering, her tail flicking with barely contained excitement.


    Drawing a breath, she watched as the little boy straightened, his youthful frame carrying a surprising air of determination. He stepped forward, his red eyes meeting her''s with a mix of nervousness and resolve.


    ''''My Lady,'''' he began, despite the slight waver betraying his age. ''''Would you honor me with a dance?''''


    Valentina''s smile widened, her heart warming at his request. There was something utterly adorable about the boy, his Aether aura flickering like a shy flame, his formal bow just a touch too stiff, and the way Yuki grinned proudly behind him, as if she''d won a grand victory.


    ''''I''d be delighted, Blackwood,'''' she replied, her tone gentle and teasing as she extended a gloved hand.

 Chapter 152 152: You Were Great Rae!

    As Raegar took her hand, his touch careful but firm, the crowd seemed to fade, and the music wrapped around them. They stepped onto the dance floor, Valentina leading subtly to ease his nerves, her movements fluid and graceful.


    Though much younger than her, he kept pace, surprising her, his focus intense yet softened by the faintest hint of a smile. Yuki watched from the sidelines, her tail swaying in time with the music.


    Valentina couldn''t help but chuckle softly, charmed by the moment. ''''You''re quite the dancer, Blackwood,'''' she said, her red eyes twinkling. ''''Did Yuki put you up to this?''''


    She noticed the boy''s blush deepened, but he met her gaze with a spark of confidence. ''''She... suggested it,'''' he admitted, then added. ''''But I''m glad she did.''''


    Her laughter rang softly, the sound blending with the waltz as they twirled, the night unfolding in a whirl of music, magic, and unexpected connections. She came to as he continued battling the Devils.


    Valentina remembered what her mother had always teased her about him since seeing them dancing all those years ago. ''I didn''t know you liked younger men, but I can see he will grow up to be one in a million if his anything like his grandfather.''


    She shook her head, watching Raegar jump over the last two Tier Three Devils. He had already killed three, causing her to think. ''It''s him! How could I forget about him?''


    Following that, Valentina looked at the mage and ordered him to stop summoning the fiends, making the man sigh in relief. As the portal closed, she thought, happily smiling. ''I''ll talk to him once class is over.''


    ***


    Raegar skidded to a stop when he blocked the Devil''s attack, forcing him to deflect the strikes. Just then, the portal shut behind the fiends, making his smile grow wider as he threw his daggers at the second enemy.


    It blocked the attack, but he pulled one of them back using his Aether, prompting him to spin around and kick the dagger. The blade sliced through the air before piercing the creature''s head.


    This move sent the surrounding students wild as he quickly moved and killed the last Devil, casting a Stormfire Bullet through its head. Raegar watched the fiend drop dead and fade into nothingness.


    Following that, the test came to an end, forcing him to deactivate Fusion Overdrive, allowing him to relax as he approached the staircase. That''s where he spotted Selene waiting for him with a big smile.


    ''''You were great Rae!'''' she happily exclaimed. ''''I can''t believe you fight so well.''''


    Raegar chuckled as Professor Morris appeared behind the Demoness as she proudly spoke. ''''Well done, Blackwood. The Lord Inquisitor was right, you''ll be a great Devil Hunter.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied excitedly.


    The older blonde woman stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder as she whispered. ''''Stay after class. I want to talk to you.''''


    His eyes narrowed, causing Valentina to giggle, reassuring him. ''''It''s nothing bad, I just want to talk to you.''''


    ''''Alright professor,'''' he responded.


    Following that, the class continued as the other student fought Tier One Devils, and thanks to his battle, it only encouraged them to do even better. While sitting there, Selene turned to him, her yellow eyes glowing.


    ''''Looks like you got them going,'''' she commented, giggling. ''''But they''re still avoiding you like you''re the undead.''''


    Raegar chuckled, replying. ''''It''s the scars, but I no longer care about them, thanks to my face being healed in the summer when my grandmother wakes up.''''


    The Demoness nodded, smiling in happiness. ''''Your scars aren''t bad, I think they suit you and add to your handsomeness.''''


    A flush of warmth crept up his cheeks, ignited by her teasing words, making her smirk. She leaned closer, her shoulder brushing against his, her eyes sparkling with mischief as they both turned their attention to the fight unfolding.


    The clash of steel and guttural roars filled the air, but between them, a silence settled, their shared amusement creating an unspoken bond. They watched the battle rage on until the final girl stood her ground against a fiend, her strength waning after every desperate swing.


    Moments later, Valentina jumped into action. She surged forward, her movements swift. In a single motion, she struck down the Devil that loomed over the girl, its monstrous form crumpling under her blade.


    Dust and ash swirled in the air as the professor gently but firmly guided the trembling survivor toward a Healer waiting on the sidelines. Once the fights were over, she turned to the watching crowd.


    ''''This is the Orders test to see who can handle fighting against these fiends,'''' the blonde said to the students. ''''If hunting Devils isn''t for you, there''s no shame in leaving, no one will think differently of you, considering the death rate is high among young mages.''''


    Raegar looked around as six out of the thirty boys and girls got up, leaving the hall, causing Professor Morris to sigh in relief as she spoke. ''''You see, we lose hunters every day, especially now days and if the time comes, you''ll be called out to aid the empire if a Devil Incursion happens like the one before winter.''''


    His eyes widened when he heard her words, causing him to think. ''That''s when Mother and Yuki were attacked back in the Blackwood Duchy.''


    After that, though, he raised his hand, prompting Professor Morris. ''''Yes, Raegar?''''


    ''''When will we learn more about the Devils? Like how they get into our world and bypass barriers?'''' he questioned.


    The older blonde nodded, smiling. ''''The classes will be broken down into two parts, one is the physical aspect of fighting them. From traps to a friend''s weakness, you''ll learn everything.''''


    Valentina walked toward a nearby door and waved her hand, only to reveal two classrooms as she continued. ''''Then there''s the studying part of the class. This means researching the different types of Devils, how they ambush travelers, or the cults that spring up in the real world.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow raised another another student asked. ''''There are cults?''''


    ''''Unfortunely yes,'''' the professor responded. ''''Nasty business, but the Order needs to hunt them or they will grow. Isolated towns and villages fall prey to this all the time, several were destroyed in the Nytheria Kingdom.''''


    ''''Where''s that?'''' a boy questioned, causing most of the other students to nod.


    Professor Morris motioned toward a map and pointed to the far south. ''''It''s an allied kingdom that guards our southern border against the realms down there. The Order was requested to destroy the farming villages, thanks to the Keepers of the Blood.''''


    Raegar grew curious and decided to look for books about it when he went there with Zahara. Following that, the class went on with the professor telling them about the cult that terrorized the Southern Lands until Lord Inquisitor Vaelthorne killed the leader and burned the rest.


    Sometime later, the bell started to ring, prompting the students to jump up alongside Selene, who glanced at him with a smile. ''''I''ll wait outside for you, I''ll tell Blondie that the professor wants to see you.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied.


    This made the Demoness beam before she left the classroom, leaving him alone with Professor Morris. The older woman turned to him with a smile. ''''I appreciate you staying behind, considering it''s the end of lessons.''''


    Raegar waved her away. ''''It''s fine, professor. What did you want to talk about?'''' he asked.


    ''''Do you remember a noble gathering you attended when you were about four or five?'''' she questioned with a curious expression.


    He rubbed his chin, nodding. ''''From the age of four to twelve, I went to dozens of things. What one was it?''''


    ''''The one your Grandfather Griffin threw in the Western Lands,'''' she revealed. ''''You were young but danced with a lot of the noble girls, especially the older ones that seemed to love you.''''


    His eyes widened, a spark of recognition flickering as her words tugged at a buried memory, pulling it into sharp focus. The vivid image of a blonde girl, her smile radiant and disarming, flooded back to him.


    She had approached him and Yuki with a quiet confidence, her presence cutting through the lively hum of the crowd. His heart had been racing that night, his nerves a tangled knot as he sat on the edge of the dance floor, paralyzed by the thought of stepping into the rhythm.


    Raegar recalled the music throbbing around him, vivid and unyielding, his feet frozen to the spot. Then she appeared, a breathtaking blonde with striking red eyes, her dress a vibrant match to their color.


    He shook his head and looked at Professor Morris who was smiling at him as she commented. ''''I see you remember, wow how time has changed you young master.''''


    ''''I do, Lady Valentina,'''' he replied with a charming smirk. ''''I must admit you are even more beautiful than the day we met.''''


    Raegar noticed the older woman''s cheeks go red causing him to tease. ''''Is the powerful Inquisitor Morris embarrassed?''''

 Chapter 153: Whats Going On Here?

    Raegar watched Valentina''s smile grow as she responded. ''''How could I know that little boy who was my first dance would be my student in Drakenwood twelve years later?''''


    ''''Is that a bad thing?'''' he said, smirking. ''''Devils are constantly invading the real world, who else is better to help you than me?''''


    The older woman was shocked but soon agreednodding. ''''Yes, you are certainly skilled at killing the fiends.''''


    ''''They are actively targeting me thanks to being a Devil Killer,'''' he revealed with a confident expression. ''''I promise one day I will invade their realm and kill so many of them that they have to think twice about attacking Sylvara again.''''


    When Valentina heard this, her eyes widened before she questioned impatiently. ''''Where did you hear that from?''''


    ''''A Devil said it when they attacked Yuki and Mother,'''' he answered while scratching his head. ''''I killed the fiend, but now they hunt me, which is fun. I hope it doesn''t happen when I''m with my friends.''''


    She giggled at his words. ''''Don''t you mean girlfriends? I''ve seen the way you look at each other.''''


    Raegar shook his head. ''''Yes, they''re pretty, but we''re friends for now. The closest woman that comes close to being my girlfriend is Yuki.''''


    ''''You and she are lovers?'''' Valentina inquired with wide eyes.


    ''''Well, not just yet, she''s waiting until after I come of age,'''' he answered. ''''It doesn''t bother me, though, because I''m happy growing stronger right now.''''


    Raegar noticed the professor''s expression change as she whispered. ''''So you like older women?''''


    He chuckled at her question but nodded in agreement before teasing the mature beauty. ''''Yes, I do. I like all kinds of women. Why are you interested?''''


    Valentina''s cheeks went red as she playfully pushed him. ''''Shut up you little shit, like I''d have a relationship with a student, it''s unheard of.''''


    Just then, she spun on his heels and pointed. ''''And I know you touched my bum on purpose now you''ve said that.''''


    Raegar''s eyes sparkled with fake indignation, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. ''''Alright, fine, I may have brushed against your rather impressive ass, purely by accident, of course,'''' he teased, his grin widening as he added, ''''And I must say, it was quite the pleasant surprise.''''


    Valentina''s jaw dropped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, utterly flustered by his brazen admission. Before she could muster a retort, Raegar stepped closer, his presence commanding and warm, his tall frame looming just enough to make her heart skip.


    He leaned in, his breath a soft caress against her ear, his lips so close they nearly grazed her skin. ''''That said,'''' he murmured, his voice low and laced with a teasing promise. ''''I''m not opposed to seeing where things could lead.''''


    Valentina''s face flushed red, the heat creeping up her neck as his words sank in, her composure unraveling under his gaze. Her embarrassment only deepened when Raegar, with a roguish glint in his eye, pressed a kiss to her cheek, the contact sending a jolt through her.


    Without a backward glance, he sauntered out of the classroom, his confident stride unfazed by the professor''s mortified expression or the stunned silence he left in his wake. Once outside, he spotted Zahara and Selene.


    When the two girls saw him, they beamed before the blonde curiously asked. ''''What are you so happy about?''''


    ''''Nothing,'''' he answered, choosing not to tell them about Valentina just yet.


    Raegar shook his head and spoke. ''''Let''s go to the library, there are some books I want to read and Selene is coming.''''


    Zahara turned to the Demoness, who was nodding. ''''Yes, I want to see why they interest Rae so much,'''' she revealed.


    Following that, the three of them went to enter the nearby hall but were stopped by a group of noble girls who were watching Zahara. The pompous leader strutted forward, eyeing the blonde with a sneer that could curdle milk.


    ''''Tell me, peasant,'''' she spat, ''''Why''s a nobody like you sniffing around the Vaelthorne Family? You''re not even cute enough to pull that off.''''


    Zahara blinked, tilting her head. ''''Uh... okay?'''' she replied.


    Raegar''s face darkened, his fists clenching as he took a step toward the leader, clearly ready to rearrange the girl''s smug features. But before he could swing, Selene''s hand shot out, grabbing his arm.


    ''''Whoa, Rae, pump the brakes!'''' she barked, her voice laced with amusement.


    He froze, turning to her, baffled, one eyebrow arched as if to say. ''''Why the hell not?''''


    Selene''s lips curled into a devilish grin, her yellow eyes glinting. ''''A handsome boy like you shouldn''t be throwing punches at a so-called girl like this, she might infect you with some sort of disease,'''' she said, giggling.


    Then, in a flash, she moved forward with the confidence of someone who knew she was about to steal the show. Her hand cracked across the leader''s face in a resounding slap that echoed through the courtyard like a thunderclap.


    The girl stumbled back, clutching her cheek, her ego more bruised than her skin, while the Demoness beamed like she''d just won a prize. ''''But us girls?'''' she said, winking at Zahara. ''''Oh, we can throw hands all day.''''


    Selene moved against and slammed her fist into the bully''s stomach as she spun and kicked a boy in the jaw who tried to move forward. She grabbed the leader by the throat and lifted her.


    ''''If you ever try to bully my best friend again, I will make sure you''ll pay tenfold,'''' she warned with a wicked expression that scared the girl.


    Just then, Professor Morris stepped into the hall and demanded. ''''What''s going on here?''''


    Raegar looked at the older woman as Selene innocently explained. ''''They were bullying Zahara and Rae, I beat them up because bullies don''t stop unless they get hurt, which I helped.''''


    The professor looked at them before scolding the three.


    ***


    (Minutes before Selene beat up the bullies)


    Valentina watched Raegar leave the classroom, her face was bright red thanks to his surprise kiss. She shook her head mumbling. ''''What a playboy but I didn''t dislike it, maybe I could go see him tonight?''''


    That''s when she remembered that he was at the bottom of the Western Tower, causing her to think. ''I''ll just sneak in, no one will see me. Especially not Silas Riverhold, he cannot see through my Aether.''


    Following that, she prepared for the year two class only to hear a yelp prompting her to walk outside, only to see Selene Bloodrose holding a girl named Daisy Northwood in the air by her neck, which shocked her.


    ''What''s the hell happened? He just left the class,'' she thought while looking at the handsome white-haired boy.


    Valentina noticed he was giving her a knowing smile, prompting her to end this as quickly as possible before she messed up. ''''Come on, stop this silliness already, Selene let Daisy go and Miss Northwood, I suggest you stop bullying other students or you''ll be expelled.''''


    She watched the Demoness shove the noble girl to the ground before fleeing down the corridor with her group. Once they were out of sight, she turned to the three younger students and cautioned.


    ''''Be cautious if you fight back. Depending on which professor sees, you could get in trouble,'''' she warned.


    Raegar nodded as he started dragging the two giggling girls toward the library, causing her to smile. ''''Stupid Blackwood, always finding trouble.''''


    She shook her head and stepped back into her class, and organized lessons for tomorrow. By the time she was finished, the sun had set, allowing her to sneak into the Western Dragon Tower.


    As Valentina neared the building, she spotted academy guards patrolling the grounds and quickly cast her spell. The Tier Seven Aether cloaked the blonde, rendering her invisible to most onlookers.


    Moments later, she crept toward the boy''s tower under the cover of her Tier Seven Aether spell, her form shimmering into near-invisibility. The heavy oak door creaked slightly as she slipped inside, her heart pounding.


    The common room sprawled before her, bathed in the warm glow of a crackling fireplace. A handful of students lounged about, some sprawled on plush armchairs, others hunched over a card game, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.


    Her eyes darted to Professor Riverhold. His silver-streaked hair glinted in the firelight, and his sharp gaze swept the area, forcing Valentina to press herself against the wall. She held her breath, the Aether''s faint hum tingling against her skin.


    ''Please don''t get caught,'' she thought while keeping an eye on the older man.


    As the professor passed, she edged forward, her boots silent on the woven rug. A massive boy, broad as a barrel, loomed ahead, sprawled across a sofa with a book balanced on his chest.


    Beside him, a black-haired boy fidgeted with a quill, ink staining his fingers as he muttered about a missed assignment. Valentina sidestepped them, her shoulder brushing the giant boy''s arm, but the Aether held firm; no one noticed.

 Chapter 154: Stupid Blackwood

    Valentina reached the spiraling staircase that would take her to Raegar''s room and descended, each step taking her deeper into the tower''s lower levels. The air grew cooler, the sounds of the common room fading as stone walls closed in.


    ''This place is horrible,'' she mused, glancing around. ''Why would he accept a place down here?''


    The corridor at the tower''s base stretched into dim shadows, and she exhaled softly, her mission inching closer to completion. Hearing footsteps descending the stairs, she ducked behind a potted plant, its broad leaves brushing her shoulder.


    Peering through, she recognized the two boys from upstairs with the other students, the hulking giant and the ink-stained, black-haired one who entered the two nearby rooms to rest for the night.


    ''Maybe they''re his friends, sharing this place?'' she mused, suppressing a shiver as the cold stone seeped through her cloak.


    Following that, Valentina sensed Raegar''s Aether coming from the nearby room, which she approached with a careful step. She entered the room only to notice it was dark, but it was too late as a blade appeared along her throat from behind.


    ''''Why are you sneaking into my room, Lady Valentina?'''' an amused voice appeared in her ear.


    Her entire body stiffened, but when she was spun around and her lips stolen in a kiss, she melted into the boy''s embrace.


    ***


    (Hours before Valentina snuck into Raegar''s room)


    Raegar led Zahara and Selene through the winding corridors, prompting the two girls to start complaining. The Demoness glanced at him with an annoyed expression. ''''How long until we get to the Library, Rae?''''


    ''''Not long now,'''' he answered. ''''We have to pass by the Enchantment Lab, then we''re there.''''


    Ten minutes later, the trio arrived at the big oak doors that led into the library. Raegar opened it only for the two girls to gasp in surprise at the size of the place. Zahara glanced around with wide grey eyes.


    ''''This place is bigger than the one in Dunmara City down south,'''' she muttered in awe.


    Just then, Silvia appeared in front of the three, scaring Zahara and prompting Selene to jump back like a scared cat. Raegar started laughing as the old woman spoke warmly. ''''Hello Blackwood, I see you brought some friends.''''


    ''''Yes, these two are Zahara and Selene,'''' he introduced them to her before doing the same thing for the duo. ''''Girls, this is Head Librarian Silvia. She lent me a book about the Borderlands, which is interesting.''''


    The old woman smiled at the trio as she gazed at the blonde. ''''A Triarch Mage who wants to become a powerful Healer, interesting. I might have the right book for you.''''


    Moments later, Silvia vanished from the spot, catching Selene off guard. She spun on him and questioned. ''''What is it with this powerful librarian?''''


    Raegar shrugged with a chuckle. ''''I don''t know, but she''s at least Tier Ten and loves books. So there''s no issue for me.''''


    The Demoness inclined her head in acknowledgment as the elderly librarian materialized once more, her sudden presence prompting the girls to instinctively draw closer to him, their hands gripping his arms tightly.


    The librarian''s face softened with a warm, knowing smile, extended a leather-bound book toward one of the girls. Zahara''s grey eyes went wide in surprise as she took the offered learning material.


    ''''Here you are, my dear,'''' she said, her voice gentle yet tinged with nostalgia. ''''This is a rare healing tome, quite the treasure in its day. It was all the rage when I was your age, passed down through generations for its wisdom. Treat it with care, and it will serve you well.''''


    The book''s cover, embossed with faded runes, seemed to hum faintly with Aether, as if eager to share its ancient secrets. Zahara couldn''t help but smile when thanking the woman. ''''Thank you.''''


    Silvia waved a dismissive hand, her eyes twinkling with gentle amusement. ''''No need to fret, my dear, just dive into those pages and let the tome work its magic,'''' she said warmly, turning her gaze to Selene.


    Her expression sharpened with purpose as she addressed him. ''''And you, Blackwood, I trust you''ll help this young lady find a book that speaks to her heart. There''s something for everyone in these old stacks if you know where to look.''''


    With a nod, Raegar gestured for the girls to follow him, leading them through the aisles of towering bookshelves to a corner of the library. Some other students were sitting around working.


    The air here was thick with the scent of aged parchment and polished wood, a quiet sanctuary untouched by the usual bustle of students. He paused beside a cluster of well-worn armchairs, their cushions sagging from years of use, and motioned toward them.


    ''''This is where I sat last time,'''' he said, his voice low to preserve the stillness. ''''It''s a hidden gem, peaceful, tucked away. No students ever seem to wander this far, so we''ll have it to ourselves.''''


    Following that, the duo sat down and got comfortable. Zahara leaned back, reading the book Silvia gave her. Selene glanced at him with a smile. ''''What can I read, Rae?''''


    Raegar thought for a second as he answered. ''''Maybe about the school''s dungeons? We will be exploring them sooner rather than later.''''


    The Demoness beamed, nodding. ''''Sounds good to me, do you mind picking me a good one?''''


    Once hearing that, he walked toward the shelf and grabbed two for her before heading back to the table. Raegar sat down and handed them over to Selene. ''''One is about the F Rank Dungeons, while the other is the low-tiered monsters we''ll be fighting.''''


    ''''Thanks Rae,'''' she replied.


    Minutes later, the three of them were reading after he pulled out Xavier''s book and started reading about the Wood Devils that haunted the Borderlands, forcing him to think. ''They are like Hidebehinds from Earth.''


    They stalked people from the treeline and called to them in their loved one''s voice, which gave him the creeps. While he was doing that, he pulled out a bottle of sake and started drinking.


    An unknown amount of time appeared as Zahara put the book down with glowing eyes. ''''This book is amazing, whoever wrote this was an expert in healing Aether Mages,'''' she revealed with a big smile.


    Raegar looked up from the book, causing his head to start spinning thanks to the sake, which caught Selene''s attention. Her yellow eyes landed on the bottle in his hand before she commented. ''''Are you a drunk now?''''


    ''''No,'''' he shook his head. ''''I''ve been drinking this stuff for months now, I like the buzz it gives me.''''


    Just then, Silvia appeared and added. ''''Stupid Blackwood. You''ll get addicted to it if you don''t stop.''''


    The Demoness nodded in agreement as Zahara turned to him and giggled. ''''Only you would drink in school.''''


    Following that, the librarian laughed before ushering them out. ''''The library is closing now, it''s best you three get back to the towers.''''


    ''''Has the last bell happened already?'''' Selene questioned.


    The old woman confirmed it. ''''Yes. Now leave so I can lock up, these bones need some rest.''''


    Afterward, the three of them left the library as Raegar looked at the girls with a charming smile. ''''I''ll walk you both back to the Eastern Tower.''''


    They eagerly agreed, then strolled toward the exit, stepping into the shadowy garden illuminated by drifting Aether Lights. School guards patrolled the winding paths, vigilant for intruders.


    As they wandered through the garden, Selene remarked. ''''I love this place at night. The view from my bedroom is breathtaking.''''


    ''''I hate nighttime,'''' he replied. ''''Well, not while inside Drakenwood''s wall, but out there, it''s something else.''''


    Zahara nodded. ''''It was horrible at some points on the Kingsway. Our caravan guards told us to never whistle in the forests we traveled through,'''' she revealed.


    When Raegar heard this, a shiver ran down his spine as a memory of his time in the Bloodfang Forest. He shook his head and warned the girls. ''''Those are either Nightwalkers or Wood Devils. I remember on my time down south, a merchant caravan was butchered to a man. I found them on the Kingsway just as the adventurers arrived.''''


    Selene glanced around and dragged them toward a bench while speaking. ''''Can you tell us a story? I''m not tired yet.''''


    Raegar chuckled at the Demoness but nodded with a smile. ''''A quick one because I want to sleep.''''


    ***


    (Months before he started classes)


    Raegar was camping out deep inside Bloodfang Forest, not far from the Kingsway that passed through it. He was high in a tree as the night descended, and that''s when the creepy voices started echoing out.


    ''''Arthur, come down here and help me,'''' a boy said from below.


    He shivered when he realized it was his brother Mark''s voice and chose to ignore it, but the creature continued. ''''Help me, bro! Just come down here and help us!''''


    Raegar popped over the side and spammed Stormfire Bullets into the darkness, causing explosions to ring out as she replied. ''''Fuck off!''''

 Chapter 155: A Strong Woman

    Raegar stayed on the branch overlooking the dark forest floor where the creepy humanoid lingered, trying to lure him out of the protective runes. He shook his head and set up his tent before getting some sleep.


    ''''Arthur! Come down here and help your sister now!'''' his old mother''s voice rang out.


    He took out some cloth and covered his ears, crawled under the covers, ignoring the creatures below. Moments later, he fell asleep only to wake up the next morning as the sounds of birds greeted him.


    Raegar yawned and climbed out of the tent, putting it away and continuing through the forest. A couple of hours later, he came across a scene that shocked him as torn-up humans and Demi-Humans littered the blood-stained ground.


    ''''What the fuck happened here?'''' he muttered in surprise.


    Splintered carriages tilted into ditches, their cargo strewn everywhere. Some of the bodies were clad in merchant robes, others in guard armor, littered the ground, their faces frozen in terror.


    A rustle from across the road snapped his attention upward. Five figures emerged from the tree line, adventurers, by their mismatched armor and weathered gear, they glanced around, only to stop when they saw him.


    Moments later, a towering orc with a notched greataxe led them, flanked by a lithe elf archer, a human mage clutching a staff, and two dwarves hefting warhammers. Their eyes scanned the wreckage, wary but unsurprised, as if they''d seen such horrors before.


    The orc''s gaze locked onto him, his voice a low growl. ''''You there. Friend or foe?''''


    ''''Friend,'''' he replied, dismissing his daggers. ''''I just came across this while hunting monsters.''''


    When the adventurers heard this, they visibly relaxed as the orc introduced himself. ''''I''m Grimgor Ironside, leader of the emergency party that Dreadshade City sent us to find missing merchants.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding, pointing at the closest body. ''''They were attacked by creatures of the night. The lead merchant wanted to keep traveling, not realizing how dangerous it is out here.''''


    ''''Yes, you''re right, boy,'''' the orc responded as he warned him. ''''Be careful out here, the creatures are getting bolder with their attacks.''''


    Following that, Raegar continued and ran into more creatures that he killed until settling down for the night, as the Nightwalkers called to him from the darkness.


    ***


    Zahara and Selene looked horrified, prompting Raegar to laugh as he waved them away. ''''That''s why I tell you guys to be careful. The creatures of the night are wholly different compared to normal monsters.''''


    The blonde nodded but quickly spoke. ''''Can we come when you travel to one?''''


    ''''Yes, I don''t know when, though,'''' he revealed. ''''Maybe we can go explore the Black Forest one day.''''


    When the duo heard this, Selene got excited, but Zahara became nervous as she refused. ''''That place is dangerous, the professors say all kinds of monsters wander in the darkness. According to rumors, the headmistress saved a group of students who wandered into it.''''


    After that, he walked the two girls back to the Eastern Tower, only to be surprised when he saw all the flowers glowing under the moonlight. Once there, the blonde turned to him and hugged him, smiling.


    ''''Thank you for everything, Rae,'''' she said warmly. ''''This Healing tome will help out with your grandmother. I''m going to study the Devil Poison, and hopefully I''ll be able to learn a spell before summer break.''''


    Raegar''s lips curved into a warm smile as he tightened his embrace around the dark-skinned girl while speaking. ''''Thank you, Za. Once you''ve healed her, I''ll head to the village to ensure your safety.''''


    ''''Come on, you two!'''' Selene giggled. ''''Just get a room already.''''


    When Zahara heard this, she jumped back as she blushed, but Raegar vanished and appeared behind the Demoness. He quickly hugged the girl, stiffening as she melted into his embrace.


    ''''I didn''t forget about you, Red,'''' he charmingly whispered.


    ''''Red?'''' she questioned.


    He grabbed her hand and ran a finger across her soft crimson skin, answering. ''''I love the tone, it''s unique and attractive.''''


    When the Tiefling girl heard this, her pointy ears twitched as Zahara teased her this time. ''''Look! Her cheeks are dark red!'''' she exclaimed.


    The Demoness wriggled out of his arms and started chasing the blonde into the tower while laughing. He shook his head, making his way toward the Western Tower after they said their goodbyes.


    Raegar walked through the garden only to bump into Zane Bloodhowl, the Lion Demi-Human guard. When the older man spotted him, a smile appeared. ''''Blackwood! You better when the Grand Magic Games, we old timers are putting coin on you,'''' he exclaimed in a booming voice.


    ''''You better give me some of the winnings,'''' he confidently replied. ''''I''ll make sure you can retire in a big manor with Mrs. Bloodhowl.''''


    The guard let out a hearty chuckle, playfully ruffling the boy''s hair. ''''Love that confidence, lad. It''s sorely needed these days, things are turning grim beyond the Brightwater Bridge to the east.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow rose in curiosity as he questioned. ''''What''s going on?''''


    ''''Your father, alongside Duke D''Ambrose, has driven the Forest Giants back to the Borderlands,'''' Zane replied candidly. ''''But here''s the issue: other creatures of the night are plaguing the empire. Some areas have been cleared, but there aren''t enough adventurers to handle the rest.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he thought while glancing at the wall in the distance. ''''Maybe I can clear out some on Dark Day? No, I have that auction to go to with Za and Domi.''''


    Following that, he said his goodbyes and walked toward the Western Tower when guards were at the entrance, talking to Professor Riverhold. When the older man spotted him, his eyes narrowed.


    ''''What are you doing out so late, Blackwood?'''' he asked sternly.


    Raegar looked at the professor and responded casually. ''''Walked the girls back to their dorms after studying in the library.''''


    When the man heard this shocked expression appeared on his face before pointing toward the stairs. ''''Go get some rest for classes and ensure you don''t overwork yourself.''''


    ''''Thanks, Professor Riverhold,'''' he replied with a yawn. ''''I''ll sleep once I get back to my room.''''


    Inside his room, he approached the window and froze. The colossal shark had returned, gliding through the dark waters beyond. Its piercing red eyes met his, and it gave a slow, deliberate nod.


    Raegar''s heart thundered as the shark''s nod lingered in his mind. ''Is it intelligent?'' he wondered. ''It''s beyond Tier Ten, so... maybe?''


    Just then, he sensed an unknown Aether approaching the room, prompting him to vanish and appear by the back wall with his daggers and armor equipped, ready for an attack, only to see someone open his door.


    He moved like a ghost, only to notice the blonde hair as his blade reached the stranger''s throat. Raegar stopped his attack, smirking. ''''Why are you sneaking into my room, Lady Valentina?''''


    The older woman stiffened, only to giggle as she explained. ''''I''m not surprised you sensed me, Blackwood, but the truth is I''ve come here to see you.''''


    Moments later, she lowered his blade, spinning to face him with glowing eyes. Leaning in, her breath warm and teasing, she pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss. As their lips connected, a shock passed through them.


    Raegar''s heart stuttered, but she melted into his embrace as he returned the gesture. Yuki''s words echoed in his mind. ''Find a strong woman to fight by your side, young master. And who better than one who loves you with every beat of her heart?''


    Soon enough, Valentina leaned back, wide-eyed and with a shocked expression as he touched her lips. He shook his head, questioning. ''''Did you feel the shock?''''


    The older woman nodded with a small smile. ''''Yes, Mother said it would happen after seeing us dance all those years ago. Then I felt it when you touched my bum, but what convinced me was the kiss on the cheek.''''


    Raegar''s cheeks flushed, but an impulse overtook him. He leaned in, capturing the professor''s lips in a bold kiss. His tongue gently explored her mouth as he gripped her waist, pulling her closer.


    Valentina melted into him, their kiss deepening until she eased back, a playful, knowing smile curving her lips. ''''So,'''' she murmured, ''''Want to see where this leads while taking things slow? I know you care for Yuki, tell her, she''ll understand.''''


    She stepped back and continued. ''''But could we keep this between us? I''d rather students didn''t know. Including your little girlfriends''''


    ''''That''s fine,'''' he answered. ''''But you do know I won''t be making anything official until after the summer? Yuki wants to wait until I come of age.''''


    When Valentina heard this, her smile grew wider, replying. ''''Yes, I know, when I spoke to her last, she said that''s the one condition your mother gives to women, especially knowing you like us older ones.''''


    He nodded in agreement as she took out some books, revealing. ''''I thought you could help with my next classes. I need to organize what to teach them in the theory part.''''

 Chapter 156: See You In Class, Handsome

    Raegar looked at Valentina, who made herself comfortable on his bed cross-legged. He chuckled, asking. ''''What''s brought this on all of a sudden, Val?''''


    The blonde glanced at him, smiling. ''''The Lovers Spark silly, when a couple gets shocked when kissing, it means those two people are compatible and could have a long relationship, just like my parents.''''


    ''''So you''re a romantic?'''' he responded.


    Valentina nodded. ''''Who doesn''t love a happy ending? Their rare nowadays, especially with the horde of creatures appearing all over the empire,'''' she said, sighing.


    ''''The Creatures of the Night,'''' Raegar said while sitting on the bed. ''''I''m reading a journal of a man traveling through the Borderlands. He believed the monsters would rush south thanks to the Stormrune schemes.''''


    When the professor heard this, her eyes widened, revealing. ''''That explains why the Order and High Command dispatched your father and Devil Hunters to the north. The creatures have already infested the empire.''''


    Raegar agreed and asked. ''''What about the school?''''


    ''''This place should be fine, the same as Willowbank Village, but the road to Brightwater will be dangerous,'''' she answered while going through the books.


    Following that, the duo continued work with Raegar, helping with which subjects to start. He suggested something to spot the Devils as they kept sneaking into places. This surprised her, but she agreed with a big smile.


    ''''Thanks for that, Rae,'''' she praised.


    Moments later, the blonde flung her arms around him, but a sudden surge of Aether flowed into her. She tensed, leaning back with wide eyes. Raegar chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. ''''Sorry, my energy''s overflowing and... well, it seems to like you.''''


    She giggled before kissing him on the forehead. ''''That''s fine, it felt nice if I''m honest.''''


    Afterward, their conversation drifted to the Devil attacks, with the older woman sharing her wisdom. Raegar listened intently as the blonde rose, her expression focused as she informed him of a spell called Alarm.


    ''''With this magic, you can cast to create an early warning field,'''' she explained. ''''It''ll alert you to an opening portal, just like it would to an attack.''''


    Valentina handed him a scroll. ''''Here you go, thanks to being a Tetraarch and the amount of spells you can use, you''ll have no problem learning this.''''


    Raegar took it with an excited expression as he thanked her. ''''Thank you, Val. Usually, my senses help, but having some concrete will always help.''''


    The older woman nodded, smiling. ''''I''m glad you''re happy, unfortunately, I need to get back to the Northern Courtyard.''''


    Valentina closed the distance, her lips capturing Raegar''s in another kiss. He blinked in surprise as she wove a spell, her form shimmering into invisibility as her Tier Seven power radiated from her.


    ''''See you in class, handsome,'''' she whispered, slipping out of his room.


    Moments later, she was gone, causing a grin to appear. ''''I knew there was something about her. Let''s tell Yuki about everyone so she knows, but at least Val knows things won''t become serious until I come of age.''''


    With that decided, Raegar took out some paper and wrote letters to his parents and the cat maid. By the time he was done, he crawled into bed while mumbling. ''Professor Silvershade will help me with another element tomorrow.''


    That night, he drifted to sleep, Valentina''s unexpected visit leaving his heart light. He''d always found the blonde beautiful, even years ago. The next morning, he stirred awake with a wide yawn.


    He stiffened at the sight of several car-sized octopuses clinging to the glass as their beaks slammed against it. This confused him, but then a giant shadow passed over, causing him to look up.


    A Deepsea Blood Whale glided gracefully through the ocean, its smaller kin darting around, snatching octopuses and devouring them. He stepped into his bathroom, the expansive window offering a breathtaking view of the vibrant sea beyond.


    Raegar sank into the steaming bath, the hot water easing his tension until it was time for his lessons. Hours later, he staggered out of Combat Magic Class, battered from sparring with Professor Velrath himself.


    The Tier Seven Warrior had pushed him relentlessly, outpacing him with ease. By the end, his limbs ached, and his Aether reserves flickered low. Gritting his teeth, he made his way toward the Northern Courtyard to meet Professor Silvershade.


    Twenty minutes later, Raegar appeared at the entrance, where the guard let him through thanks to Cecilia putting him on the guest list. Following that, he made his way down Professor''s Lane until reaching the older woman''s home.


    ''''Hey Rae! Mama''s out back and told me to escort you around,'''' Luna beamed with a blushing Caspian.


    He chuckled at his friend''s expression, prompting him to tease. ''''Meeting the parents already, Cas? It''s only been three days, moving fast.''''


    The black-haired boy''s face went even redder, causing Luna to giggle at his reaction before explaining. ''''We needed help with the fundamentals, and she was the best person to go to.''''


    Raegar nodded with a smile as Caspian finally spoke, as the duo led him to the back garden. ''''I''ll see you tomorrow, Rae. Fire Day is closing in. We can''t wait to do the team part of the crucible, especially if Selene joins us.''''


    He remembered the Demoness saying she was harassing Professor Velrath to let her join them when the time comes. This made him laugh because the older man related to the gremlin.


    ''''That''s fine, I''ll be the attacker alongside her while the others cover us,'''' he replied as the two left.


    Once they were gone, the green-haired woman appeared with an amused expression. ''''Those two are adorable, don''t you think?''''


    Raegar watched his friends go and answered. ''''They are but scared to confess their feelings. Stupid in my opinion, thanks to life being hectic, and you''ll never know when something will happen.''''


    ''''A good way to live life,'''' she replied before moving on to the reason he was there. ''''What element would you like to do today?''''


    He thought for a second and replied. ''''Water, if Earth were horrible, I know water will be even worse.''''


    Professor Silvershade beamed while motioning toward a nearby pond. ''''Take a seat and use the blue pill I gave you. I''ll be nearby to keep an eye out because the Water Element is horrible to advance.''''


    ''''Okay, thank you for your help, Cecilia,'''' he responded before taking a seat on a tuft of soft grass and gathering.


    Fresh energy poured into his body and began filling up his inner pools until all of them were full after a couple of hours. While doing that, he sensed that a stream of Water Aether was triple the amount of the others.


    As he did that, Cecilia''s voice echoed in his mind. ''''Don''t panic, Rae, it will be in your mind.''''


    Raegar nodded, and in an instant, he was drenched, standing on a serene beach. The water abruptly receded, and his eyes widened in alarm as a towering wave surged. Instinct screamed to flee, but he rooted himself in place.


    The wave slammed into him like a wall of concrete, crushing the air from his lungs. His body swayed under the torrent''s force, yet he braced himself, enduring the relentless surge with gritted teeth.


    He stood firm against the receding tide, saltwater dripping from his soaked clothes. The air was heavy with the roar of the ocean. Professor Silvershade''s voice echoed in his mind. ''Expand your Aether Pool under pressure. Let the wave''s force guide you.''


    Raegar closed his eyes, focusing inward, seeking the faint pulse of his Aether core. The next wave loomed, its shadow darkening the sand. Raegar breathed deeply, trying to stretch his Aether Pool, to widen its boundaries as the professor had taught.


    Moments later, he visualized it as a flexible membrane, pushing outward to hold more energy. The wave crashed, slamming into him with brutal force. His chest heaved, ribs aching as he fought to stay upright.


    He poured his will into his pool, urging it to expand, but it resisted, unyielding. The energy flickered, contracting instead of growing, like a muscle too strained to stretch. His focus wavered, frustration creeping in.


    ''''Come on,'''' he growled inwardly, clenching his fists.


    Another wave surged forward, and he tried again, channeling the pressure of the water into his core. The Aether Pool trembled but refused to budge, its edges rigid. The wave hit, knocking him back a step, his knees buckling.


    He gasped, spitting saltwater, his body screaming in protest. Raegar''s heart sank. He was failing. The pool wouldn''t expand, and each attempt left him more drained. The ocean churned, relentless, as if mocking his struggle.


    He steadied himself, wiping wet hair from his eyes, and glared at the next approaching wave. ''One more try,'' he vowed.


    For hours, Raegar battled the relentless waves, each crash a brutal test of his will. He stood on the spectral beach, eyes shut, focusing on his Aether Pool, urging its boundaries to stretch.


    Every attempt failed, the pool recoiled, as the ocean''s force pummeled his body. His muscles screamed, his Aether dwindled to a faint spark, and his breaths grew ragged.

 Chapter 157: You Still Have To Die Here

    Raegar started to get scared as another wave loomed. He braced himself, and his legs buckled. His vision blurred, and his knees hit the sand, the world spinning. The pain was intense and felt like his body was being torn apart.


    He gritted his teeth, but it became too much, forcing him to roar in agony for moments as the beach dissolved in a shimmer of light, and he collapsed onto the cool stone of the Northern Courtyard, gasping.


    Utterly spent, as the real world settled around him, but the pain hadn''t faded. He''d failed to expand his pool, and exhaustion claimed him. Professor Silvershade appeared above with a concerned expression.


    ''''You damaged your Water pool,'''' she revealed, checking him over. ''''You need to rest for at least a day before attempting to do it again.''''


    Raegar shook his head, eyes full of determination that scared the older woman. ''''Do you have another? I''m not done yet.''''


    She was about to reject such a thing, but something deep inside told her to do it. Cecilia pulled out another blue pill, handing it over. ''''This is the last one. If you fail, you could lose your Water Element thanks to the damage your pool receives.''''


    ''''I won''t lose, I''ve come too far for fear or pain to stop me,'''' he declared with such intensity that she stepped back out of instinct.


    Raegar surged upright, his heart thundering as he gulped down the Water Pill. A cataclysmic storm erupted within, agony shredding his very soul. Memories of his death on Earth ignited his determination. ''I won''t die again! I''ll only get stronger!''


    A colossal wave loomed, its apocalyptic might threatening to crush him. But he unleashed a primal roar, the Aether flaring like a supernova, shielding him from the titanic onslaught. Its power flooded his inner pool, a torrent of raw energy.


    Blood burst from his eyes and ears, his body screaming in defiance, yet he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, an unstoppable force against the chaos. Just then, a storm erupted above the Northern Courtyard.


    The sounds of Aether going crazy alerted everyone in Drakenwood. Students ran to their windows as professors rushed toward Cecilia''s home. He pushed through the pain and watched as his Water Pool finally reached Vapour.


    Moments later, he returned to reality as his vision blurred and he was covered in blood, thanks to his body being pushed to the limit. He spat out a mouthful of the stuff just as Cecilia appeared.


    ''''Sit down Raegar!'''' she exclaimed in awe. ''''I can''t believe you broke through, but you''ll feel sore for days.''''


    He collapsed onto the grass, eyes fluttering shut as he replied, ''''I''ll rest here a bit before heading back to my dorm.''''


    Cecilia grinned, shaking her head fondly. ''''Silly boy, just stay safe and let me know when you''re leaving.''''


    Raegar pulled out the scroll Valentina had given him, studying it as the pain slowly ebbed and the sweat stopped running down his back. Afterward, he managed to sit up, just as he grasped the basics of the Alarm spell.


    ''''So, I just visualize the spell active around me and hold it,'''' he muttered. ''''It''ll drain Aether, but with Vapour in two of my six elements, I can manage.''''


    Raegar walked through the garden, which was eerily quiet, causing his senses to scream at him. He ignored it as he was on school grounds, and stretched his achy body as the pain was still there and affecting his movements.


    He turned a corner only to see blood on the ground, his eyes narrowed as he started following it. Moments later, he came across a dead guard with a sliced throat, causing him to mutter. ''''What the fuck happened here?''''


    His eyes widened just as something exploded inches from him, but he instantly equipped his armor, blocking the surprise attack. The force shocked him as he was sent flying across the garden.


    Raegar crashed down with a horrible thud, coming to a stop as he groaned while glancing up at three figures that appeared around him. They were dressed in all black with plain white featureless masks.


    When seeing the trio, he stood up, coughing, but thanks to advancing his body was already weak and couldn''t do too much without hurting himself. But he didn''t fail to notice that two of them were Tier Eight and the last was Tier Nine.


    ''Oh fuck!'' he internally panicked. ''I''m outnumbered and outmatched here.''


    He shook his head, summoning his blades with a ching, readying himself for a fight as he grew curious. ''''Who are you three musketeers?'''' he questioned.


    The Tier Nine assassin looked at the other two before answering in a male northern accent, catching his attention. ''''A shame such a warrior as strong as you has to die here, Tetraarch. Unfortunetly for you''ve pissed off the wrong people, so here we are.''''


    ''''Just shut up, I haven''t done anything to anyone,'''' he retorted nervously. ''''Unless you come from Keepers of the Blood? Then I understand.''''


    ''''It doesn''t matter,'''' the leader revealed, taking out his weapon. ''''You still have to die here.''''


    With a sudden blur, the assassins struck. The Tier Eights surged forward, their movements a whirlwind too fast for him to track until their attack started. A spear lanced toward his gut, but he leaped back, deflecting the razor-sharp tip with a desperate swing.


    A sharp ching echoed through the air, only for a searing pain to rip through his legs. A guttural grunt tore from his lips as he glanced down, eyes widening at the sight of a wicked dagger buried deep in his flesh.


    ''What the hell is this?'' His mind roared.


    Raegar, blood dripping from his wound, ripped the knife free with a roar, his fingers trembling with fury. Channeling his Aether, he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, a searing storm of electricity and roaring flames that tore through the air toward the two assassins.


    The sheer power of the spell lit up the battlefield, casting jagged shadows as it surged forward with unstoppable force. But the first Tier Eight, with a sneer of contempt, raised a hand, and the ground itself answered his call.


    Suddenly, a massive Earthwall erupted from the earth, a towering bulwark of stone and soil that swallowed his spell in an instant, the flames fizzling out against its surface with a deafening boom.


    ''''What!'''' he muttered in shock. ''''Fire and Lightning are weak against Earth, fuck!''''


    Moments later, the second Tier Eight assassin, a predator in human form, was already upon him, his spear slashing through the air with a howl of deadly intent. He reacted on instinct, crossing his blades in a desperate clash to parry the blow.


    Sparks erupted as steel met steel, the force reverberating through his arms. The assassin''s lips curled into a wicked smile, his eyes glinting with malice. In a fluid motion, he redirected the spear, twisting it past his guard.


    It quickly plunged into his side, tearing through his armor like parchment and biting deep into flesh. A grunt of agony tore from his throat as blood welled, staining his torn gear. Pain seared his senses, but his will refused to break.


    Pain flared up, causing him to let out an agony-filled scream. ''''AHHHH! Fuck!''''


    Through the haze of torment, he glimpsed the first assassin charging, his sword poised to deliver a killing blow. With a surge of defiant fury, he channeled his Aether, his voice a raw bellow as he unleashed a Stormfire Bullet.


    The spell erupted, a blazing projectile wreathed in crackling lightning and molten flame, streaking toward the oncoming foe with explosive force. The air itself seemed to scream as the spell hurtled forward.


    Just then, the second assassin brought up a Water Barrier to block his attack, causing him to grow frustrated as he cleared some space, wondering where the professors or guards were, but soon realized something.


    ''The Tier Nine cast a strong barrier blocking anyone from getting inside,'' he thought in shock.


    Following that, he continued to defend himself, but after some time, his body started failing him, thanks to the building injuries littering his body. After ten minutes, he realized they were Tier Eights playing with him.


    The first assassin surged forward, his spear aimed straight for Raegar''s heart. Adrenaline surged through his tired veins, his instincts screaming as the spear arced toward him in a vicious swing.


    With no time to hesitate, Raegar cast Flash Step. In a blinding pulse of light, his body flickered, vanishing from the path of the deadly strike and reappearing in an instant behind the enemy.


    The air crackled with the aftershock of his movement. His blades gleamed under the Aether Lanturns floating above. Gritting his teeth against the searing pain in his side, he drove his daggers forward, aiming to pierce the assassin''s ribs.


    But the Tier Eight was no mere prey. With a mocking smirk curling his lips, the assassin twisted, his spear snapping up to meet his strike. Steel clashed in a shower of sparks, the force of the block sending a jolt through his arms.

 Chapter 158: I Havent Lost Yet

    Raegar watched the assassin''s eyes gleam with amusement, as if toying with him. Before he could recover, the first assassin struck. A blur of motion, the enemy''s sword carved a vicious arc through the air, its blade biting deep into the backs of his legs.


    Pain exploded through his body, a white-hot agony that buckled his knees and sent him crashing to the ground with a cry. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the lush grass of the school garden as his vision swam.


    ''Dammit,'' he thought just before activating his special ability as his eyes threatened to shut due to exhaustion.


    Suddenly, the night erupted in chaos. The garden blazed to life, bathed in a searing crimson glow as arcane alarms shrieked into existence. Their piercing wails shattered the silence, reverberating through the academy grounds like the cry of a vengeful spirit.


    When the assassins saw this, they stopped as the Tier Nine spoke. ''''Hurry up, two. You can kill the boy so the boss will be happy, just make it quick.''''


    The second enemy got excited and approached him while spinning his spear. As the man got closer, Raeger glanced up with a wild smile, his red eyes glowed. ''''Fusion Overdrive!'''' he roared.


    Moments later, the clouds above exploded as Aether rushed through the barrier and straight into his body. He felt the world answering his plea, and it answered by sending him even more power, but at a cost.


    ''Whatever it takes to survive this!'' he internally roared.


    As Fusion Overdrive took its price in the form of being weakened for some time. His new strength shot up to Tier Ten, which was too much, but he steeled himself and used the new power.


    Raegar was in shock when he realized the cost of using it, making him grimace in horror. ''It''s going to take my right arm and eye, along with damaging my Aether Pools blocking me from magic.''


    Following that, he threw caution to the wind and embraced the power, and felt his right arm tearing apart from the inside out. With a primal roar, he hurled himself at the first assassin, his Aether flaring as he summoned his dagger.


    In a blur of motion, he drove the blade forward, piercing the shocked enemy''s eye. A sickening crunch echoed as the man staggered, blood streaming down his face. The sudden, brutal strike froze the battlefield, shock rippling through the enemies as their comrades'' screams tore through the night.


    The second assassin snapped into action, his spear thrusting toward him, but he triggered Flash Step, his body dissolving into a flicker of light and reappearing in an instant above the second assassin.


    Mid-air, Raegar spun like a vortex, his blades lashing out in a whirlwind of razor-sharp steel. Each strike sang with fury, forcing the assassin to stumble back, his spear raised in a desperate attempt to parry the onslaught.


    But it wasn''t enough. The assassin''s defenses wavered, his movements a heartbeat too slow against the blazing speed of his attack. Yet, even as the enemy reeled, he sensed the fight was far from won.


    Raegar noticed the man''s eyes burned with anger as his resolve hardened, his hands weaving Aether into a barrage of Earthspike Barrage spells. Jagged stone spears erupted from the soil, tearing through the earth, each one aimed to impale him.


    ''''Time to move, Rae,'''' he muttered and started bouncing around like a rabbit.


    His body twisted and darted through the deadly maze, his Flash Step flickering like lightning as he wove between the spikes, their razor tips grazing his tattered armor but failing to find flesh.


    Thanks to his Tier Ten strength the air crackled with the power of the clashing forces, the garden a battlefield of shattered stone and scorched grass. With a final pulse of Aether, he vanished in a burst of light, reappearing behind the second assassin in a heartbeat.


    The man had no time to react. Raegar''s blade, slick with the blood of his first foe, flashed in the crimson glow of the school''s alarms, driving straight through the assassin''s throat with a sickening crunch.


    Blood sprayed, hot and coppery, as the enemy choked, his spear clattering to the ground. His body crumpled, lifeless, into the ruined garden. Raegar''s gaze snapped upward, locking onto the Tier Nine assassin who loomed at the edge of the battlefield.


    The elite killer''s presence was a suffocating weight, his eyes cold and unyielding. Blood trickled from his ears, his body trembling as his overtaxed muscles screamed in protest, Aether depletion gnawing at his strength.


    Each breath was a labored gasp, his vision blurring at the edges as his body teetered on the brink of collapse. Yet, even as his strength faltered, Raegar''s defiance burned brighter, his grip tightening on his bloodied blades.


    The Tier Nine stepped forward, the ground quaking faintly beneath his boots, a predator sizing up wounded prey in the flickering light of the alarmed garden. Following that, the two of them charged at each other,


    Raegar poured every ounce of his strength into the fight, his body a blur of desperation as he faced the assassin. His blades danced in a symphony, blocking the assassin''s relentless strikes, and each blow sent tremors through his battered frame.


    He countered with slashes, his movements fueled by sheer willpower alone, dodging the assassin''s lunges that sliced through the air like vipers. The garden quaked under their clash, petals and debris swirling in the crimson glow of the alarms.


    To the assassin''s shock, he kept pace, his reflexes razor-sharp despite the blood dripping from his ears and the agonizing burn of his failing body. With a twist, Raegar landed a series of slashing strikes across Tier Nine''s chest and arm.


    His blade biting through armor and drawing thin lines of blood. The assassin grunted, his cold facade cracking for a fleeting moment as pain flickered in his eyes. Their battle became a whirlwind, the two warriors rushing through the garden in a deadly dance.


    Vines snapped and statues toppled as they tore across the grounds, the Tier Nine''s dagger flashing out in a vicious arc. Raegar''s instincts screamed, and he raised his blade just in time, the dagger''s edge screeching against his sword in a shower of sparks.


    The force of the block brought them face-to-face, their weapons locked in a trembling stalemate. His breath hitched as he stared into the assassin''s scarred face, a mirror of his battle-worn one.


    But where his scars told a story of survival, defiance, and pure grit to live, the man''s were etched with cruelty, his eyes devoid of mercy, two pits of unrelenting malice that spoke of the horrors he unleashed on innocent people.


    The assassin''s lips curled into a faint, predatory sneer, and in that moment, Raegar knew this fight would demand everything he had left, and more, to survive the merciless gaze of his foe.


    Without moving, a sudden, searing agony erupted in his core, cutting through the adrenaline-fueled haze of their clash. His gaze dropped, and his heart lurched at the sight, a dagger buried to the hilt in his stomach, glinting with a sickly green sheen.


    Blood welled around the wound, hot and slick, soaking his torn armor. Raegar''s knees buckled as he coughed, crimson spraying from his lips, each breath a ragged struggle against the fire spreading through his veins.


    The assassin stepped back, his scarred face twisting into a gloating sneer, his eyes alight with sadistic triumph. ''''Now die!'''' he hissed. ''''Basilisk poison from the Forbidden Wastes. Enjoy the pain, boy!''''


    Laughter sliced through the blaring alarms that still lit the garden in a frenetic crimson glow. Raegar felt his body burning as it burned his veins and attacked his organs as he was grabbed by the throat.


    ''''Now I''ve dealt with you, the Blackwoods are next!'''' the man revealed with glee. ''''Damn annoying family need to be put down if they are anything like you boy.''''


    His taunting words ignited a firestorm in his soul, his vision flooding with crimson rage. ''''I cannot die here!'''' he growled through gritted teeth, his voice a raw, desperate snarl as he forced his broken body to rise.


    Blood gushed from his stomach, the basilisk poison searing his veins, and with a sickening pop, his right eye burst under the strain, a torrent of agony unlike anything he''d ever known ripping through his flesh and soul.


    Raegar''s body screamed for surrender, but something deep within him refused. He got to his feet, a blood-soaked specter of defiance, his remaining red eye blazing. The enemy''s gloating smirk faltered as he let out a guttural roar that shook the garden.


    ''''I HAVEN''T LOST YET!'''' The words were a battle cry, raw and unhinged, reverberating through the crimson-lit chaos of the blaring alarms.


    Driven by a madness born of pain and sheer will, Raegar surged forward, his movements no longer guided by reason but by an animalistic need to survive. A wild, frenzied roar tore from his throat, echoing through the shattered garden as he charged the stunned assassin.

 Chapter 159: More Monster-Like

    With a flicker of Aether, Raegar summoned his dagger into his trembling hand. The assassin scrambled to react, but he was a force of nature, unstoppable in his final act as he had to protect his family, the one who loved and cherished him, alongside Yuki.


    Using the last shred of his strength, he drove the dagger upward, the blade piercing through the enemy''s jaw with a sickening crunch. The tip punched through bone and brain, snuffing out his life in an instant.


    Raegar watched as the enemy''s body went rigid, then collapsed like a puppet with cut strings, blood pooling beneath him on the ravaged earth. He stood over his fallen foe, swaying, his chest heaving as the garden''s alarms wailed on.


    The dagger slipped from his grasp, and he sank to his knees, the poison and blood loss dragging him toward oblivion. Yet, in that fleeting moment, a flicker of triumph burned in his remaining eye; he had defied death, if only for now.


    He looked up just in time to see the assassins break and people rushing over to him, but the damage was too much, his body started to shake, thanks to everything. His world went black as his face slammed into the scorched ground.


    The professor and headmistress burst into the garden, their faces paling as they laid eyes pm his broken form kneeling amidst the carnage. Horror seized them, their breaths catching at the sheer extent of his injuries.


    His right arm was a mangled ruin, muscles torn apart, jagged shards of bone protruding through shredded skin, glistening with blood in the flickering crimson light of the alarms that was turned off seconds later.


    Raegar''s body was a canvas of brutal violence, countless slashes and gashes crisscrossing his flesh, each cut weeping crimson. Worst of all, the hollow socket where his right eye once sat stared blankly, a gruesome testament to the battle''s toll.


    The headmistress clutched her chest, her voice trembling. ''''By the Aether... how is he still alive?''''


    Professor Riverhold, his usual stoicism shattered, shook his head grimly. ''''That eye... the arm... these wounds will scar more than his body. His growth as a mage could be crippled.''''


    Their eyes traced the devastation, Raegar''s blood-soaked frame, the fallen Tier Nine assassin, the garden reduced to a battlefield of shattered stone and scorched earth. The weight of his survival and the cost it carried hung heavy in the air as they rushed to his side.


    ''''Get him to the nurse''s office now!'''' Professor Morris appeared out of nowhere with a panicked look on her face.


    The blonde scooped him up before sprinting toward the Head Nurse, who was rushing toward them. When the fox woman saw his weathered frame, her amber eyes widened in shock.


    ''''Follow me and don''t fall behind, Valentina!'''' Aiko exclaimed.


    The two sprinted toward the hospital wing of the school, and they worked to save Raegar''s life. The fox burned away the poison and healed what she could, but the damage was too great.


    When they finished, the headmistress and his friends appeared outside the office, prompting her to go outside. Aiko''s voice was steady but heavy with the weight of her words.


    ''''I saved his arm,'''' she began, her gaze meeting each of theirs. ''''But his right eye... It''s gone. Ninety percent of his body is scarred, deep, brutal marks that will affect him physically and mentally. His path as a mage and person will be harder now.''''


    She paused, her gaze softening with a plea. ''''He''ll need you all to be there for him, more than ever.''''


    Everyone exchanged determined nods to help with his recovery. They spent their free time helping Nurse Kitsunia. Time blurred into an indeterminate haze, moments stretching into hours or perhaps days, lost in the quiet tension of waiting.


    When Raegar finally stirred, a sharp surge of pain tore through his body, wrenching an involuntary yelp from his lips. His vision swam as he tried to anchor himself in the moment, the intensity of the agony nearly overwhelming.


    Grimacing, he clenched his teeth against the waves of torment, each pulse a reminder of his weakened state. As his senses sharpened, he realized the nurse''s room was cloaked in darkness, save for the soft, silvery glow of moonlight streaming through a high window.


    He glanced up, only to see the moon hanging high in the night sky, casting faint shadows across the sterile walls and beds. No one was there as it was empty and creepy to him, as it seemed like the darkness was moving.


    Raegar glanced around while muttering. ''''Damn school is too big.''''


    The stillness of the room, coupled with the late hour, amplified the weight of his solitude, the quiet broken only by the faint throb of his heartbeat echoing in his ears. He slid his legs off the bed, only to stop.


    As his gaze drifted downward, a sickening jolt of horror gripped him. His skin, once unblemished, was now a canvas of countless scars, jagged, raised lines crisscrossing his body in a brutal tapestry of pain.


    Each mark told a story of trauma endured during his fight with the Tier Nine Assassin, their raw, uneven edges glinting faintly in the moonlight. He recoiled at the sight, a visceral cringe seizing him as revulsion and grief collided within.


    The scars were not just physical; they felt like a betrayal of the person he once was, a permanent reminder of the ordeal that had reshaped him. ''Damn I look more like a monster but why does my sight seem strange?'' he internally mused.


    When he realised his right eye had popped due to the power overload, this was too much for his body. ''''Fuck! Using Overdrive damaged me even more.''''


    His breath hitched, caught between anguish and disbelief, he struggled to reconcile with the stranger his body had become. He glanced around only to see a large mirror on the opposite wall.


    ''''Let''s check out the damage,'''' he muttered. ''''I bet it''s bad.''''


    With a heart pounding like a war drum, Raegar summoned every ounce of his faltering strength and slid off the bed, his legs trembling beneath him like fragile saplings in a storm as they shook.


    Each step was a defiant act of will, his weakened muscles protesting as he staggered toward the mirror. But his body betrayed him, chunks of flesh carved from his legs sent him lurching forward, crashing to his knees.


    Pain flared, yet he clawed his way back up. When he finally stood before the mirror, the sight that met him was a dagger to his soul. A bloodied bandage shrouded one eye, a cruel veil over half his vision, and his reflection revealed a warrior ravaged by fate.


    His body bore scars far worse than he''d dared imagine, deep, gnarled wounds etched into his flesh like the runes of some cursed saga. Raegar glanced at his right arm, which hung mangled, its sinew and bone contorted into a parody of its former glory.


    Yet, miraculously, it responded to his will, flexing with a stubborn resilience. Anger welled in his uncovered eye, not from pain but from the heartbreaking weight of what he''d become thanks to the assassins.


    He mumbled in frustration. ''''I''ve become even more monster-like.''''


    Just then, a cold aura descended on the room, prompting him to turn around. Raegar spotted the headmistress standing there with a pity-filled expression. He equipped the Death Rose Armor and put the mask back on.


    ''''Evening, headmistress,'''' he greeted the older woman. ''''Thank you for helping me.''''


    Corrine smiled before questioning. ''''Do you have any idea who attacked you?''''


    ''''Nobles or the Keepers of the Blood,'''' Raegar instantly answered while slumping into the nearby chair. ''''Or some other cult that hates me. I must admit they were smart and did their research because one of them nullified my spells.''''


    The headmistress was about to speak, but he continued. ''''I''m going to rest in my dorm, I want to get some fresh air.''''


    Following that, Raegar hobbled out of the nurse''s office, leaving the older woman behind as he wanted to be alone. While walking through the corridors, he summoned his daggers, which appeared in his hands.


    ''Looks like they were lost in the fight, but at least I can find them,'' he thought, smiling.


    Afterward, Raegar continued walking back to the Western Tower, and after half an hour, he appeared at the entrance with a bottle of sake in his hand. He was drinking to numb the constant pain that plagued his body.


    Ten minutes later, he snuck into his room, avoiding the professors roaming the corridors. Once inside, he dragged a soft chair toward the window and slumped down while drinking the sake.


    Raegar exhaled a shuddering sigh of relief as the fiery burn of alcohol coursed through his veins, dulling the waves of pain that surged with every movement. It was a fleeting mercy, numbing the agony that gnawed at his scarred, broken body.


    He sank deeper into the plush embrace of the cushions, their softness cradling his frame, easing the strain. Each breath felt like a small victory, a quiet defiance against the torment that sought to claim him.

 Chapter 160: Are You Even Human?

    Raegar was resting while sipping on the sake and hissed when it burned his scarred throat, but he soon got used to it. Moments later, his gaze drifted to the deep sea beyond the window, its mysterious depths shimmering under the moon''s glow.


    ''''I do love this view,'''' he muttered while downing the rest of the bottle. ''''Better than a balcony.''''


    His attention returned to the ocean, stretching out like an endless dream, both haunting and serene. Raegar caught a fleeting spectacle, a school of fish, their scales glinting like scattered jewels, darting through the water.


    They wove among the swaying underwater brush, nibbling at the fronds with. For a moment, the world beyond his pain felt alive, pulsing with quiet wonder, and he let himself linger in its fleeting solace, a warrior adrift in the tide of both loss and hope.


    Following that, Raegar drank himself into a stupor and fell asleep on the chair, only to be woken up hours later. Someone was shaking him as a sweet voice reached his ears. ''''Rae, are you okay?''''


    His eyes opened only to see Valentina crouched down in front of him with a worried expression on her face. The blonde''s head tilted as he answered. ''''Yes but the pain is still lingering.''''


    The older woman frowned before standing up, revealing. ''''It will still be there thanks to the poison, but Nurse Kitsunia will relieve the pain every morning. So go see her before classes and don''t attend P.T or Combat Magic until you''re healed.''''


    ''''Alright, Val,'''' he replied with a tired smile. ''''What day is it?''''


    ''''Lightning handsome,'''' she revealed, causing his eyes to widen.


    Valentina nodded with an apologetic expression. ''''The damage was extensive, but should be within your grandmother''s skill range to heal. She just hasn''t woken up.''''


    ''''I understand,'''' he answered, sighing. ''''I get I have Aether Fundamentals and Devil Hunting, the rest I''ll relax in the library.''''


    The blonde beamed, leaning forward and planting a kiss on the mask, whispering. ''''You don''t need to hide your face from me, Rae, I''ll never judge you.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but smile as he nodded. ''''I know but I have to get used to it but it will take some time.''''


    Following that, the duo continued chatting until Valentina had to leave for her other classes, leaving him alone. He turned to the water and pulled out another bottle of Saki, he started drinking, thanks to the pain returning.


    An unknown amount of time later, Rune and Caspian barged into his room with a big smile as the giant boy exclaimed. ''''Rae! Professor Morris told us you were awake. Why haven''t you come to breakfast?''''


    The dark-haired boy agreed with their friends words causing him to sigh. ''''I''m more injured then I suspected, I can''t do much and everything hurts.''''


    When the two boys heard this, they looked at him with pity, but Raegar waved them away. ''''I''ll join you tomorrow. I''m going to Brightwater alongside Zahara and Dominique, I still want to buy that fairy.''''


    His friends began laughing before the two told him the entire school was talking about him, thanks to the assassination attempt, and an important Dawnfirian general has been deployed to the school.


    Raegar learned the empress wanted to protect the school, thanks to the rumors spreading among the students. Once Rune and Caspian were gone, he drank once more, only stopping when the second lesson bell rang.


    He shook his spinning head and started making his way to Professor Silvershades'' class. While on the way there, he quickly noticed the other students in his year, and the older ones avoided him.


    ''Damn people,'' Raegar thought, annoyed. ''Wait until I''m healed and you want to be friends.''


    Ten minutes later, he appeared outside the room where he spotted the Dominique and Zaharea standing there waiting. The blonde turned around, her grey eyes went wide in shock as she rushed toward him.


    Before she could touch him, he raised a hand. ''''Please don''t touch me, my body hurts and only gets worse whenever I brush up against it.''''


    When Zahara heard this, she looked concerned, but Dominique looked at him with glowing green eyes. ''''I''m glad you''re up and about, Rae. We were worried you wouldn''t wake up, you''ve slept for three days.''''


    Raegar grimaced thanks to the pain but ignored it while replying. ''''I should be fine, I''ll heal over time, and by the time Zahara can heal my grandmother, she''ll be able to heal every part of me, including my Water Aether Pool.''''


    As the words left his lips, Dominique stepped forward with narrowed green eyes. ''''Can I see it?''''


    A flicker of confusion danced across Raegar''s features, his brow furrowing. The vampire girl, Dominique, caught the look and flashed a sly, knowing smile, her crimson eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and intrigue.


    ''''Let me touch your chest,'''' she said, her voice smooth as velvet. ''''My energy will seep into you, revealing your Aether Pools.''''


    Raegar''s confusion lingered, but curiosity and trust won out. He gave a slow nod, his heart thudding with anticipation. Dominique stepped closer, her slender hand pressed gently against his chest, her cool touch sending a shiver through his battle-worn body.


    But then, she froze, her posture stiffening as if struck by a sudden revelation. Her gaze, sharp and unyielding, locked onto the pulse at his neck, her pupils dilating with a hunger that was both primal and restrained.


    His lips curved into a faint, teasing smile, his voice low. ''''I thought female vampires only drank the blood of their lovers?'''' he quipped


    Dominique''s grey cheeks went red before closing her eyes and concentrating on his Aether Pools. Raegar watched as she went stiff, prompting him to scan his inner world, only to see the Water Pool cracked and broken.


    The vampire girl turned to him in a translucent form and questioned. ''''How are you still alive, Rae? This damage would kill me or the group.''''


    Would Dominque could see was an inner world devastated by his injuries. Cracks lined every pool. Everything was touched by the poison, even the veins leading to the other parts of his body.


    ''''This would kill a Tier Ten, let alone you,'''' she mumbled with wide eyes. ''''Are you even human?''''


    Raegar chuckled in amusement. ''''Yes, I am, but at the same time, something completely different.''''


    ''''What''s this special ability the headmistress was talking about?'''' she suddenly asked.


    ''''Fusion Overdrive,'''' he answered honestly. ''''It''s a gift from the world or someone, in my time of need, it boosts my power to match or soar past my enemies, but using it comes at a cost which is getting worse.''''


    ''''All this damage is from yourself?'''' Dominique muttered.


    Raegar shook his head. ''''No, it was mostly the assassins who did this, but my powers took my eye and severely damaged my right arm,'''' he revealed.


    Moments later, he dismissed the Blood Rose Armor and mask, shocking the vampire girl, whose hand covered her mouth with wide eyes. He thought she was going to flee from the inner world.


    But Dominique shocked him and cupped his cheeks while speaking in a low tone. ''''I can''t wait to see your normal face, but I still think you''re handsome, despite the missing eye and scarred face.''''


    He noticed her green eyes glowing as she continued. ''''People may think you''re a monster or some sort of freak, but I''ve seen the real you, I''ve watched you fight to defend yourself and help. Now get those stupid thoughts out of your mind, they are false truths.''''


    Just then, Dominique leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek before vanishing from the inner world. Raegar was shocked but followed the cheeky vampire as Zahara pulled him into the classroom.


    Thanks to the sudden movement, pain shit through his body like an electric shock causing him to grit his teeth. As the three sat down, Professor Silvershade walked in looking worried, only to smile when she saw him sitting there.


    Raegar greeted her with a nod as the older woman spoke to the class. ''''Morning, students. Today is a reading day, I want you to read up on your element to find the best way to pass through to Vapour.''''


    Following that, the professor handed out some textbooks as Zahara leaned over and whispered. ''''What Element will you focus on?''''


    Without answering, he raised his hand and summoned an orb of water, which made the blonde''s eyes go wide in awe. ''''You got it to Vapour already?''''


    ''''Yes, when the assassins appeared,'''' he revealed with a smile. ''''It was one of the reasons I was so injured; exhaustion had already settled in, thanks to leveling up.''''


    ''''Fascinating,'''' the vampire girl commented from beside him. ''''You never cease to amaze me, Rae. Never stop, please.''''


    Raegar agreed with a nod as Professor Silvershade started speaking. ''''I want everyone to be on Vapour with every element before summer when the Great Magic Games begin.''''


    When the words left the older woman''s lips, it caused everyone to gossip as excitement welled up inside him.

 Chapter 161: Careful, Selene!

    Raegar and the girls continued with Aether Fundamentals as Professor Silvershade taught them how to level up to Vapour. Zahara turned to him as the class was writing notes on their preferred element.


    ''''Why are you taking this class if you''ve already advanced?'''' she curiously questioned.


    Without turning his gaze away from the board, he answered honestly. ''''Because there''s much more to learn apart from advancing. How to condense my Aether so it becomes more efficient, how to cast my spells better, and all sorts.''''


    ''''You''re truly here to learn, aren''t you?'''' Dominique said with an amused smile.


    Raegar glanced at the vampire, replying. ''''Of course. This stuff will stay with us long after leaving Drakenwood, we should benefit from it to grow strong and explore the unknown.''''


    When hearing this, her green eyes narrowed. ''''Who said I want to do that?''''


    ''''Fair enough,'''' he said. ''''What do you want to do?''''


    ''''Find rare monsters to tame and travel to the lost southern continents,'''' she responded.


    Raegar was about to speak, but Professor Silvershade interrupted them. ''''Now that everyone''s taken notes, we will try working on your elements out in the gardens where you can gather to advance.''''


    When the class heard this, they got excited as Zahara turned to the vampire. ''''What element are you doing, Dominique?'''' she inquired.


    He was curious, so he listened when their friends answered. ''''Maybe Earth, I can use It to defend myself while using Dark to attack, I avoid Death thanks to it instantly killing things, which is inconvenient here.''''


    The blonde nodded in understanding, prompting Raegar to comment. ''''We''ll do it alone if you want. I know some people find it strange, but it''s always fascinated me if I''m honest.''''


    Dominique''s eyes widened at his words, causing her to question. ''''If that''s okay with you? My parents said the atmosphere changed when a Death Mage advances.''''


    Raegar laughed at this before leaning in, whispering. ''''Do you forget that I can also use it along with your other Elements?''''


    ''''Oh yes, I remember now,'''' she giggled. ''''It''s not every day you meet someone who can use it.''''


    Following that, the three of them began listening to the professor, who was outlining what he already knew, from gathering and controlling the Aether so it wouldn''t overflow. He learned that the hard way while advancing his Water Element.


    ''I was lucky but I won''t be doing that for a while,'' he mused, clenching his right arm that looked disgusting.


    He was disheartened by his new appearance and couldn''t wait to heal his grandmother so she could finally heal him. Raegar knew it would hurt thanks to all the damage; he wanted to avoid more, but knew trouble always found him.


    After this, Professor Silvershade called out to him. ''''Blackwood, how much Aether does one have to gather to advance?''''


    ''''Enough to fill up your pool until the rim. Then you have to focus on it so it doesn''t overflow,'''' he answered. ''''It''s painful, yes, but worth it in the long run as it improves everything.''''


    The green-haired woman nodded, smiling. ''''And why do we need to do this?''''


    Raegar''s red eye glowed with interest, catching both girls'' attention as he responded. ''''The purpose is to give us more Aether, allowing our bodies to passively absorb it from the world around us.''''


    He noticed the other students staring but continued talking. ''''This process is subtle, a constant undercurrent, but it accelerates when we gather, drawing in the raw Aether through heightened states. The benefits, however, are deeply personal, shaped by the unique interplay of one''s elemental affinity, their mastery of knowledge, and the body.''''


    Professor Silvershade''s blue eyes widened in surprise, but she motioned for him to continue. ''''For some, it might enhance their strength; for others, it could unlock deeper connections to the primal forces. It''s a transformation as varied as the person.''''


    His explanation hung in the air, each word carefully chosen to convey the complexity of the process, inviting his listeners to glimpse the vast potential that lay within the disciplined pursuit of Aether mastery.


    Following that, the older woman nodded with a big smile. ''''Good answer, Blackwood. Thank you for listening.''''


    He nodded while relaxing as his body hurt him. He grimaced when feeling this, but didn''t let it show. After this, the class continued like that for a while longer before the next lesson began.


    Zahara and Dominique carefully stowed their books in their bags, their movements practiced and unhurried. Raegar followed suit, tucking his texts away with a faint wince, his muscles still protesting from the morning''s exertions.


    As the trio stepped out of the classroom, the bustling hum of the academy surrounded them, students weaving through the halls in a vibrant tapestry of chatter and purpose. His thoughts drifted to his next class, Devil Hunting with Selene,


    His aching body recoiled at the thought of combat training, yearning instead for a moment of reprieve. Moments later, they emerged into a sunlit corridor, the stained-glass windows casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the stone floor.


    Zahara and Dominique turned to him, their faces bright with smiles. Zahara spoke first, her voice warm. ''''I''ve got Healing Arts next, and Dominique''s headed to Summoning. How about we meet up for dinner later?''''


    Raegar paused, his brow furrowing as he processed her words. ''''Wait, don''t we have lunch now?'''' he asked, a thoughtful expression settling over his features, one hand absently rubbing at a sore shoulder as he glanced between the two girls.


    The vampire laughter bubbled up, light and teasing, as she nudged her arm. ''''Lunch, dinner, slow down, Raegar, you''re already skipping half the day!''''


    Her green eyes sparkled with mischief, and she tossed a playful glance at Zahara, who was stifling a grin. Zahara shook her head. ''''He''s right, though, it''s lunchtime now. I just got ahead of myself. Let''s grab something at the dining hall before we split for classes. You in?''''


    Her smile was warm, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes, as if she could sense the fatigue weighing on him. Raegar rubbed the back of his neck, his aching muscles protesting even the thought of walking to the dining hall.


    ''Yeah, sure,'''' he said, managing a smile under the mask which hid his face. ''''But if Selene makes me spar in Devil Hunting, I might just collapse into my stew later.''''


    The thought of facing Selene''s relentless fighting made his stomach twist, though he tried to mask it with a casual tone. As they started down the corridor, the crowd of students parted around them, their footsteps echoing against the polished stone.


    Dominique fell into step beside Raegar, her summoning tome tucked under one arm. ''''You''ll survive,'''' she said softly. ''''Selene''s tough, but she knows when to ease up. Besides, you''ve got us to patch you up afterward.''''


    She winked, gesturing toward Zahara, whose healing skills were already renowned among their peers. The brown skinned girl chuckled, walking on his other side. ''''She''s not wrong. If you come out of that class with so much as a bruise, I''ll fix you up before dinner. Deal?''''


    Her offer was genuine, but the way her eyes lingered on him held a trace of concern, as if she could see the toll his training was taking. Raegar chuckled at their worry before reassuring the duo.


    ''''I don''t plan on fighting for a while,'''' he revealed. ''''I want to be healed before the tournament starts, which is after summer break, thanks to the empire moving it back due to the Devil attacks across the realm.''''


    The two girls nodded as Dominique commented. ''''Yes, so I heard. The first fights started in spring to determine who will fight once we''re back from break.''''


    Zahara beamed. ''''At least I have time to learn how to fight properly, I was worried about it beginning in spring,'''' she said.


    Raegar smiled when hearing this before turning to the vampire. ''''Are you competing?''''


    ''''Yes, I was taught how to use a sword from a young age thanks to my father,'''' Dominique answered.


    Following that, the three of them reached the dining hall where they met Rune, Caspian, Luna, and Vienna. The group greeted each other until a red blur appeared, and someone suddenly hugged him.


    Raegar let out a sharp yelp as a jolt of pain lanced through his battered body, his teeth clenching tightly to stifle a groan. Dominique''s eyes flashed with concern as she swiftly stepped forward, gently but firmly pulling Selene back.


    Her voice carried a stern edge as she admonished the Demoness. ''''Careful, Selene! Raegar''s still recovering from those damned assassins. Go easy on him.''''


    Selene''s yellow eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a faint, unapologetic smirk, though a flicker of guilt passed through her gaze. ''''He''s tougher than he looks, Dominique,'''' she confidently said.


    She adjusted her stance, the faint shimmer of demonic energy around her fading as she reined in her intensity. ''''But fine, I''ll play nice, for now.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but smile at her happiness. ''''It''s fine, girls, I''m used to the pain, but sometimes it gets too much.''''

 Chapter 162: I Got Carried Away

    Raegar and Selene were sitting in the Devil Hunting Class after leaving the other two as they had their lesson to attend. The Demoness glanced at him with a smile, asking. ''''How is your body holding up?''''


    ''''It''s okay, I guess,'''' he answered, scratching his head. ''''I want it to get better soon, but I must see Nurse Kitsunia after class.''''


    ''''Can I come?'''' she asked with glowing yellow eyes.


    Her expression made Raegar chuckle before he agreed. ''''Yes, if you want Selene. It would be nice to get to know you better.''''


    When the Demoness heard this, a big smile appeared on her pretty face just as Professor Morris scolded them. ''''Blackwood, Bloodrose. Stop disrupting the class, this is an important part of the lesson.''''


    ''''Sorry, professor,'''' he replied with an apologetic expression.


    Valentina narrowed her eyes before nodding as she continued talking to the class. ''''Can anyone tell me how the Devils get into our world?''''


    ''''Red Gates?'''' Raegar quickly responded.


    The blonde woman shook her head. ''''No. That''s how we get into their realm and cause as much chaos. To answer the question, they have a special magic that connects with the many cults that worship the Devils and other Creatures of the Night.''''


    When the class heard that, Selene''s hand shot up like a rocket, asking. ''''Father told me that the Nightfang Order Cult roams in the Western Lands. Duke Vaelthorne has been chasing them for years, but they vanish like ghosts in Pluckley Village.''''


    Professor Morrise stared at the Demoness before nodding. ''''That''s correct, the Order and High Command have been hunting them, but they''ve mastered Shadow Aether to escape from the higher Tier warriors.''''


    Everyone started gossiping about her words. Moments later, another girl put her hand up and asked another question. ''''Is it true the Bloodoak Kin are moving south with the Creatures of the Night?''''


    ''''That''s correct,'''' the Professor replied with an annoyed expression. ''''Reports say they are attacking remote villages and merchants on the road. One of the princes has taken an army there to defend the area.''''


    The classroom buzzed with awe as she spoke, her voice commanding attention. ''''Scattered across the rugged towns and remote villages of the Borderlands, they stand guard, a grueling yet indispensable duty that holds the line. But that''s a tale for another time. Today, our focus turns to the Devils.''''


    Following that, the blonde taught them that the cults leave behind objects embedded underground that allow the fiends to open portals to Sylvara. When Ragar heard this, his remaining eye widened in shock.


    ''That explains how they appeared at the mansion and along the roads,'' he mused, shaking his head.


    After this, the class taught him a bit more about sensing the portal whenever it appeared nearby. He was curious and raised his hand before asking. ''''Doesn''t the empire have Aether Detectors to pick up on them?''''


    Professor Morris glanced at him, smiling. ''''We do, but there isn''t enough, and thanks to Dawnfire being so big, the government can''t cover every inch of land,'''' she explained.


    Raegar nodded in understanding as they continued learning until halfway through the class, and the students were instructed to head for the training field, but Selene turned to him with a concerned expression.


    ''''Can you fight Rae?'''' she questioned.


    ''''No, my body is still weak,'''' he replied, sighing. ''''I want to, but I can''t afford to get injured anymore.''''


    When the Demoness heard his words, a frown creased her brow, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. But Raegar, ever steady, offered a reassuring smile. ''''I''ll help with your training," he said confidently. ''''Ranthar swears by these sessions. They''re drawn from my father''s methods.''''


    Selene''s yellow eyes sparked with sudden excitement, glowing like twin embers in the dim light. Without warning, she flung her arms around him in a jubilant embrace, her enthusiasm uncontainable.


    Raegar let out a muffled grunt, wincing as her unexpected hug caught him off guard, a sharp twinge of pain shooting through his ribs. He felt his ribs crack, which echoed throughout the class.


    He gritted his teeth thanks to the agony, causing Selene to move back quickly, apologizing. ''''I''m sorry, Rae, I got carried away.''''


    It was already too late as everyone was staring at him, wincing, just as Professor Morris rushed up to him with a concerned expression. ''''What in the goddess''s name happened here, Blackwood!''''


    Raegar waved her away with a strained smile. ''''I got Selene excited, it was my fault, but I''m going to see Nurse Kitsunia so she can heal me.''''


    Valentina nodded before returning to the front of the class. ''''Go, there won''t be much to miss. It''s physical training that the Order wants us to teach you students, but there''s no need with you.''''


    ''''Alright,'''' he said, standing up and feeling the pain through his chest. Selene shivered at the sight before grabbing his hand with an apologetic expression. ''''I''m sorry, Rae, I didn''t mean to hurt you.''''


    Raegar waved her away, smiling under the mask. ''''It''s fine, Selene, but you can make it up to me by coming to Brightwater City tomorrow?''''


    When the Demoness heard this, her expression changed to one of happiness as she went to hug him again, but he quickly stopped her, chuckling. ''''Not again, I don''t want more broken bones, Selene.''''


    Following that, the two of them started laughing as the class went on and the bell started ringing, causing the red-skinned beauty to glance at him with a smile. ''''I''ve got Monster Class, want to walk me there before going to the nurse''s office?''''


    Raegar nodded in agreement as the two of them left the room. While doing that, he quickly noticed Valentina looking at him with a sweet smile, prompting him to blow her a kiss when no one was looking.


    The older woman blushed but she managed a shy wave just as Raegar''s attention shifted to Selene. His gaze settled on the Demoness, who stood just a touch shorter than him, her frame compact yet powerful, forged by relentless training.


    Despite her warrior''s build, she exuded a captivating feminine allure that drew him in like a moth to a flame. Selene wore a striking white dress that ended mid-thigh, the fabric clinging to her curves.


    Paired with white stockings that contrasted vividly against her red skin, the ensemble was both bold and elegant. Her physique was a perfect balance, toned muscles complemented by curves that caught the eye.


    Yet it was her face that truly held him captive. Her white hair was swept back into a high, neat ponytail, swaying slightly as her pointed ears twitched. When she turned to meet his gaze, her luminous yellow eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, their warmth and depth pulling him into a moment where the rest of the world seemed to fade away.


    The school corridor buzzed with the clamor of students rushing to their classes, the air thick with laughter. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, painting the tiled floor in warm, golden patches.


    Raegar walked beside the Demoness, his hands stuffed in his pockets, trying to play it cool despite the way his pulse quickened with her so close. Selene moved with a confidence that turned heads as they passed.


    Her crimson skin gleamed under the light, and her white ponytail swayed with each step, her pointed ears twitching faintly as she caught snippets of the surrounding chatter. Raegar noticed her sneaking glances at him.


    ''''You didn''t have to walk me to class, you know,'''' Selene said, her voice light but laced with a teasing edge. She glanced at him sideways, her yellow eyes glowing with a playful spark that made his stomach flip. ''''But I''m not complaining.''''


    Raegar shrugged, a half-smile tugging at his lips. ''''Figured I''d make sure you don''t get lost,'''' he said, his tone casual, though his eyes lingered on her a moment too long. ''''This place is a maze.''''


    Selene laughed, a soft, melodic sound that seemed to cut through the corridor''s noise. ''''Oh, please. I know these halls better than you do.''''


    She slowed her pace, letting their shoulders brush as they walked. The fleeting contact sent a spark through Raegar, and he fought to keep his expression neutral. ''''But,'''' she continued, her voice dropping to a sultry murmur. ''''I like the company.''''


    He watched as she tilted her head, her ponytail swaying, and fixed him with a look that felt like it could unravel him. ''''You''re sweet, you know that?'''' she said, her lips curving into a smirk. ''''All tough and stoic, but you''ve got this... soft side. It''s cute.''''


    Her fingers grazed his arm, light as a feather, and lingered just long enough to make his breath hitch. Raegar''s cheeks flushed thanks to him taking the mask at her insistence, and he rubbed the back of his neck, struggling to find his words.


    ''''Cute''s not exactly what I''m going for,'''' he mumbled.


    Selene grinned, undeterred, and stepped closer, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. ''''Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone. Your secret''s safe with me.''''

 Chapter 163: The Body Of A God

    Selene leaned in, her face inches from his, her wildfire scent enveloping him. ''''But you should know,'''' she added, her eyes locking onto his with a smoldering intensity. ''''I''m good at keeping secrets... and at noticing when someone''s staring.''''


    Raegar''s heart thudded, caught off guard by her boldness. ''''I wasn''t¡ª'''' he started, but her knowing smile silenced him.


    The beautiful Demoness stepped back as they reached the door to her classroom. Pausing in the doorway, she turned to face him, one hand resting on the frame, her silhouette framed by the light spilling from the room.


    ''''Thanks for the escort, Rae,'''' she said, grinning. ''''You''re gonna have to work harder to keep up with me next time.''''


    With a playful wink, she slipped into the classroom, her ponytail flicking behind her like a comet''s tail. He stood frozen for a moment, a dazed grin spreading across his face as the corridor''s chaos swirled around him, her charm lingering like a spell he couldn''t shake.


    Following that, he shook his head, heading toward the nurse''s office so he could feel better. While walking there, a sharp pain tore through his body, prompting him to lean against the wall for support.


    The surrounding students glanced at him like he was a weirdo. He took a deep breath and continued. After twenty minutes, he arrived outside the wooden door just as it flew open, forcing him to jump back.


    Raegar felt the wind brush past his face just as two boys and a girl stepped out, only to cringe away when they saw his face. He narrowed his eye while walking inside and spotted Nurse Kitsunia sitting behind a desk.


    The fox woman looked up with a knowing smile. ''''Hello Rae,'''' she greeted as her amber eyes glowed.


    She suddenly stood up and approached him while continuing. ''''How did you get injured again? Looks like three broken ribs along with bruising. Now take off your top so I can examine you closer.''''


    He hesitated for a moment before complying with Aiko''s request, slowly peeling off his shirt to reveal a striking and battle-worn physique. His lean and powerfully built body bore the marks of a life far harder than his sixteen years should have known.


    Scars crisscrossed his chest and arms, some faint and silvery, others still raw and red. The sight was a testament to his resilience, each mark a story of survival etched into his skin throughout the past year.


    When the older woman saw this, her eyes widened slightly, her gaze tracing the contours of his toned muscles and lingering on the scars. A playful smile curved her lips, and she bit her bottom lip, a spark of mischief dancing in her eyes.


    ''''Well, look at you,'''' she teased, her voice warm with admiration. ''''Sixteen years old, and you''ve already got the body of a god. I mean, how do you even manage to look like this?''''


    The older woman''s words hit him like a sudden gust of wind, and Raegar felt a rush of heat flood his cheeks. He averted his gaze, suddenly aware of his exposed skin and her stare. But Aiko wasn''t done.


    Stepping closer, she reached out, her touch light as a feather as she traced a single finger down the left side of his chest, following the path of a particularly jagged scar. Her touch sent an unexpected shiver through him, and he froze, caught between embarrassment and something else he couldn''t quite name.


    ''''You know,'''' she murmured, her tone softening as her amber eyes flicked up to meet his, ''''These scars... they tell quite a story. But I can''t help wondering what you''d look like without them.''''


    She tilted her head, her smile turning thoughtful, almost curious. ''''Don''t get me wrong, you''re already handsome, scars and all. But there''s something about you. I''m dying to see the face beneath all this history.''''


    Her words hung in the air, teasing yet sincere, and his blush deepened. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words, his usual confidence undone by the intensity of her gaze and the unexpected tenderness in her voice.


    Aiko''s finger lingered for a moment longer before she stepped back, her grin returning as if she knew exactly the effect she''d had on him. ''''Now let me heal those bones of yours so you can go to the library.''''


    He chuckled just as the older woman started chanting in an unknown language as he felt Light Aether seeping into his body and repairing the snapped bones, punctured organs, and torn muscles.


    As she did this, her eyebrow rose. ''''How did you get so hurt? Did one of the professors beat you up?''''


    ''''No,'''' he replied. ''''Selene hugged me, and thanks to the assassin''s poison, it''s weakened my body, causing me to get injured more easily.''''


    When Aiko heard that, her eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed. ''''I forgot! Once I heal you, I''ll deal with that horrible stuff. Sorry, I''ve been busy with paperwork all morning.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding as more Aether washed over his frame and mended some of the cuts, seconds later a weird substance appeared from some of them causing panic to well up within him.


    ''''Don''t worry, darling,'''' Aiko spoke in a low, sweet voice. ''''I''ll make sure you''re okay.''''


    Following that, he sat there for a while as the fox woman worked her magic on him and got some of the poison out. By the time they were finished, he was covered in disgusting pus, causing ger tail to straighten when smelling this.


    ''''You can take a shower here, you stink,'''' she revealed, covering her nose. ''''Go now or I''ll send you flying out of the window.''''


    He chuckled at this, but that''s when he noticed her Aether had strengthened. He grew curious and questioned while standing up. ''''Did you move to the next Tier Aiko? I can feel your aura''s different.''''


    When the older woman heard this, her eyes lit up. ''''That''s right, very perceptive. Some of the professors didn''t know until I showed myself,'''' she responded.


    After speaking, she stepped back with a warm smile. ''''Now you can go shower, I know you have two free classes and the rest will do you wonders.''''


    Moments later, Raegar nodded and stumbled toward the door Aiko pointed at, prompting him to walk toward it. The older woman watched his toned back with a smile before biting her bottom lip.


    ''''You''re unlike any Vaelthorne who has ever sought my favor,'''' she murmured.


    Her eyes, sharp with curiosity, lingered on him, tracing the lines of his face as if deciphering a riddle. ''''You intrigue me, little Blackwood, far more than you should.''''


    His lips curved into a knowing smile, but he offered no reply, letting her words hang in the air like the delicate notes of a half-forgotten melody. With a subtle nod, he turned and stepped into the private bath chamber.


    Marble tiles gleamed under the soft glow of the dimmed Aether lights, and detailed mosaics of vines decorated the walls. A large, claw-footed tub sat at the room''s center, its polished surface reflecting the flickering light.


    He turned the ornate golden tap, and steaming water cascaded into the tub, filling the air with the soothing scent of lavender and sandalwood oils kept in delicate glass vials nearby, catching his interest.


    ''Does Aiko use this place? It smelt wild and eastern,'' he thought.


    Following that, he waited patiently, his thoughts drifting as the steam rose in gentle curls, clouding the mirror above the carved sink. After a few moments, he began to undress, his movements deliberate and unhurried.


    He shed his clothes first, letting them fall to the floor in a soft heap, followed by the shirt that. Each piece of clothing peeled away revealed more of the man beneath, not just the warrior, but the enigma who had captured her attention so effortlessly.


    Raegar stood for a moment, his silhouette framed against the steam-filled room, the warmth of the bathwater beckoning. He eased himself into the tub, the hot water enveloping him like a lover''s embrace, soothing the tension from his muscles.


    Reaching for a sponge and a bar of lavender-scented soap, he began to scrub his skin, the lather forming a frothy layer that carried away the day''s toil. The rhythmic motion was almost meditative, each stroke a small act of renewal.


    But his calm was shattered by a sudden, playful voice that cut through the quiet. ''''Need a hand, handsome?'''' Aiko''s teasing tone danced in the air, laced with mischief.


    Startled, he whipped around, his heart leaping into his throat. There, leaning casually against the doorframe, stood Aiko, her figure barely concealed by a towel that seemed to defy its purpose.


    The fabric clung to her curves, particularly struggling to contain her ample chest. His eyes darted downward, drawn to the sight before he could stop himself. Aiko''s lips curled into a knowing smirk.


    ''''Eyes up here, big guy,'''' she said, her voice a mix of amusement and gentle reprimand, snapping his gaze back to her face.


    [Sorry for the late chapters, I have a bad migraine that hurts badly after looking at a screen for a while. Things will be back to normal within the next day or two]

 Chapter 164: Survive On Knowledge Alone

    Raegar looked at the older woman, smiling at him with a knowing look in her amber eyes. He shook his head, questioning. ''''What are you doing in here, Aiko?''''


    ''''You need some extra care,'''' she revealed, stepping into the water alongside him. ''''There''s a healing method from the East that could help out alot.''''


    When he heard this, his eyebrow rose as Aiko explained. ''''Water has been with us humanoids since the beginning of time, and some old monk on an eastern mountain found a way to heal the body with it.''''


    Raegar''s curiosity ignited, his one remaining eye widening with fascination as the older woman''s words drew him deeper into her tale. Sensing his attention, she leaned closer, her voice rich with the weight of ancient knowledge.


    ''''He discovered its hidden potential after many years of study and meditation high up in the Serpent Spine Mountain Range that spilts my homeland with the Green Sea,'''' she said. ''''When wielded with the knowledge and skill, it possesses remarkable healing properties.''''


    His breath caught, his mind racing with possibilities. Aiko gestured for him to watch closely as she began demonstrating. Her hands moved, and she chanted softly in a melodic, unfamiliar tongue that seemed to hum with power.


    As her voice wove through the air, a green glow enveloped her hands, shimmering like liquid emerald gloves. The sight was mesmerizing, the light pulsing gently as if alive. Raegar''s astonishment was plain, his gaze locked on the scene.


    ''This is Eastern Magic that Yuki told me about years ago,'' he mused, smiling. ''The Enchancment spell I use came from her clan.''


    Unfazed by his reaction, Aiko continued, her tone calm. ''''In my language, we call this Ama no Mizu. To you, it would be known as Heavenly Water Healing, a sacred art that channels the essence of life itself to mend wounds and soothe suffering.''''


    The air around them seemed to hum with the Aether before she hovered above his ribs as the energy seeped into his body like a calming wave, causing his muscles to relax, and the pain faded.


    Raeger sighed as water covered his body like an extra layer of skin, shocking him, but Aiko quickly calmed him down. ''''It''s fine, Blackwood, this will repair your veins and close the tears in your Water Pool.''''


    He sighed and decided to ignore the pain as her Aether repaired some of him, but it didn''t do anything to his scars, thanks to being Tier Eight. His grandmother was Tier Nine, which was a big difference in power.


    Raegar submerged himself in the water as the older woman persisted with her spellcasting, only ceasing after a while. He glanced at the golden-haired fox, who, though panting heavily, offered a faint smile.


    ''''Too much damage,'''' she muttered, climbing out of the water. ''''The Witch of the West needs to wake up so I can see you without them.''''


    Raegar chuckled before helping her out of the bath, as her legs were too weak. Aiko looked at him warmly. ''''Thank you,'''' she whispered.


    ''''I should be the one thanking you for repairing my body,'''' he responded as they entered the private section where her office was located.


    The older woman dismissed him with a frail smile. ''''You''re welcome, handsome. Now off you go, I need my rest.''''


    Raegar nodded and left the room, heading to the library to research the Devils'' weaknesses and explore more powerful spells he could learn. He traveled through the school, only to the corridors were empty due to everyone being in class.


    By the time he reached the hall that led to the staircase that would take him to the other parts. While walking, he bumped into Professor Riverhold, the man gave him a glance with narrowed eyes.


    ''''What are you doing, Blackwood?'''' he inquired in a suspicious tone.


    ''''Going to the library to study,'''' Raegar answered, coming to a stop. ''''I have a Free Class now and after dinner. So I''m using the time to learn anything about Devils.''''


    When the older man heard this, he nodded. ''''Interesting. Now be on your way, I don''t want to interrupt your learning.''''


    Following that, the professor walked off toward the Northern Courtyard. Once the man was gone, Raegar on his way. After ten minutes, he arrived at the library and noticed loads of students sitting around.


    Without bothering, he scanned the Devil section of the place, only to come across very few books. This annoyed him, but Silvia''s voice sounded from behind. ''''You''ll have to ask the Order Professors for reading material, boy. They love to keep it a secret.''''


    He turned around only to see the old woman standing there, nodding with a friendly smile as she continued. ''''Everyone should be learning this, considering that darkness has fallen upon Dawnfire and is causing chaos all across the empire.''''


    Raegar''s eye widened at the words, but she continued speaking. ''''The Darktide Kingdom is full of horrible slavers, and powerful Aether Mages are raiding the Eastern Lands, forcing the Imperial Navy to through the river lanes that stretch across Kaldorra.''''


    ''''The Darktide Kingdom? Who are they?'''' he asked.


    Silvia laughed before shaking her head. ''''You take World History, wait until Professor Wentworth teaches you all about it.''''


    Raegar nodded as he took some books and went to sit down after the old woman vanished once again. Five minutes later, he was sitting in a quiet corner, reading about Devil attacks that had occurred across the Western Lands.


    His attention was ensnared as he sank deeper into the text, oblivious to the passage of time, his fingers tracing faded runes as he scribbled notes. The library''s Aether candlelight flickered, casting shadows that danced across the shelves.


    Raegar was lost in his study when the sudden toll of the dinner bell shattered his focus, its chime echoing through the stone halls. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, but his eyes drifted back to the open page.


    He leaned forward, determined to finish the passage, when the book was abruptly snatched from his grasp. Startled, Raegar''s head snapped up, his hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at his belt.


    Standing before him was a smirking Selene, her yellow eyes glinting with mischievous delight. The Demoness tilted her head, her white hair catching the light as she dangled the book just out of reach.


    He opened his mouth to protest, but her teasing voice cut him off. ''''Put the dusty pages down, scholar,'''' she said. ''''Dinner''s waiting, and so are the girls, along with Rune and Caspian.''''


    ''''You can''t survive on knowledge alone, you know,'''' her smile widened, revealing a hint of her sharp canines, and she tossed the book onto a nearby table with a flourish.


    Raegar sighed, half-exasperated, half-amused, and rose from his chair, brushing the dust from his cloak. ''''You could''ve just asked,'''' he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.


    Selene''s laughter, bright and unrestrained, filled the quiet library as she looped her arm through his, shocking him once again. He couldn''t say anything as she tugged him toward the door and the promise of a lively meal with their friends.


    As they walked down the torchlit corridor, Selene''s curious gaze fixed on Raegar, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. ''''You''re practically glowing today,'''' she said, her voice laced with intrigue. ''''What''s got you in such a good mood?''''


    Raegar glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ''''Nothing too dramatic. Nurse Kitsunia worked some of her Eastern Magic to purge more of the assassin''s poison. It''s dulled the pain quite a bit.''''


    Selene''s eyebrows arched, and she gave a low whistle. ''''Well, that explains the spring in your step. About time you caught a break.''''


    Her tone softened, though her playful smirk remained as she nudged him lightly. ''''Come on, let''s get you fed before you dive back into those books.''''


    Following that, the duo continued walking through the school until arriving at the dining hall, where Zahara and Vienna were waiting outside. The blonde beamed when spotting them getting close.


    ''''Rae, are we still heading to Brightwater tomorrow morning?'''' she questioned with a hopeful expression in her grey eyes.


    Raegar nodded. ''''Yes. Are the three of you still coming?'''' he responded.


    When Vienna heard this, she raised her hands. ''''I''m studying with Cas at the library, and Rune is going to meet his girlfriend at Willowbank Village; her family is traveling there from their hometown.''''


    Everyone''s attention was caught as they entered the hall and sat down with the others. Selene looked at the giant boy, ''''Bear, are you meeting your lover tomorrow?''''


    ''''Indeed,'''' Rune replied as he chewed on a hearty piece of roasted meat, the savory juices glistening on his lips. ''''She''s headed to Brightwater to catch a Skyhaven bound for the capital.''''


    Raegar, leaning back in his chair, studied his friend with a mix of curiosity and concern. The flickering light of the tavern''s hearth cast shadows across his weathered face as he set down his tankard.


    ''''The capital? That''s no small journey from these parts. What''s calling her to make such a trek?'''' He questioned.

 Chapter 165: Something Stronger Out There

    Raegar watched as Rune finished with his food while answering, and all eyes were on him. ''''She''s attending Dawnfire Magic Academy, thanks to having three elements like Zahara and Dominique.''''


    The whole group started talking with him about his lover, whom the giant boy happily gushed about her and Vienna backed it up. She said the two of them were a match made in heaven and that they were waiting to come of age before taking things further.


    ''Good for him,'' he thought, glancing at Caspain. ''It looks like he gets on with Luna and Vienna well.''


    While the group chatted, he quietly listened to them question the giant about her and why she was attending the best school in the empire. As this happened, he glanced at Selene, who was frowning.


    ''She has two elements like most of the talented students here,'' he mused, knowingly. ''But three of the girls are Triarch''s.''''


    Moments later, Raeger grabbed her soft red hand, causing her eyes to widen as he reassured her. ''''You''re no different from Za or Domi, and I would love to fight beside you in the future.''''


    When the Demoness heard this, her yellow eyes widened in surprise. Soon, a big smile appeared. ''''Damn right, I will be there fighting Devils and monsters for years to come.''''


    Following that, the two of them started speaking about the creatures they''ve killed, and when he told her about the ones he''s Selene got even more excited, catching Zahara and Dominique''s attention.


    ''''I can be your healer, Rae!'''' the blonde exclaimed, beaming. ''''I''ll learn rare spells to aid you in fights and such.''''


    Dominique nodded in agreement. ''''I can use a sword and summoning magic, I could protect the rear alongside Za here,'''' she said.


    Raegar couldn''t help but smile as the Zahara added. ''''Then we have Caspian, who can be a mage alongside Vienna, and Luna will be our support with Domi.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' he replied, chewing on some of the sweet Forest Deer meat. ''''Maybe after the Summer Break, we can start exploring the F Rank Dungeons that the school owns? They aren''t too hard.''''


    Everyone agreed, and Rune quickly reassured him. ''''I''ll protect you because of your injuries, so the monsters or Devils can''t get you.''''


    When Raegar heard this, his eye locked onto the giant, laughing. ''''I''m not doing any fighting until my grandmother heals me. Zahara here is studying all kinds of healing magic to help wake her up.''''


    His friends turned toward the blonde, who was blushing thanks to the sudden attention, prompting her to nod. ''''Yes, I spoke with Nurse Kitsunia and she said the library is full of thousands of tomes that specialize in healing, so I''ve started there.''''


    Following that, the group continued eating as Raegar finished his meal, only to feel Earth and Water Aether pouring into his body. He grimaced thanks to sudden pain shooting through his body like a shock.


    Selene heard this and her head snapped toward him, a concerned expression on her face as she asked. ''''Are you okay, Rae? Why did you just grunt?''''


    ''''Water Aether hurt my pool,'''' he revealed, breathing heavily. ''''When I fought the assassins, it damaged my Aether Pools thanks to the overload on my core, but it''s slowly healing, so it''s not that bad.''''


    The Demoness put her hand on his and sent some Aether into him, which eased the pain somewhat. Raegar let out a sigh, causing Selene to look at the other two. ''''Come on and give him some of your energy, it helps the pain.''''


    Zahara and Dominque happily complied and touched his hand. Raegar felt Light, Chaos, and Death Aether seeping into him. His eyes met the vampire''s glowing green ones as her cheeks were red.


    ''She''s a necromancer?'' he mused, smiling. ''Interesting, it could be useful in the dungeons and gates.''


    After the three girls gave him some of their Aether, they continued eating and fussing over him. He chuckled and thanked the trio, who beamed at his thanks. Once the group was done eating, they said their goodbyes, leaving for the last class of the day.


    Exhausted and alone, he trudged back to the Western Dragon Tower seeking rest. His body ached with every step, and upon arrival, he collapsed onto a balcony overlooking the Siren''s Sea, desperate for relief.


    Before him, towering waves crashed against jagged rocks, their frothy crests glowing faintly under the stormy sky. Lightning split the darkness, illuminating whirlpools that spun like ravenous beasts, while eerie wails echoed from the depths.


    Each gust carries the promise of peril. His eyes, weary but sharp, traced the horizon where the sea seemed to claw at the heavens, a restless, untamed force daring any soul to challenge its wrath.


    Time passed as Raegar sat on the balcony''s edge, the Siren''s Sea roiling below, a strange sensation stirred within him. The air carried a faint hum of Water Aether seeping from the chaotic waves.


    It flowed into him like a tide, slow at first, then surging through his veins. His body, battered and worn from days of relentless strain, began to mend. Cracks and fissures in his inner pool, the reservoir of his strength, knitted together under the Aether''s touch.


    Yet, the healing was not without cost. Each pulse of energy brought sharp stabs of agony, as though his nerves were being rewoven thread by searing thread. He gritted his teeth, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached, fighting to endure the torment.


    Despite the pain, a warmth spread through his chest, his breathing steadied, and the fog of exhaustion in his mind began to lift. Minutes stretched into an eternity as he remained there, perched above the sea''s fury.


    The storm raged on, but he felt a flicker of renewal, and a tiny bit of strength returned. Eventually, he rose, his movements better. ''''This is annoying,'''' he muttered under his breath, his voice rough but tinged with awe. ''''But it feels... good, somehow.''''


    Raegar cast one last glance at the sea before making his way to his dorm room. By the time he got there, he noticed his bedroom window was covered in strange eel monsters trying to break the glass.


    His eyes widened in shock as he started thinking in surprise. ''Their Tier Eight! So strong but looks harmless.''


    He crept closer while studying the strange, luminescent creatures. Their sleek, eel-like forms pulsed with an otherworldly glow, and as the group sensed him, they erupted into a frenzy, their movements erratic and frenzied.


    Intrigued, Raegar extended a tendril of Aether, the shimmering energy coiling from his fingertips and seeping through the glass. To his astonishment, the creatures lunged, their jagged maws snapping at the energy, consuming it with voracious hunger.


    His pulse quickened, fascination warring with unease. Suddenly, everything erupted as massive tentacles surged out of the darkness. They smashed against the glass with bone-rattling force, coiling around the glowing eels and yanking them into the abyss.


    Raegar staggered back, his breath catching as the creatures vanished into the inky blackness, leaving only ripples of disturbed water in their wake. His gaze darted across the enclosure, searching for answers, when something else caught his eye.


    It was a jagged tear, one he could have sworn wasn''t there moments before, its edges glinting faintly in the dim light. A chill ran through him. How had he never noticed it? And what manner of monstrosity lurked beyond, powerful enough to shake the tower?


    ''''Damn monsters always something stronger out there,'''' he muttered.


    Raegar settled onto the soft rug that was in front of the fireplace, grunting thanks to bending down. Moments later, he used Fire Aether and guided it into the pile of logs, coaxing them to life with a soft whoosh.


    Flames leapt up, casting a warm glow across the room and banishing the evening''s chill that came from the deep sea. The heat washed over him, soothing his weary muscles and drawing a contented smile to his lips.


    Reaching into his ring, he retrieved a small iron pan, its surface scarred from countless meals. He set it over the fire, the metal humming faintly as it warmed. he pulled out a simple mixture of flour, water, and salt, kneading it into a rough dough.


    With practiced ease, he shaped it into a flat round and placed it in the pan, the dough sizzling as it met the hot surface. The rich, toasty aroma of campfire bread soon filled the air, mingling with the scent of burning wood.


    As the bread cooked, Raegar took out a slab of monster meat, harvested from a beast he''d collected from the journey north. He sliced it into thick strips with a hunting knife, the blade glinting in the firelight, and laid them in the pan beside the bread.


    The meat hissed and sputtered, releasing a savory, slightly gamey aroma that made his mouth water. His stomach growled loudly, a testament to the hours spent training and exploring without pause.


    ''''Damn I''m hungry even though I had dinner recently,'''' he mused with a smile.

 Chapter 166 166: She Loves To Sleep

    Raegar stepped back from the crackling fire, the aroma of his carefully prepared meal wafting through the cool evening air. He let out a satisfied sigh and settled against the stone wall, its solid presence grounding him after a long day.


    He pulled out a bottle of sake. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he retrieved it, and he took a well-worn cup that bore the faint scratches of countless from Bloodfang Forest. Without waiting, he poured some, and the smell hit his nose.


    As Raegar cooked, he mused, ''At least I can still whip up a meal, but my hunger seems to grow stronger with each passing day.''


    The first sip was warm and smooth, a gentle heat spreading through his chest, easing the tension from his shoulders and numbing the pain that had plagued him since the assassin fight.


    Setting the cup beside him, he turned his attention to the meal. ''''Time to eat,'''' he muttered, grabbing the food.


    He took a bite, and the rich, hearty flavors burst across his palate, each ingredient harmonizing together. The dish was more than sustenance; it was a small triumph, a testament to his skill and patience.


    As Raegar savored his meal, the fire''s flickering glow sent shadows dancing across the room. He rose, joints creaking, and thought, yawning. ''Time to settle in and finish this meal in comfort.''


    Following that, he continued eating and drinking until he spotted dozens of sea monsters that passed by the window, going about their business. After some time, exhaustion overwhelmed him as his head spun thanks to the sake.


    Soon enough, he felt tipsy and crawled into bed before falling asleep, just as something was staring at him from the darkness beyond his room. A massive black eye appeared and started examining him before vanishing.


    The following morning, Raegar woke up, plagued by a throbbing headache, but ignored it and pushed himself out of bed, mumbling. ''''Let''s take a bath and go meet the girls at the entrance, it''s Dark Day after all.''''


    While standing up, he noticed the world outside the window was pitch black, making him gulp. Raegar shook his head and walked toward the bathroom to wash up for the day. Half an hour later, he left his dorm room and sensed his two friends were still fast asleep.


    Rune''s loud snoring echoed through the corridor, making him laugh before heading toward the walkway that led to the main building. When stepping on the bridge, he noticed the sea below going crazy and crashing into the cliffside, forcing the spray to reach high.


    He began walking toward the entrance, only to realize no other students were still asleep and the corridors were eerily quiet, prompting him to mumble. ''''Does no one else wake up early?''''


    Raegar shrugged before continuing until spotting Dominique sitting at a fountain in the entrance courtyard. He stopped and stared at the gorgeous vampire as her black hair with green streaks was tied into a ponytail, and she was wearing a winter dress alongside a pair of black boots.


    She was staring into the water. talking to the Northern Owl Baldur, he was too busy hooting away, making the girl giggle as her cheeks went red, but she nodded, causing the bird to get happy.


    Just then, Baldur let out an excited noise before flying in his direction, prompting him to smile. Raegar quickly held out his arm, and the owl gently landed with a quiet hoot as he spoke to the creature.


    ''''Hello there, little man, you guys are here early,'''' he greeted Baldur, who happily replied by bouncing up and down.


    This caused Dominique to look at him, smiling. ''''Why do they love you so much? In all the years of having these two, they''ve never liked anyone,'''' she questioned.


    Raegar gave the vampire girl a charming smile before greeting her. ''''Morning Dominique, I didn''t expect you to be here so early.''''


    She giggled while responding. ''''It was Baldur here that woke me up; he''s excited to fly around the grasslands between here and the city.''''


    When Raegar heard this, he questioned. ''''How will we get there? It took me a couple of days to walk there.''''


    The Vampire girl looked at him with a confused expression on her pretty face. She shook her head, answering his question. ''''The city''s Carrier runs routes between Willowbank Village, Brightwater, Westwatch, Deadwater, and lastly the Windy Isles that lie off the coast down south.''''


    Raegar was surprised and quickly questioned. ''''The empire allows that? Aren''t Carriers highly sought after all over Kaldorra? I thought only nobles use them to travel between cities.''''


    Dominique nodded in agreement. ''''They are, but City Lord Devon Wentworth was gifted one by the empress when he drove back a Stormrune invasion years ago,'''' she revealed.


    His eyebrows shot up, a spark of genuine surprise lighting his face as he absorbed the intriguing revelation. The news stirred something in him, and he leaned forward, eager to dive deeper into the conversation.


    They settled into a lively exchange, their words weaving effortlessly between them, stopping by the occasional chuckle. As they spoke, his hand absentmindedly drifted to Baldur, who was perched on his shoulder.


    Raegar noticed the creature''s sharp eyes scanned their surroundings for any threats, ever watchful, his fingers gently ruffled its feathers, earning a soft, contented chirp from the vigilant sentinel.


    Their banter flowed uninterrupted until someone caught his attention. Selene appeared from the nearby doorway. Her crimson skin gleamed under the Aether lamp, lighting up the school''s entrance.


    She paused for a moment, her sharp gaze sweeping over the scene before locking onto him and Dom. A wide, mischievous smile spread across her face, her eyes glinting with playful delight as she strode toward them with confident grace.


    ''''Morning, Rae! Dom!'''' she called out, her voice too cheerful compared to how early it was. ''''I was certain I''d be rushing in late, but it seems fate''s on my side today!''''


    Her grin widened, and she gave a theatrical little flourish with her hand, clearly reveling in her timely arrival. Raegar couldn''t help but chuckle before greeting the Demoness. ''''Morning, Selene, and no, you''re early. We''re still waiting for Zahara.''''


    ''''That''s honestly shocking,'''' she responded.


    Soon, the Demoness glanced around, grinning. ''''I thought Blondie would be the first one here.''''


    Dominique giggled but agreed with an amused expression. ''''She loves to sleep in and is hard to wake up, apart from when it comes to Rae here.''''


    Selene gave a quick nod, her eyes flicking toward the Eastern Gardens just as the girl in question, Za, emerged. Za''s chest heaved with labored breaths, her face flushed from exertion as she hurried toward the group.


    Raegar caught sight of her and raised a hand, his voice calm but firm. ''''Take a seat and catch your breath, Za. We''ll head out in a few minutes, no rush.''''


    The blonde let out a relieved grin and slumped on the nearby bench, her shoulders relaxing as she spoke. ''''I was convinced I''d be late, but I guess I misjudged. Didn''t expect you all to beat me here!''''


    Zahara''s words sparked a ripple of laughter among the group. Dominique, still chuckling, clapped his hands together to gather their attention as the sun started rising in the distance and lighting up the world around them.


    ''''Alright, let''s move out. We''ve got a couple of hours before the Carrier rolls into Willowbank Village, so we''d better get a move on,'''' she said.


    Following that, the Vampire led them toward the gates, where they were stopped by a big lion man. Raegar smiled when he saw him and greeted the guard he met on his first day. ''''Morning, Zane, can we go through? Need to catch the Carrier to Brightwater City.''''


    ''''Look who it is,'''' the lion commented with a big grin. ''''The little warrior who fought off a group of assassins a lot stronger than yourself.''''


    ''''And risk injuring himself even worse in the attempt,'''' Zahara cut in, her tone sharp with concern.


    Selene and Dominique nodded in unison, their expressions mirroring the blonde''s worry. Zane, stifling a laugh, flashed him a teasing grin. ''''Seems like you''ve got yourself quite the loyal crew here. Where are those two boys you''re always with?''''


    Raegar glanced at the group, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ''''Dom and the other one? They''re off sleeping or messing around with the rest of the gang.''''


    The giant lion man let out a hearty chuckle, shaking her head before giving a brisk signal to the guards. ''''Open the gate!'''' he called.


    Following that, the other guards echoed his command, moving quickly to haul the heavy gates apart with a low, rumbling groan. Once it was open, Zane glanced at the group, warning. ''''Be careful out there. Monsters are roaming the grasslands and have attacked travelers.''''


    Just then, Baldur let out a hoot as he took off and acted as their scout as Dominique commented. ''''He will let us know if any creatures or outlaws come close.''''

 Chapter 167: My Apologies, Lady Dominique

    Raegar and the rest agreed before saying their goodbyes to Zane and leaving Drakenwood behind. A loud screech echoed out, causing him to look up at the Northern Owl Baldur, who was their scout.


    Dominique glanced in his direction and revealed. ''''Monsters are close by, their not moving toward us, something''s keeping them away from us.''''


    When the Vampire said that, Selene added. ''''It''s Rae''s Aura, he may be injured, but it''s still scary to weaker beasts, they''ll avoid us until a stronger one appears.''''


    A sudden rustle in the tall grass to their right snapped everyone''s attention. Selene''s eyes narrowed, and with a quick gesture, she summoned her sword, its blade glinting as she gripped it tightly.


    ''''Stay sharp,'''' she warned, her voice low. ''''Papa mentioned the city guards have been clamoring for more armor and weapons. Something''s got them on edge.''''


    His eyebrow rose when he heard her words. ''''Have there been attacks or any reports?''''


    The red-skinned girl shook her head. ''''Not that I know of, those creatures you told us about are lurking in the northern forests, but the adventurers are keeping them in check thanks to the empire putting out missions.''''


    Following this, they pressed on along the dusty road, their footsteps steady despite the earlier tension when Baldur spotted some monsters lurking in the long grass. While walking, Raegar''s gaze wandered, taking in the vibrant landscape around them.


    Rolling hills stretched out, covered in wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze, and distant trees cast dappled shadows under the midday sun. The beauty of it all eased his nerves, grounding him as they ventured toward Willowbank Village.


    As he was daydreaming, Zahara nudged him, sweetly smiling. ''''Do you have your gold to buy the Dark Fairy? She will cost a lot, you know?''''


    ''''I do,'''' he answered. ''''I cleared out several bandit camps and pirates who invaded the southwest part of the empire, so I collected quite a horde.''''


    When the blonde heard this, she grew curious and asked. ''''How much do you have?''''


    Raegar gave a casual shrug. ''''Thousands, at least. I haven''t counted every coin, but it''s plenty to set up a modest noble house somewhere in the southern lands,'''' he replied.


    Zahara''s eyes widened in shock, a hand flying to her mouth before she dissolved into giggles. The sound drew the attention of Selene and Zana, who turned to face them, curiosity sparking in their expressions.


    The Demoness''s grin widened, her eyes glinting with mischief as she leaned in. ''''Well, well, Rae,'''' she teased. ''''Does this mean we might finally coax a date out of you one of these days?''''


    When Raegar heard this, he started laughing. Once he calmed down, he answered her question. ''''Yes, one day, but it will be one at a time.''''


    Her face lit up as Dominique spun on him, wide green eyes. ''''Why do you think you can court all three of us? Very confident, aren''t you?''''


    ''''If that''s what you truly think, then I''ll take Selene and Zahara,'''' Raegar replied, knowing how she''d react. ''''Sorry for assuming you would come.''''


    The Vampire girl''s face changed from defiant to horrified as she shook her head. ''''I didn''t mean it, please take me as well.''''


    Raegar started laughing before hugging the three girls, catching them off guard while speaking. ''''Each one of you will get one. Let''s just see how things go. We will live for hundreds of years, and when mages bond, it''s for a lifetime, so I''m not rushing into anything.''''


    The trio''s heads bobbed eagerly at his words, their excitement bubbling over like a flock of enthusiastic chickens. Zahara, barely containing her grin, was the first to speak, her voice brimming. ''''That sounds perfect, Rae, but we need to hustle to the Carrier Station! If we miss this ride to Brightwater, we''re stuck, no way we''re getting there today.''''


    Following her warning, the group continued and was welcomed at Willowbank Village, which was still quiet. People were still asleep as the sun lit up the world, but some citizens were up and about.


    Dominique led them to the station. After leaving the gates, they spotted a field surrounded by a Tier Ten Aether shield. When sensing this, he was amazed, prompting Dominique to explain. ''''Each Carrier Station is guarded by Court Mage''s shield magic at the old emperor''s request,'''' she revealed.


    Raegar''s curiosity sharpened as the group neared the Carrier Station, spotting Dawnfirian soldiers patrolling the perimeter on horseback, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Others stood sentinel at the entrance, their gazes sharp and unyielding.


    As the group approached, the commander, a tall figure clad in fancy-looking armor, raised a gauntleted hand, signaling them to halt. ''''Halt, children! What brings Drakenwood students here so early?''''


    ''''We''re going to the auction in Brightwater City,'''' Dominique answered, pulling out a plaque similar to the one King Vlad gave him months ago.


    The Vampire girl handed it over while speaking. ''''This should grant us entry and get us a a two way trip to the city.''''


    When the commander saw this, his eyes widened before he bowed his head in respect. ''''Of course, My Lady. It''s an honor to meet a member of the D''Ambrose Family, my brothers and cousins serve under your Father.''''


    Selene and Zahara looked surprised but Raegar chuckled catching Dominique''s attention, she giggled and teased him. ''''Shut up Vaelthorne.''''


    The older man looked at him, wide-eyed as he mumbled. ''''The Ghost of the South, I heard the rumors of you attending Drakenwood, but Empress Dehlia ordered no one to bother you, otherwise, you''d have a noble family breathing down your neck.''''


    Raegar''s eyebrow rose as the Vampire girl questioned. ''''Why would she order that for?''''


    The commander, his weathered face framed by a neatly trimmed beard, inclined his head respectfully toward him just before speaking, shocking the group, causing them to look at him, shocked.


    ''''My apologies, Lady Dominique,'''' he said.


    ''''But this young man,'''' he gestured toward Raegar, who stood there quietly, ''''Has become quite the subject of fascination across the empire. You see, he''s the only known soul capable of wielding all eight elemental affinities, a feat unheard of in generations.''''


    He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle. ''''It''s solely due to the Empress''s favor and the Lion''s influence that the more ambitious noble houses haven''t swarmed you thanks to their schemes and inquiries.''''


    The revelation sent a ripple of intrigue through the group. Zahara''s eyes widened, her lips parting in a silent gasp, while Selene''s mischievous grin deepened, her gaze flicking to him, causing a shiver to run down his spine.


    Dominique, standing a step behind, absorbed the commander''s words with a thoughtful nod, his expression calm but resolute. ''''Understood,'''' he said, his voice steady. ''''I''ll make sure the others know the situation. We''ll keep our eyes open.''''


    ''''Very good, My Lady,'''' the man replied, smiling. ''''Now get to Carrier One, it''s heading to Brightwater City in half an hour.''''


    With a nod of gratitude to the commander, the group crossed the threshold into the Carrier Station, their footsteps echoing on the stone pathway. Raegar''s breath caught as his eyes swept over the sprawling complex.


    Towering, blimp-like machines loomed overhead, their massive, sleek forms casting long shadows across the bustling station. Scattered around them were sturdy buildings, a mix of workshops, barracks, and supply depots.


    It was alive as workers and soldiers moved around. Raegar had heard tales of the Carriers, but seeing them up close for the first time stole his breath. Their hulls were decorated with runes that pulsed.


    ''Looks like their ran using Aether Engines,'' he thought in fascination, ''This world is amazing and I''ve only seen two percent of it?''


    The sheer scale of the machines, floating effortlessly despite their size. He craned his neck, taking in every detail, the whir of propellers, the faint shimmer of enchantments, and the distant shouts of crew members readying for departure.


    When the girls noticed his wide-eyed fascination, they exchanged amused glances, but he was too entranced to care, lost in the marvel of the empire''s engineering. Zahara grabbed his hand, speaking excitedly. ''''Let''s get on board and get the good seats.''''


    Raegar agreed and followed the trio toward the first Carrier, where they were met by an older woman who greeted them. ''''Morning, children. I''m Sarah and will be the head stewardess for your journey. I assume you''re traveling to Brightwater, I assume?''''


    ''''Yes, the guard commander directed us here,'''' Dominique answered. ''''Can we board before it starts raining? The clouds are darkening?''''


    Everyone looked up and noticed a storm coming down from the far north. Selene shivered at that, mumbling. ''''Oh Goddess. It happened this time last year, and the place became so cold that some travelers froze on the road.''''


    Sarah glanced at the darkening sky, her brow furrowing as she pulled her cloak tighter. ''''It''s going to get chilly out here,'''' she said, her voice firm, gesturing toward the massive Carrier looming ahead. ''''And with rain on the way, we''d better move fast. Come on, let''s get inside before we''re soaked.''''

 Chapter 168: Hold On, Raegar

    Raegar reclined in the noble section of the Carrier, its polished wood paneling, plush velvet seats, and intricate gold accents. Their guide, Sarah, had ushered them here upon recognizing their status.


    The four of them lounged in the comfortable surroundings, exchanging light banter as they waited for takeoff. ''''This place is amazing,'''' Zahara commented, glancing around in the compartment.


    ''''Yes, it is,'''' Selene answered, bouncing around on her seat. ''''I''ve never been on one of these; the tickets were too expensive.''''


    As the girls chatted, he stared out the window as the girls gossiped, watching the staff rushing around preparing to take flight. Just then, Selene sat beside him, smiling. ''''Have you ever been in one of these, Rae?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he revealed, as the old memories came to mind. ''''Mother took me on one for a party in the Northern Lands; she has some friends up there, it was cold, horrible, and I saw something while flying there.''''


    When the group heard his explanation, they eagerly asked him to share the story of his journey north. He sat up, took a swig of sake, and began his tale, captivating the three girls with his story.


    ***


    (Ten years ago)


    ''''Come on, darling!'''' his mother Victoria shouted. ''''We need to get to the Carrier Station before sunset.''''


    When hearing this, Raegar ran after the older woman who was stepping into the carriage, smiling. As he entered, she spoke once again. ''''Yuki and Saki said they''d miss you, but their busy training the new maids.''''


    ''''Why do we need so many?'''' he complained. ''''Apart from those two, the rest are moody old ladies who scold me all the time.''''


    Victoria started giggling at his complaint. She shook her head and answered. ''''They do too much, I want Saki to help your father with his duties. It gets too much for him sometimes, especially with the new Southwood City.''''


    Raegar nodded in understanding. ''''Yes, I noticed her aiding him after our training, they were smiling at each other. Saki watched him as we fought and was cheering for him, which is unfair.''''


    After his little rant, he turned to the white-haired woman, Don''t you need help?''''


    The older woman grinned at his words and quickly ruffled his hair. ''''Would you like to become my assistant manager? You''re six now, good with numbers. I could use a little worker like you,'''' she offered.


    ''''Can I come to Southwood again?'''' he asked.


    Victoria grinned and asked, ''''Will you get scared of the orcs again? That was hilarious!''''


    Raegar huffed, exasperated. ''''Not my fault! They popped up out of nowhere and startled me.''''


    Turning his attention from the conversation, he gazed out over the sprawling grasslands of Blackwood County, a land of emerald fields stretching beneath the open sky. Clusters of quaint farms and tight-knit hamlets, their growth fostered by his father''s vision and tireless support.


    Golden wheat swayed in the breeze, causing him to fall into a daze. ''This world is peaceful, Earth was a nightmare compared to this,'' he thought, smiling.


    Following that, the carriage continued down the Kingsway until turning off as the Carrier Station appeared in the distance. Raegar got excited as it was his first time flying, but he quickly noticed something above the clouds.


    A flock of Mountain Eagles swooped toward a nearby forest, their sleek forms diving into the dense canopy with predatory precision. Raegar''s gaze followed them, captivated, until a sudden hand on his shoulder made him flinch, heart racing.


    Victoria''s familiar giggle bubbled up beside him. ''''They''re hunting,'''' she revealed. ''''Your father mentioned they''ve been more active lately. He and Rodric had to fend off a few when they got too close to the mansion.''''


    Raegar''s heart raced with excitement as he recalled the thunderous explosions that had echoed through the night, vivid memories of Alaric fearlessly battling a horde of monstrous creatures.


    From his bedroom window, he had watched in awe the flashes of combat illuminating the darkness outside, while Yuki stood by the door, her sharp blue eyes ensuring he stayed put as he tried to go out.


    Now, seated in the carriage, his mind drifted from those memories to the present. He gazed out at the dense forest, where monstrous Mountain Eagles erupted from the canopy, their razor-sharp talons gripping struggling beasts.


    With powerful wingbeats, they ascended, vanishing into the rugged peaks of the distant mountains, a breathtaking display of nature''s ferocity. Just as the last eagle faded from view, the carriage rolled to a halt at the Carrier Station.


    Three Blackwood guards stood watch, their ebony armor gleaming under the afternoon sky, their watchful gazes sweeping over the arriving travelers with disciplined precision, ready to maintain order in the lively hub.


    Moments later, Victoria turned to him, smiling warmly. ''''Let''s get going, the Carrier should be ready to take off.''''


    Following her words, they stepped out of the carriage, the crisp air greeting them. A Blackwood Commander, resplendent in polished ebony armor adorned with silver crests, approached with measured steps.


    He offered a deep, respectful bow to Raegar''s mother before addressing her with a calm, authoritative tone. ''''Good afternoon, my lady, young master. The craft is fully prepared, and the Count sent word of your imminent arrival.''''


    The older man''s disciplined demeanor and the faint clink of his armor underscored the efficiency of Blackwood''s operations, as he gestured toward the waiting Carrier, ready to escort them onward.


    Ten minutes later, they were sitting in the cabin that gave the best view of the surrounding landscape, but the only problem was that it was blocked by a layer of mist that made Victoria nervous.


    Victoria settled beside Raegar, her presence a quiet comfort. But a sudden, chilling instinct gripped him, an urgent warning pulsing through him. He turned to his mother, his voice a hushed whisper. ''''We need to get out of here. I think the Carriers'' going to be attacked by monsters.''''


    His mother''s eyes widened, her lips parting to respond, but before she could speak, a piercing alarm shattered the calm. The door to their compartment flew open, and a guard, breathless and urgent, burst inside. ''''My Lady! A swarm of Devil Bats is heading straight for us. Brace for impact!''''


    His warning echoed, the distant screech of the approaching creatures already clawing at the air, signaling the chaos about to descend. Suddenly, the Carrier shuddered, their shadowy wings blotting out the sun as they dove with ear-splitting screeches.


    Claws raked the hull, and glowing yellow eyes pierced the dusk. The crew retaliated with Aether Cannons, their thunderous booms unleashing azure bolts that tore through the swarm, exploding in radiant bursts of light and ash.


    The craft quaked, and Raegar gripped his seat, heart racing, as the sky burned with war. Victoria grabbed him and slung him over her shoulder. ''''Hold on, darling! We will escape this, I have experience in this sort of stuff'''' she barked.


    Following that, she turned to the Blackwood guard in the doorway. ''''I''ll get us out, soldier. Tell my husband we''re heading to Northwood Manor!''''


    The man nodded and vanished into the chaos. Victoria charged through the Carrier''s halls, alarms blaring, the structure groaning as bats hammered its frame. Raegar glimpsed frantic nobles and crew scrambling in the flickering light.


    Bursting onto a balcony, his mother faced the swirling swarm, the craft rocking as another cannon blast lit the sky, vaporizing a wave of bats but drawing more. Her hand rose, and fire roared forth, cloaking her in a blazing aura.


    ''''Hold on, Raegar,'''' she said, voice calm amid the inferno.


    With a leap, she soared off the balcony, powerful fire magic propelling her. Victoria''s fiery trail tore through the sky, a blazing comet defying the swarm of Devil Bats screeching in pursuit.


    Their claws glinted as they dove, but her fire magic burned brighter, incinerating any that dared approach. Raegar, slung over her shoulder, watched in awe as she dispatched a trio of bats with a whip of flame and a swirling vortex, their ashes scattering into the wind.


    A massive brood alpha emerged, its furnace-like eyes and venomous jaws a nightmare made flesh, but his mother faced it fearlessly. Summoning a colossal rune of fire with a roar of defiance.


    Moments later, Victoria obliterated the beast in a cataclysmic explosion, its embers raining over the forest. The sky churned as even more Devil Bats swarmed, their screeches splitting the dusk, red eyes blazing.


    They were ablaze with fire magic, her aura a radiant shield. She unleashed spiraling flames, incinerating bats in bursts of ash and light, weaving through the horde. Arcs of flame dispatched the remaining bats, clearing the sky.


    He was awestruck at his mother''s power and their escape from the Devil Bats as the Carrier banked right, leading the remaining horde away. Moments later, the flames burst to life again, and they flew toward their destination.


    After an hour of flying, the Northwood Manor''s glowing spires in sight, she soared onward, landing safely in the courtyard. Raegar, heart swelling with pride, knew his mother''s fiery strength was their true shield against the wilds.

 Chapter 169: Just A Bit Of Turbulence

    Raegar finished his story only to see three excited eyes staring at him. Selene was the first to speak, and she jumped up excitedly. ''''Your mother sounds like a badass, she can fly using fire magic! Not many can do that.''''


    ''''She is,'''' he replied, chuckling. ''''They call her the Fire Witch, thanks to being a Tier Eight Mage like my father.''''


    Just then, Dominique looked at him with a cheeky grin. ''''Would you carry us three if this Carrier were attacked?''''


    Raegar glanced at the Vampire girl, nodding. ''''Yes, it would damage my body even more, but I could use Fire Aether to get us to safety.''''


    When the trio heard this, their smiles grew wide as Selene went to jump at him, but Zahara quickly cast a Light Shield around his body. The Demoness slammed against the barrier with a thud.


    Everyone started laughing as the red-skinned girl giggled. ''''Sorry, I forgot your body is weak thanks to the assassins.''''


    Raegar waved her apology away. ''''That''s fine, once I''m healed, you can do it,'''' he commented.


    As the girl''s lively conversation about Brightwater City filled the room with tales of its bustling markets and shimmering canals, he turned his attention to the window, his eyes tracing the world beyond.


    Outside, the landscape lay cloaked in a delicate veil of frost glistening under the pale morning light. Spring had yet to fully loosen winter''s stubborn grip, and the scene in front of him seemed caught in a timeless dance between seasons.


    He found himself captivated by the beauty of it all, the way the frost sparkled like scattered diamonds and the distant hills stood resolute against the soft blush of dawn. While zoning out, the Carrier shook.


    Raegar''s head jerked upright, his senses sharpening as the girl''s chatter fell silent. The heavy thud of boots echoed closer, guards shoving against the door with urgent force. Zahara''s wide grey eyes met his, her face etched with worry.


    Seeing her expression, he flashed a steady, confident smile to ease her fears. ''''No monsters,'''' he said, his voice calm yet firm. ''''I''d feel their Aether if they were near. This is something else.''''


    As the trio heard this, they sighed in relief, but an alarm started blaring just as a knock rang out. Dominique jumped up and opened the door, only to see one of the Dawnfirian guards snap to attention.


    ''''Lady D''Ambrose,'''' the man said sternly. ''''The captain asked me to tell you that we''ll experience rough weather thanks to a storm coming from the north.''''


    Everyone relaxed just as the Vampire girl nodded. ''''Thanks for the heads up, we''ll buckle in and I''ll inform the others.''''


    The soldiers nodded and left to tell the other passengers. Once the door closed, Dominique turned to them. ''''Things are about to get bad, you may get sick but the Carrier was built to handle this weather,'''' she warned.


    Following her words, the craft started shaking, causing the girls to panic. Selene quickly buckled in as Zahara did the same thing. He didn''t know what was happening when a loud tearing noise was heard.


    ''Did the ship get damaged?'' he thought while glancing out and seeing nothing.


    His face paled, but Dominique commented. ''''That''s the Aether Shield protecting the Carrier from debris.''''


    Raegar''s fingers tightened around the armrest, his knuckles whitening as the airship hummed beneath them. The Vampire girl beside him gently placed her hand over his, her cool touch grounding.


    She offered a warm, reassuring smile that softened the tension.


    ''''No need to worry, Rae,'''' she said softly. ''''These crafts have come a long way since your last flight. They''re sturdier now, built to glide through even the wildest storms.''''


    Just then, the Carrier shuddered violently, it groaned as the storm''s fury intensified. Outside, the sky had turned into a maelstrom of black clouds, lashed by jagged streaks of lightning that illuminated the chaos in fleeting, blinding flashes.


    The wind howled, a relentless beast clawing at the hull, as rain hammered the reinforced windows like a thousand tiny fists. ''''Hold fast!'''' the captain''s voice crackled over the intercom. ''''We''re diving to slip beneath the storm''s heart!''''


    Raegar felt the craft lurched as they pitched downward, its nose cutting through the roiling clouds. His stomach twisted, the sudden descent pressing him into his seat. Dominique''s grip tightened, her nails grazing his skin, though her warm smile never wavered.


    ''''Just a bit of turbulence,'''' she murmured, her voice a lifeline amid the chaos. ''''We''ll punch through.''''


    Through the window, the world was a blur of gray and shadow, the clouds swirling like a living thing. Thunder roared, so close it rattled his bones, and for a moment, the Carrier seemed to hang in the void, caught in the storm''s merciless grasp.


    Moments later, the lights in the cabin flickered, casting eerie shadows across Zahara''s and Selene''s worried faces. The airship plunged deeper, the engines screaming in protest as they fought the tempest''s pull.


    Raegar caught glimpses of the landscape below, jagged peaks and frost-dusted valleys emerging faintly through thinning wisps of cloud. The storm''s core still loomed above, a dark, writhing mass, but the Carrier was breaking free, clawing its way toward calmer skies.


    Following that, the craft dipped below and became more stable as they avoided the storm, causing the girls to sigh in relief. He turned to Selene, who looked like she was going to be sick, and commented. ''''Are you okay, Red?''''


    ''''Yes!'''' she mumbled while trying not to throw up.


    The Demoness shook her head and replied properly. ''''I didn''t expect a storm to be that horrible; it''s worse than being on the Siren''s Sea.''''


    Everyone laughed as Dominique revealed. ''''It should be the last one until Autumn when it gets worse again.''''


    As he processed her words about the storm, his mind drifted to a weathered book he''d once pored over in a dimly lit Blackwood library when he was much younger, its pages yellowed with age.


    The Chronicles of Kaldorra, in one section it detailed the weather patterns of this vast continent, that bore a striking resemblance to Earth''s climates, surprising him considering he was in a fantasy world.


    Raegar remembered how the book described how it changed the farther south one ventured, the more the chill of the northern frost gave way to sweltering heat and tropical landscapes.


    The book had painted vivid pictures of Kaldorra''s amazing landscapes he found fascinating, from the icy tundras of the far north to the temperate valleys where spring and winter waged their endless tug-of-war.


    His thoughts lingered on a certain chapter, which spoke of the southern region of Kaldorra, shrouded in mystery. Rumors, passed down through generations of sailors, told of a dense, steaming jungle that sprawled across the continent''s tip.


    Its canopy was so thick it choked out sunlight, leaving the forest floor in constant darkness. This untamed wilderness, the book claimed, was home to ferocious cannibal tribes, their names whispered in fear by explorers and colonists alike.


    These people were said to stalk the jungle, head-hunting any who dared encroach on their land, be it treasure-seekers, mapmakers, or foolhardy settlers. The author recounted chilling tales of expeditions vanishing without a trace.


    Raegar read that the rescuers would find their camps overgrown and eerily silent, save for the rustle of leaves and the distant, guttural chants of unseen watchers. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, not from fear but from a strange fascination.


    He wondered what truths lay behind those stories, whether the jungle''s dangers were as real as the storm now battering the Carrier, or if they were merely stories spun to keep the curious at bay.


    As the airship continued its descent, the howling winds outside seemed to echo the wild, untamed spirit of that distant southern frontier, calling to the part of him that yearned to uncover Kaldorra''s secrets.


    Following that, Selene''s cheery voice brought him back to reality. ''''Rae! After an hour, we''re close and the shaking has stopped!'''' she exclaimed.


    Raegar shook his head, smiling. ''''Yes, the captain managed to get us out of it, for a moment I thought monsters were going to attack,'''' he added.


    The girls agreed with a round of nods just before the Carrier bucked and started slowing down as the intercom echoed. ''''We''re landing at the Brightwater station, you''ll know when to leave the craft.''''


    Just then, Dominique commented. ''''The ride back should be smoother as the storm would''ve passed by the time we finish in the city.''''


    Raegar smiled as the group left the Carrier behind and stepped onto the wet grass, only to spot the clock towers and walls that defended Brightwater from the roaming monster waves that plagued the Northern Lands.


    ''''Will you take us to the auction house, Domi? Seeing as you know this place better than any of us,'''' he asked the Vampire girl.


    She nodded before pointing in the distance. ''''Let''s get some breakfast first, then we''ll head there.''''


    Following that, the group headed for the city entrance and was quickly let through when they saw Raegar''s adventurer''s card, shocking the girls.

 Chapter 170: The Dark Fairy

    Raegar followed behind the three gossiping girls as the Northern Owl Baldur joined him. The bird landed on his shoulder before hooting. He glanced at the creature, nodding. ''''Yes, they do get along, it''s better than some friend groups I''ve heard about.''''


    The creature didn''t reply and started watching the surroundings as Dominique appeared beside him. ''''We''re five minutes away from the auction house, are you sure you want to buy a fairy? They''re peculiar beings.''''


    ''''I do,'''' he answered while dodging a passing family. ''''I know it will cause trouble with the western noble, but what can they do? Complain to the headmistress?''''


    Dominique started laughing. ''''Trouble always finds you. Just know, I have your back if it returns, and this time I''ll be there if any more assassins appear,'''' he said with a fierce smile.


    Raegar''s eyes widened at her sharp words, a jolt of surprise coursing through him. Yet, despite the gravity of the moment, a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Baldur let out a hearty hoot of agreement.


    The unexpected noise drew a soft giggle from the Vampire, her green eyes glinting with amusement. He thought for a second before responding. ''''I doubt we''ll see more of them anytime soon.''''


    While walking, he remembered killing the three men and shivered in excitement as he continued. ''''After I took down that Tier Nine, they''ll think twice before crossing my path again.''''


    Dominique tilted her head, her black hair catching the faint flicker of the morning sun, curiosity sparking in her gaze. ''''Who''s they exactly?'''' she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.


    Raegar''s smile faded slightly, replaced by a weary sigh as he ran a hand through his short white hair, only to grimace as pain shot through his body and straight into his empty eye socket.


    ''''Could be a few possibilities,'''' he admitted. ''''Most likely, it''s either some vengeful noble family with too much gold and not enough sense, or... a cult.''''


    He paused, the word hanging heavy in the air. ''''I''m leaning toward the latter. A while back, I ran into a group in Bloodfang Forest. At the time, I thought they were just bandits¡ªragged cloaks, skulking in the shadows, the usual sort. But when I got closer, I saw their robes, blood-red, marked with symbols I didn''t recognize. Too late by then. I''d already cut them down.''''


    His gaze drifted to a passing smiling family, continuing. ''''It wasn''t until I saw those robes up close that I realized they weren''t ordinary thugs. Cultists. And now, with that Tier Nine dead, I''ve likely stirred up a hornet''s nest.''''


    Raegar glanced up, meeting her eyes, which now held a mix of fascination and concern. ''''If they come for me, they''ll come prepared. But I''ll be ready.''''


    ''''You don''t seem too worried,'''' she observed. ''''Killing a Tier Nine and crossing a cult? Most would be halfway across the continent by now.''''


    Raegar chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that carried a hint of defiance. ''''Running''s not my style. Besides, Baldur here''s got my back.''''


    He gestured to the owl, who puffed out his feathers indignantly, as if insulted by the mere suggestion of doubt. Dominique''s laughter rang out again, replying. ''''Yes, it seems like you''ve gained that grumpy bird''s respect.''''


    When Baldur heard this, he hooted in annoyance, causing Raegar to speak. ''''He says he''s not the grumpy one, but a happy-go-lucky summon.''''


    The two of them started laughing as Zahara turned around. ''''Come on, guys. Stop messing around, we need to rush because I have a feeling the Carrier will be delayed thanks to the storm.''''


    After that, the group pressed onward, their footsteps echoing with purpose as they approached the auction house. As they neared, a bustling throng of people surged through the entrance, their fine garments and haughty demeanor marking them as nobles.


    The air buzzed with excitement, punctuated by the clink of coins and the murmur of eager voices. Selene halted abruptly, her yellow, sharp eyes scanning the crowd, causing the others to look at her.


    Moments later, she turned to him, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution. ''''Look at them, Rae, all nobles, dripping in wealth and arrogance. Make sure you stay out of trouble,'''' she said, her voice low but laced with a warning.


    ''''Don''t worry about them,'''' he replied with a confident smirk. ''''They shouldn''t bother us once they see my white hair.''''


    The girls giggled at his answer before they stepped inside the auction house, only to be stopped by a young man. ''''Morning, young master, mistresses. I''m John, what can I do for you now?''''


    ''''We are attending the main event,'''' Dominique was the one to speak while taking out the D''Ambrose plaque. ''''This allows us to have a private auction box.''''


    When John saw this, his eyes widened as he bowed his head. ''''Apologies, my lady. I will get someone to guide you to Booth Twenty, it will give you the perfect view of the stage and all the products on sale.''''


    At that moment, the attendant''s gaze fell upon Raegar''s white hair, a rare and unmistakable feature. With a respectful bow, the attendant signaled for someone. Before he could react, a smartly dressed woman emerged from the crowd.


    With a gesture, she beckoned the group to follow, leading them through the bustling auction house. As they navigated the corridors, they passed rows of noble families, their fancy attire glittering under the chandeliers.


    Dozens of eyes turned toward them, some narrowed with suspicion, others wide with curiosity, their whispers trailing like a faint breeze. The nobles'' stares lingered on Raegar''s hair, their expressions a mix of intrigue and disdain.


    Undeterred, the manager guided them to a private box overlooking the auction floor. ''''This place is nice,'''' Zahara muttered to him after taking a paddle the manager woman gave to them.


    Raegar agreed as they stepped into the luxurious booth, its velvet-lined seats and polished wood offering privacy from the prying eyes of the noble throng, but the noise was annoying as they waited for the auction to start.


    The girls settled into their seats, the plush cushions yielding softly as Zahara and Selene playfully vied for the spots flanking Raegar. His chuckle broke the tension, though Selene, the vampire, conceded defeat with a mock pout.


    A low hum from the auction house vibrated through the air. Below, the announcer''s voice carried on, extolling the virtues of the items on display. ''''How long until it starts?'''' he questioned the group.


    Dominique turned to him with a warm smile. ''''Soon, they are ushering in all the buyers before it begins,'''' she answered.


    Following that, Raegar noticed dozens of noble families from the northwest sitting in the front row. While being nosey, Selene leaned over and whispered. ''''Why are you buying a Dark Fairy? They are sneaky beings who love to tease people.''''


    When he heard this, he glanced at the Demoness, chuckling. ''''You''re one to talk? But to answer your question, I don''t honestly know. I''ve never met one and wanted to see what they''re like.''''


    The red-skinned beauty let out a soft giggle before settling into her seat, her posture easing as the announcer''s voice filled the room. ''''Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Brightwater Auction House! This week, we present an array of treasures, including a rare and exquisite Dark Fairy, captured from the distant Lemuria Continent to the west.''''


    When the people heard this, they got excited and erupted into talking, which made the announcer grin. Moments later, Dominique leaned forward, elbows resting on the balcony''s velvet-lined railing, her curiosity piqued by the mention of the Dark Fairy.


    Beside her, Selene crossed her arms, still nursing her playful defeat, though a faint smirk betrayed her interest. Raegar lounged back, one hand lazily draped over the armrest, his gaze drifting between the girls and the bustling crowd below.


    The auction house thrummed with anticipation. Ornate banners adorned the walls, their golden threads glinting as they proclaimed the prestige of Brightwater''s wares. He watched as all kinds of things were being sold to the nobles.


    After a pause, the announcer turned to the true purpose of the gathering. ''''Behold, the Dark Fairy!'''' he declared.


    He swept his hand toward a cage shrouded in darkness. ''''A being of unmatched power, her wings spun from the very essence of Lemuria''s twilight groves. Bidding begins at two thousand gold coins!''''


    The auction erupted into chaos as bidders clamored over the small woman curled up in the cage, her body shaking with fear. Raegar''s heart twisted as he sensed her Dark Aether, suppressed by a cruel, fairy-binding collar.


    Suddenly, he roared, ''''Twenty thousand!''''


    The room fell silent, all eyes snapping to them, making the girls nervous. The auctioneer, a wiry man with a crooked grin, raised an eyebrow. ''''Twenty thousand, folks! Do I hear twenty-one?''''


    He noticed the caged woman''s gaze flickered up, meeting his for a fleeting moment. Her eyes, deep blue and brimming with unspoken pain, held a spark of hope. The collar pulsed faintly, its runes glowing as it tightened its grip on her Dark Aether.


    A burly man in the crowd snarled. ''''Twenty-one!''''

 Chapter 171: Stop Acting Up

    Moments later, a bidding war reignited, voices overlapping in a frenzy. Raegar clenched his fists, his own Aether stirring restlessly. ''''Twenty-five!'''' he bellowed.


    The Fairies'' trembling eased slightly, as if his defiance strengthened her. But the auctioneer''s grin widened, sensing more coin to be made. ''''Twenty-five! Going once...''''


    ''''Sold for twenty-five thousand coins!'''' the man exclaimed, causing the hall to erupt.


    Dominique glanced at him with narrowed eyes. ''''I hope she''s worth it, that was a lot of gold for a sixteen-year-old.''''


    Raegar couldn''t help but laugh when hearing her words, but waved her away. ''''When I have ten times that thanks to my time in Bloodfang, the raiding during the invasion in the south, and the pirate hideouts.''''


    The vampire girl nodded, her smile sharp but warm. ''''Good. An unhelpful companion could stir up trouble. One thing I know for certain, they''re fiercely loyal,'''' she revealed.


    As he made his way through the auction house to the buyers'' area, the three girls trailed closely behind. Selene''s hand rested on the hilt of her blade, a warning to anyone who might dare to speak out of turn, her gaze scanning the surroundings.


    After fifteen minutes of walking, they arrived at a back hall and were met by the same manager that led them to the box. When the woman spotted the group, she spoke respectfully. ''''Thanks for the purchase, young master Vaelthorne. We value your visit since your grandfather stopped attending years ago.''''


    ''''I''m a Blackwood,'''' he answered honestly. ''''I didn''t take their name like my other siblings.''''


    ''''You''re related to Isabella?'''' the manager asked.


    His only eye opened wide. ''''You know, my big sister?''''


    ''''Yes, we were friends years ago but went separate ways thanks to life,'''' she replied, frowning for a second before introducing herself. ''''I''m Annabelle Vercus, manager of the Brightwater Auction House.''''


    Raegar smiled and did the same thing for the three girls. After this, the woman led them to the Dark Fairy. While walking, his sister''s friend glanced at him, questioning. ''''So the rumors were true, I can''t believe you beat a Devil Lord and Tier Nine Assassins. It''s shocking.''''


    He dismissed her words with a curt wave, pushing back the heavy memories they stirred. ''''Where''s the fairy?'''' he asked. ''''I paid a fortune for her.''''


    Annabelle smiled and led the group toward a guarded room, only to be told the girls had to wait outside. The young woman turned to them, speaking. ''''Ladies, I don''t mean to be rude, but only buyers can enter.''''


    They nodded in agreement as Dominique looked at him. ''''We''ll be outside, Rae,'''' she informed.


    Following that, he stepped inside the room only to see hundreds of things littering the room. Annabelle led him toward the cage, talking. ''''She''s very aggressive and will attack at the first chance. I suggest you don''t remove the collar, or all hell will break loose.''''


    When he heard this, his red eye gleamed while he approached the table, as the Dark Aether was overwhelming. The young woman had to rush out of the room after being warned. ''''I can''t stand the aura, young master. I''ll wait outside.''''


    Before Annabella left, she revealed. ''''Send your Aether into the collar to take ownership of her.''''


    He didn''t listen as all kinds of emotions slammed into his body like a tsunami, causing him to grit his teeth, thinking. ''Fuck, she''s been through too much.''


    Moments later, he stopped as a sweet voice echoed in his mind. ''I can feel your Aether. Why did you purchase me? You won''t dare lay your hands on me.''


    Raegar raised his hand and honestly answered. ''No. I plan to free you when we get away from the city. I have no ill will toward you.''


    As his words faded, a heavy silence blanketed the room as he slowly approached the cage. His fingers grasped the sheet draped over it and pulled it off. There stood a beautiful, tiny woman, her golden blonde hair catching the dim light like a halo.


    Her large, bright blue eyes sparkled with a mix of nervousness and defiance, wide and unblinking as they met his gaze. Raegar noticed her pointed ears twitching while an enraged expression appeared on her face.


    ''She looks like Tinkerbell!'' he thought, surprised.


    Sprouting from her back were four delicate wings, their surfaces shimmering faintly, each vein pulsing thanks to the powers inside. The sight of her, both fragile and otherworldly, took his breath away.


    ''''What are you gawking at, human?'''' the Fairy spat. ''''Anyway, why do you look like you crawled out of a children''s nightmare?''''


    When Raegar heard that, his one eye narrowed, but for some reason, he answered. ''''A Devil Lord and a Tier Nine Assassin is what happened, now let''s get out of here. The nobles are upset at me and will try to cause trouble.''''


    Following that, he opened the cage door, causing the Dark Fairy to look confused. ''''Are you a stupid human? I could kill you here and now.''''


    ''''Stop being edgy and just come, things will get dicey,'''' he said, prompting the little woman to step out only to collapse to the table.


    Raegar scooped her up and put her in his shirt pocket, calmly speaking. ''''Just rest in there and I''ll make sure you''re fine. Once we get back to the school and you have the energy, you can return to Lemuria.''''


    When the blonde Fairy heard this, her eyes narrowed, mumbling. ''''Strange human, but thank you for helping me, not many of your kind like mine, and to spend that much gold is stupid and foolish.''''


    His chuckle was soft before speaking. ''''I''ve been fascinated by your kind ever since I cracked open an old book years ago. Fairies, they say, are the beating heart of Sylvara''s Aether; its very lifeblood flows through you, closer than any other race.''''


    She looked interested as she hung out of his pocket. Raegar continued talking. ''''The book spoke of the Lemuria Continent, a land once alive with villages. But that ancient empire swept through like a plague. Its iron grip forced your people to flee, abandoning their homes for the untamed wilderness, where they''ve hidden ever since.''''


    The little blonde nodded in agreement. ''''Yes, my grandmother told me those days were horrible. Many of us were captured and became slaves for many human kings who kept us as pets.''''


    Raegar frowned and started rubbing her soft hair, which shocked the Fairy. ''''Don''t worry, you won''t be a slave, but the more important thing, what''s your name?'''' he asked.


    ''''Drusilla, yourself?'''' she answered.


    He chuckled and quickly returned the favor. ''''Raegar Blackwood.''''


    When Drusilla heard this, she revealed, smirking. ''''And a Tetraarch. I can feel your Aether seeping into my body, but this collar is absorbing most of it.''''


    Raegar reached out and sent his energy into it, marking it as his property, prompting him to destroy it. The blonde was completely shocked at this before her dark powers started manifesting.''''


    Moments later, she felt a flick on her head. ''''Owww! What was that for!'''' she exclaimed, rubbing the spot he hit.


    ''''Stop acting up, Drusilla. They will capture you again, and this time there won''t be a chance I could buy you again,'''' he warned.


    Raegar''s smile was soft yet resolute as he revealed. ''''Freedom is what I want for you. That''s why I spent that much to free you from the nobles. My grandmother, in her younger days, rescued Fairies. I''m just carrying her torch, starting with you.''''


    Drusilla grew still, as though the weight of his promise pressed against her. A quiet tension lingered as he exited the room, his boots echoing faintly on the stone floor. ''''Will you really free me?'''' she whispered, hopefully.


    ''''Yes, or I can offer something better?'''' he responded. ''''When the time is right, I can take you to Lemuria myself. I want to explore Sylvara, and I''ll end up going there one day.''''


    When Drusilla heard this, her blue eyes widened before she shot out of his shirt and flew around him. ''''And you won''t harm me?''''


    Raegar shook his head and said something that shocked her even more. ''''I swear on my Aether that I didn''t buy you to harm or do anything weird. I just wanted to free you from slavery.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she replied as a knowing expression crossed her face. ''''Then I shall return the favour and help you, Raegar Blackwood. The long-awaited Aether King who will change this world, and I''ll be there watching by your side.''''


    In an instant, the air grew thick as Drusilla''s golden locks turned into a cascade of midnight black, her once-vibrant eyes changing to red. Her lips parted, and a chant in an ancient, unfathomable, and older than the stars sliced through the silence.


    Raegar''s body seized as a torrent of Dark Aether, raw and merciless, surged from her into him. Pain erupted, a white-hot agony that clawed through his veins, yet beneath the torment, he sensed a strange, vital force knitting his broken flesh.

 Chapter 172: Here Ya Go Lad

    A raw, primal scream tore from his throat, echoing off the stone walls as his mangled arm began to mend, sinew and bone weaving together using unnatural speed. Then, in a moment that shattered reason, his empty socket burned with a blinding light.


    His lost eye reformed, its vision sharper than ever, staring at Drusilla. Shock gripped him, his heart thundering. Raegar staggered, his newly restored vision swimming as the world snapped into unnerving clarity.


    The room pulsed with a vibrancy he hadn''t known since his injury, every crack in the stone and flicker of flame razor-sharp. Drusilla''s eyes bored into him as she returned to normal and nearly collapsed to the ground.


    Raegar quickly caught her and put her in his pocket as he clutched his healed arm, fingers trembling as they traced the smooth, unscarred skin where moments ago there had been only ruin.


    The pain was gone, replaced by a thrumming vitality that felt foreign, almost invasive. His new eye darted to the Fairy in his pocket, who peeked out, her wide blue eyes reflecting both awe and fear.


    ''''What... what have you done to me?'''' Raegar rasped.


    His gaze locked onto Drusilla, searching for answers in her unearthly presence. She tilted her head, a faint smile curling her lips. Before he could press her, shouting erupted out caught his attention.


    Selene, Dominique, and Zahara barged into the room as the Vampire created a Stone Wall to block the door. She turned to him, a panicked look crossing her face, and revealed. ''''The auction house is under attack; they are coming for the Fairy. We tried to fight them off, but they were too strong.''''


    But the other two were shocked when seeing his glowing red eyes as the blonde exclaimed. ''''His healed from the assassins!''''


    The trio celebrated, but the wall was brought down as three cloaked figures stepped into the room. Their hoods obscured their faces, but the glint of steel at their belts and the faint hum of arcane energy radiating from their hands betrayed their intent.


    ''''Rae!'''' Selene hissed, drawing her sword. ''''Are we fighting?''''


    While this happened, Drusilla shrank deeper, her voice a frantic whisper. ''''Hunters... they''ve come for me.''''


    Raegar''s heart pounded, the surge of her power still coursing through him, sharpening his senses, and that''s when he sensed the newcomers were Tier Six Warriors, prompting him to act.


    ''''Stay behind me,'''' he growled to the girls, stepping forward. ''''Selene, watch my rear. Domi, use your summons to help, and Za, make sure we are all healed while you help where you can.''''


    Following that, he summoned his daggers, a ching ringing out just as the Bloodrose Armor covered his body. As this happened, the room erupted into chaos as he dashed forward and struck out at the leader.


    A thunderous clash rang out as the warrior parried his strike, but fate was unkind; a brutal kick from him, spinning through the air, crashed into the enemy''s face with bone-shattering force. Not missing a beat, he hurled his daggers in a deadly arc at the leader.


    Sparks flew as the man blocked the deadly weapons, sending them flying into the air as the Northern Owl Baldur dove from the heavens, talons flashing, raking the second attacker just as he screeched out.


    Selene surged forward, her movements a blur as she fought the third foe. She danced through his strikes, holding her ground, but Raegar was a force unstoppable now that he was mostly healed, apart from his scarred face.


    Moments later, he dodged a lunging attack, sidestepping at the last moment. When the strike passed by his side, he suddenly flung his blade at the leader. The strike was blocked, yet his lips curled into a wicked grin.


    He thought for a second, causing the dagger to twist mid-air, defying steel and flesh to bury itself deep in the leader''s neck. A guttural gargle tore through the chaos, freezing the remaining foes in shock.


    Raegar moved like a phantom, so fast an afterimage trailed in his wake, a specter of death. The battlefield trembled before his unrelenting might, as the clash of legends unfolded in a whirlwind of steel and valor.


    The auction house was in chaos as the girls fought behind him, and the last Hunter dropped dead with his dagger in their eye. He stood there basking in the aftermath of the fight. He let out a sigh just as Drusilla''s head popped out of the pocket.


    ''''Sorry for causing trouble for you,'''' she apologized.


    Raegar waved her away, smiling. ''''Don''t worry about it, I''m used to it by now,'''' he said while summoning his daggers.


    The three girls appeared as Zahara spoke with a worried expression. ''''We''re going to get in trouble Rae, let''s escape.''''


    Selene and Dominique agreed, but he shook his head. ''''It''s too late, the City Lord Wentworth has just entered the auction house and is heading this way.''''


    Just then, a middle-aged man slammed open the doors, surrounded by his guards. His eyes were drawn to the dead soldiers who were hired to protect the place. ''The Hunters killed them,'' he thought.


    Moments later, the man stopped in front of him and held out his hand. ''''It good to meet you Ghost, looks like your reputation proceeds you.''''


    Raegar was shocked, and it showed, causing the City Lord to continue. ''''Don''t worry about these outlaws, we''ve been hunting them for days. I didn''t know what they were after, but it makes sense when seeing her.''''


    The older man pointed toward his pocket, where Drusilla was peeking out with wide blue eyes. He chuckled before finally speaking. ''''Yes, they were after her, and I had to stop it as I paid a lot of gold coins.''''


    ''''Here ya go lad,'''' the City Lord suddenly said before dropping a pouch in his hand. ''''My apologies for letting you go through such a thing.''''


    Raegar peered into the chest, his eyes widening at the sight of a thousand gleaming gold coins. The man smiled warmly and continued. ''''No need to pay for this enchanting Fairy, she seems fond of you. Consider it a gift for the young hero who saved my sister.''''


    ''''Huh?'''' he muttered.


    The City Lord chuckled before revealing. ''''The Siege of Suncrest, you destroyed the Lunathyrian army that was close to breaching the walls. My younger sister is the commander there, and she spoke of your shocking power.''''


    Raegar stood stunned, but the man pressed on. ''''Hurry now, the last Carrier departs Brightwater in an hour. My mages predict another northern storm''s coming. Next time you''re here, visit my mansion.''''


    Once that was done, the group was escorted to the Carrier Station by the city guards, as the nobles were angry at him for buying the Dark Fairy. While walking, the girls tried to get a look at Drusilla, but she was nervous.


    After they were gone, City Lord Wentworth stared at them from his mansion''s window as his assistant questioned. ''''Why did you pay him so much?''''


    He turned to the young woman, chuckling. ''''He rescued my sister and built roots with the boy. I have a feeling he will be crucial to Brightwater''s survival thanks to him attending Drakenwood.''''


    ''''I understand,'''' she responded.


    Devon glanced back at the group, stepping onto a Carrier while thinking. ''They are bonding, without either knowing about it, this will be amusing,'' he thought.


    Following that, Raegar and the girls were sitting comfortably in a private cabin as Drusilla hid away from the three pairs of eyes. Dominique''s green eyes narrowed at his pocket. ''''Why isn''t she coming out? Shy?'''' she asked.


    ''''She doesn''t have anything to worry about,'''' Selene added cheerfully. ''''We owe her a big thanks for healing you.''''


    Zahara agreed, saying. ''''I would love to meet her.''''


    Raegar looked down and warmly spoke. ''''You can show yourself, Drusilla, they are my friends and won''t harm you now you''re here.''''


    The blonde Fairy, overhearing, poked her head out of his pocket, startling the trio. Selene got excited when she saw her. ''''She''s gorgeous! Those big blue eyes are stunning!''''


    She instantly got embarrassed, but Raegar quickly reassured her. ''''Come out, they won''t hurt you.''''


    When the little woman heard this, she flew out and circled the cabin, causing Zahara and Dominique to become amazed. The Fairy landed on his knee before introducing herself. ''''I''m Drusilla, a Dark Fairy from the Lemuria Continent.''''


    The three girls mirrored Selene''s warmth, settling around Drusilla to make her feel at ease as she perched on his shoulder. ''''It''s a delight to meet you three,'''' the Fairy said, smiling. ''''I hope we''ll become great companions.''''


    Raegar''s attention shifted as he sensed a faint tether of Aether linking him to the Fairy. Are we bonded? he wondered, puzzled.


    He poked the blonde in the back and asked through their mind. ''Are you bonding with me Drusilla?''


    When the Fairy heard those words, her body stiffened as she slowly turned to him. A worried expression appeared on her pretty face. ''Is that a problem, Raegar?''

 Chapter 173: Not If You Stop Yapping

    ''Yes, we are,'' the Dark Fairy answered in his mind as the other three watched, fascinated. ''When you freed me, I knew you were different, and could tell you''re a good person thanks to your Aether.''


    ''My Aether? How does that work?'' he questioned.


    Drusilla giggled, answering. ''Everyone''s energy is different, and if someone uses it for evil deeds, we Fairies can tell, thanks to our eyes.''


    As the blonde continued, his gaze drifted to her blue eyes, which shimmered thanks to the Aether, like twin stars caught in a twilight sky. Her features lit up, a mischievous smile as she finished her thought.


    ''''You see, we Fairies are one of a kind, utterly extraordinary! Anyone, including you, should be absolutely thrilled to be in our presence!'''' she exclaimed.


    Before Raegar could respond, a spark of impulsiveness flickered in him. With a flick of his finger against her head, he caught her off guard. The impact was light, but her reaction was immediate and dramatic.


    Drusilla let out a high-pitched squeal, her wings fluttering in mock indignation. ''''Hey! That''s not fair!'''' she huffed, her cheeks puffing out as she crossed her arms, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her amusement.


    He chuckled, shaking his head as the two of them snapped back to the present, the red-skinned beauty teased. ''''Get a room already, the way she looks at you is saying something the three of us aren''t ready for.''''


    The little Fairy spun on the Demoness and appeared in front of her face. Selene was shocked, but Drusilla retorted. ''''I don''t like him like that! There''s no way it could work, even if I did! I''m the size of his hand and not like you girls.''''


    When the group heard the twinge of jealousy but Dominque revealed. ''''Legends say some Fairies known from the famous Luna Tribe can grow to the size of a normal woman, and a few went on to marry Humans, Elves, and other races.''''


    ''''They died out two hundred years ago,'''' Drusilla answered sadly. ''''The last queen was slain defending her village from raiders; they don''t want us Fairies becoming powerful, so their leader killed our strongest fighters as we fled.''''


    Everyone frowned, but Raegar rubbed her little head, reassuringly. ''''And now you found us. We can take you back to Lemuria. We''re going to explore it one day, and these three will be coming alongside me.''''


    Drusilla''s smile grew wide as Zahara nodded in agreement. ''''My name is Zahara Ashbourne. I''m the team''s Healer for whenever we explore.''''


    She motioned to the other two, continuing. ''''Dominique is our support, and Selene is an attacker like Rae. There are four other friends, but their back at school.''''


    The Fairy added. ''''I can use Dark Magic to attack, but I need to complete the bond to activate more of my powers.''''


    When the trio heard this, they looked at Raegar, who stretched the back of his head with a charming smile as he asked. ''''What?''''


    ''''Complete the damn bond,'''' Dominique commented. ''''Anyone can enslave her, it''s obvious the two of you get on well, and you could use someone to help when we''re not around.''''


    Selene glanced at the flying woman, curiously inquiring. ''''Will you protect Rae when everyone is in class?''''


    Drusilla looked at the Demoness and nodded. ''''Of course, we are near enough boned. He freed me from a life of being a object for a strange noble family, some of the stories I''ve heard scare the shit out of me.''''


    The girls looked apologetic and felt sorry for the Dark Fairy, but Zahara instantly changed the mood thanks to her words. ''''Well, that doesn''t matter, you''re free and have four new friends now,'''' she cheerfully said.


    Reagar nodded, his eyes locked on the radiant, brown-skinned woman whose cheeks flushed under his steady gaze. She let out a soft giggle, then smiled warmly. ''''I forgot how much I missed those eyes, they''re stunning.''''


    Selene, Dominique, and Zahara exchanged nods of agreement as the Carrier lurched violently, battered by the encroaching storm. Alarm flashed across their faces, but they secured themselves into their seats.


    The craft trembled and creaked, battered by the relentless Aether Storm, its hull shuddering as howling winds tore at it from all sides. Drusilla darted into his pocket, clinging tightly as she asked with a shaky voice. ''''Are we going to crash?''''


    Raegar bonked her on the head. ''''Don''t jinx it, women, I don''t fancy fighting any monsters or more assassins,'''' he said.


    She giggled before turning to the three and speaking in a cheerful tone. ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you three, I hope to be good friends.''''


    Moments later, the Carrier trembled once again, its reinforced hull rattling as a ferocious storm erupted. Thunder boomed, a roar that shook the air, reverberating through the craft''s frame like the wrath of an ancient god.


    Selene, Dominique, and Zahara gripped their seats as they fumbled to secure their harnesses, as everything around them was shaking. Drusilla poked her head out, clinging to the fabric as the ship lurched.


    ''''Hold on!'''' he barked.


    The Carrier pitched downward, attempting a desperate dive to escape, but a savage gust caught it mid-descent, pulling the craft sideways. The world tilted; instruments blared warnings, and loose gear clattered across the deck.


    Lightning split the sky, illuminating the cockpit in a stark flash, revealing Drusilla''s wide eyes peeking from his pocket. ''''We are doomed! I was saved only to die in a crash!'''' she squeaked, her voice a mix of fear and indignation.


    Raegar glanced at the little blonde with an amused expression. ''''Not if you stop yapping!'''' he teased.


    The Carrier shuddered again, caught in the storm''s relentless grip, as the crew braced. Just then, a loud groan echoed out as it clawed its way free from the chaotic winds, the howling winds and thunder fading into a distant rumble.


    Everyone remained strapped in, their knuckles white from gripping their armrests. Following that, they continued flying as the craft stabilized, breaking through the churning black clouds into a pocket of eerie calm.


    The sky beyond glowed faintly, a bruised purple streaked with fading lightning. ''''We''re clear,'''' he muttered, exhaling sharply, but his relief was short-lived.


    Seconds later, the engines sputtered, a low whine signaling critical damage from the storm''s battering. Warning lights flashed across the console. ''''Brace yourselves!'''' he shouted, as the craft lost altitude fast.


    The ground rushed up, causing them all to panic. Selene''s breath hitched, Dominique cursed under her breath, and Zahara clenched her eyes shut. Drusilla squeaked. ''''Not again!''''


    The Carrier hit the earth with a sickening thud, metal screeching as it skidded across the uneven ground, kicking up clouds of dust and debris. The impact jolted everyone, harnesses straining, before the craft finally shuddered to a halt.


    Raegar''s vision faded to black. When he regained consciousness, a fierce battle raged around him, the girls fighting valiantly. He sat up, head pounding, and caught sight of Selene charging toward a towering Devil.


    His heart sank at the scene. Pain shot through his injured legs, but he forced himself to shout. ''''Drusilla! Heal me, now!''''


    The Fairy got to work and rushed over and started mending him as the battlefield was a maelstrom of chaos, the air thick thanks to the fire and smoke, as the guttural roars of Tier Five Devils echoed around them.


    Their towering, grotesque forms loomed over the shattered Carrier, claws gleaming under a dark sky. Selene sprinted toward the nearest beast, her blade ignited thanks to Lightning Aether that crackled.


    Her yellow eyes burned, every muscle coiled for the fight. ''''Stay back, bastards! Or die where you stand!'''' she bellowed, but her voice was swallowed by the storm of battle.


    The Devil swung a massive, spiked arm, its force splitting the ground. Selene leaped, twisting midair, and drove her blades into its chest. Black ichor sprayed, but the creature roared, unfazed, its other claw arcing toward her.


    She ducked, rolling beneath its reach, and slashed at its legs, lightning searing its flesh. From the sidelines, Dominique charged into the fray, her longsword pulsing with Dark Aether. ''''Not alone, you don''t!'''' she shouted.


    Dominique clashed with another foe, parrying a bone-shattering strike, causing her to yelp in pain thanks to the power difference. Her sword wove radiant arcs through the air, slicing into the beast''s flank.


    The creature roared, its eyes ablaze with fury, yet Dominique advanced, her attacks a seamless torrent of skill and strength. But the Devils merely toyed with them, rendering her efforts futile.


    Amid the fray, Zahara stood resolute, her hands glowing with brilliant white light, a beacon in the chaos. Her face was etched with strain as she channeled healing energy, tendrils of light snaking toward Selene and Dominique.


    Their wounds knitted together, though fresh injuries bloomed almost as quickly. ''''Hold on! I''ll keep healing your wounds!'''' Zahara cried, her voice trembling but determined.


    Elsewhere, the remaining survivors weren''t so fortunate. The other Devils, relentless and merciless, tore through them. Screams pierced the air as claws ripped through flesh and bone, silencing voices one by one.

 Chapter 174 174: Everywhere And Nowhere

    Raegar was sprawled amid the wreckage, his legs useless from a crushing blow from enchanted metal that fell on him during the crash, which sent pain shooting through his body like a wave of agony.


    Pain clouded his mind, but Drusilla hovered above him seconds later, looking worried. Her small hands glowed thanks to the dark energy as she poured her Aether into him. ''''Stay with me! The girls need you! I need you!'''' she urged.


    Moments later, he felt the warmth of her Aether spread throughout his battered body, mending torn muscles and fractured bones. His vision cleared, strength returning in waves, but his eyes were locked on the battle ahead.


    Raegar noticed three Tier Five Devils now surrounded the girls who fought back-to-back against the stronger opponents and were holding their own, impressing him to know end, but he needed to help.


    Selene''s Aether roared brighter, each strike a defiant scream against the darkness, while Dominique''s sword sang, severing a Devil''s tendon. Zahara''s light flickered, her power waning as she burned through her Aether, trying to keep them in the fight.


    She refused to falter, her hands trembling as she sustained her allies. The Devils closed in, their roars shaking the earth, and once healed, he rose to his feet. Just then, one of the fiends went after the healer.


    Raegar went to react, but Drusilla quickly cast a Dark Shield in front of her that blocked the attack. His chest tightened as the enemy''s powers sent them hurtling through the air, their bodies crashing into a hillside, causing a thunderous impact, churning dust and debris.


    His eyes darted across the battlefield, searching for any sign they were still alive, his pulse quickening when sensing both of their auras, which made him relax as the Devils would ignore them.


    Raegar turned to the battle, where Dominique quickly moved back, but it was too late. Moments later, the Demoness sprang into action as she launched herself in front of Dominique, intercepting a cunning sneak attack meant to end her.


    Selene''s scream sliced through the noise as the Devil''s monstrous strength overwhelmed her. His gaze landed on her arms that shook violently, muscles straining to their limits as she fought to hold back the fiend''s crushing power.


    The earth groaned beneath her, unable to stand against the force, and was slammed into the ground. A sprawling crater yawned where she fell, its edges jagged and raw, yet the Devil advanced.


    Its eyes burning with unrelenting malice as it closed in on Dominique, the last target in its merciless pursuit. When Raegar saw this, his eyes narrowed, and he quickly reacted as it swung its blade at the Vampire girl.


    His voice cut through the tension, a low, urgent whisper. ''''Fusion Overdrive!''''


    In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his position, a blur of motion too fast for the eye to track. He reappeared between them and blocked the attack, causing strain to run through his body.


    His blades met the enemy''s, a resounding clang, sparks erupting. Raegar''s power surged, skyrocketing to the staggering heights of Tier Seven, an aura pulsing around him as he began fighting.


    The air crackled as he countered so fast that it drove the enemy back with a force that shook the ground. They turned into two blurs as he defended the girls whenever the Devil tried to attack them.


    ***


    From Dominique''s perspective, the battlefield transformed into a spectacle of chaos and awe as the boy she was growing to care about was fighting the fiends that ambushed them while on the way back to Drakenwood.


    Her heart pounded in her chest, the near-fatal slash would have taken her life. ''He saved my life once again,'' she thought while holding her neck.


    She shook her head and noticed the Devil now focused on Raegar just as he vanished in an instant that left her blinking at empty air. She noticed he moved like a storm given form, his speed so blinding that her eyes struggled to keep up.


    ''''How did he get so fast?'''' she muttered in amazement. ''''He did say he''d been training since a young age.''''


    He was a phantom, a flicker of white and black weaving through the Devils. Like from a storybook, she saw thousands of slashes erupt around her, each one a precise, lethal stroke that carved through the fiends.


    The air hummed with the song of his blade, a high-pitched whine that mingled among the shrieks of the fiends as they fell. They were torn asunder, blood spraying in dark fountains, bodies collapsing into heaps of sundered flesh and bone.


    Dominique''s vision blurred, not from fear but from the impossibility of tracking Raegar''s speed. He was everywhere and nowhere, a force of nature unbound. Each slash was a flash of light, a fleeting glimpse of his blade as it danced through the enemy ranks.


    They stood no chance against him. Their claws swiped at empty air, their roars of rage dissolving into cries of agony. Her breath hitched as she caught a momentary glimpse of him, a silhouette wreathed in an otherworldly aura, his red eyes burning, full of rage and hatred.


    Sparks flew every time their blades connected, illuminating the carnage in strobing bursts. The ground trembled beneath her feet, littered with the remains of the fiends, their once-terrifying forms now little more than shredded husks.


    Dominique''s hands clenched into fists. She had always known Raegar was formidable thanks to seeing him fight on multiple occasions that always shocked her, but this was godlike. ''He truly doesn''t hate Devils,'' she mused while watching him decapitate one of the creatures.


    As the last fell, its sliced-up body collapsing in a spray of gore, he slowed as she watched him calm down. Raegar stood amidst the wreckage, chest heaving, his blade dripping with the blood of the vanquished fiends.


    The air was thick thanks to the scent of death. Moments later, a dark portal tore open in the air, its edges crackling. A fresh wave of Devils poured through and looked at them like they were prey.


    ''''There''s even more!'''' she muttered, shocked.


    Raegar surged forward to meet them, his blade a blue. But before he could strike, a towering figure emerged from the portal, a Tier Ten fiend, radiating an aura so oppressive it seemed to warp the battlefield itself.


    The fiend''s presence stopped his advance by blocking his slash, causing sparks to fly everywhere, their clash sending shockwaves through the ground thanks to them being Tier Tens.


    Her mind spun as Raegar''s power ignited like a supernova. In a heartbeat, Dominique felt his Aether surge to unimaginable heights, meeting the Tier Ten crushing might using this mysterious strength, their clashes reverberating like thunder.


    When she saw this, it caused her to start thinking, confused. ''How the fuck is he growing stronger in the middle of a fight!''


    His aura surged through the air, a vibrant pulse of Aether enveloped the battlefield, igniting their surrounding battlefiend. Each strike unleashed sparks and shockwaves, casting the chaos in fleeting bursts of dazzling light.


    Dominique''s breath caught, her green eyes widening, her jaw falling slack as a staggering realization slammed into her like a bolt from the heavens. As the fight continued, the two beings turned into flashes of light, leaving behind a sea of dead bodies.


    ''No way!'' she thought, her mind racing, heart pounding in her chest. ''He can''t be the Aether King! That''s just a legend and not even real!''


    Dominique shook her head as her body ignited, a chilling aura of death that seemed to drain life itself. ''Well, it''s time to show him the real me and if he doesn''t like it, there''s nothing I can do.''


    The air grew cold, the chaos falling eerily silent as the remaining Devils turned their evil gazes toward her, sensing a new, terrifying threat. A slow, defiant smile curved her lips as she glanced at Raegar, the boy she''d grown to care for.


    ''''Let me show you what the black sheep of the D''Ambrose family can do, Rae,'''' she said, her voice laced with a dangerous edge.


    ''''I want to fight by your side, and I can''t afford to be weak when your enemies outmatch us,'''' Dominique declared, stepping boldly toward the Devil.


    ***


    Raegar stopped attacking when he heard her voice, he instantly sensed something change surge through the girl. The battlefield seemed to hold its breath, her presence morphing into something terrifying, a force that bent the very atmosphere around her.


    ''What is this feeling?'' he thought, looking around. ''


    Selene, Zahara, and Drusilla emerged nearby. The Demoness was helping the blonde as the Fairy flew around them while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Raegar dismissed his ability and felt a sudden exhaustion rush over to them.


    He stretched his arms as he approached the girls, greeting them. ''''How are you three?''''


    The red-skinned beauty turned to him, exhausted. ''''You''re about to see the Death Witch of the North,'''' she declared, her lips twisting into a knowing smirk. ''''Prepare to be amazed by what our Dominique''s accomplished.''''

 Chapter 175: You Offer This Freely?

    When Raegar heard this, he stood transfixed, staring at the Vampire girl, approaching the fiends. As she got close, the air suddenly felt like icy dread descended onto the battlefield, just as a quiet storm does.


    Her green eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, her deathly aura weaving around her like a veil, transforming the battlefield into a grim stage. The Devils faltered; they shrank back as an unknown power pressed against their instincts.


    A scornful curl of her lips, Dominique''s voice sliced through the stillness as she pointed at the undead figures the fiends summoned. ''''You think these pathetic zombies bother me? You think you can fight me!'''' She calmly said..


    He watched her smile turn evil, as her aura suddenly flared beyond anything he felt from her since their meeting. ''''You fiends have no understanding of Death and all its machinations like I do, I''ve experienced that special touch and lived it for years.''''


    Raegar felt her power skyrocketing to Tier Five, but there was something behind her that was much worse, something that made him shiver. Drusilla quickly flew into his pocket to rest while Selene supported Zahara as she trembled in fear.


    ''''What''s that horrible feeling?'''' the blonde questioned. ''''It feels like I''m standing in front of a predator.''''


    Before anyone could reply, Dominique stopped walking. ''''Now let me show you what true Death looks like.''''


    Her tone dripped with venom as she raised a hand, her fingers tracing intricate runes in the air that blazed powered by necrotic energy. Raegar''s eyes widened, his voice a hushed murmur of awe. ''''She''s a powerful Necromancer, a master of the dead!''''


    The earth shuddered, fracturing beneath her as a black portal ripped open, its churning depths swallowing all light. Dominique''s smile broadened. ''''With the greatest respect, I present my Death Knights.''''


    Raegar felt the air grow heavy thanks to the aura of Death as the portal pulsed. His breath caught, his pulse hammering as three figures emerged, each radiating an aura that made his skin crawl.


    The ground trembled beneath their steps, the necrotic Aether crackling like a storm about to break. First came the Death Knight, a towering figure clad in blackened plate armor that seemed to drink in the light.


    Its helmet glowed thanks to its twin embers where eyes should be, and the massive runeblade slung across its back hummed. Each step caused the earth to groan under its weight, as if the world itself recoiled from its presence.


    Next was a Banshee, her form ethereal yet chillingly vivid. Her body shimmered with a sickly green glow, her gown trailing like mist. Her face, beautiful yet twisted into a silent scream, and her hollow eyes locked onto him, sending a shard of ice down his spine.


    A wail seemed to echo in his skull, promising torment. Last was a strange Maid, and Raegar''s gut twisted at the sight of her. She looked human, almost. Her skin was too flawless, her movements too precise, like a marionette guided by unseen strings.


    Her dress, pristine and black, and her serene smile held a wrongness that made his instincts scream. Her eyes, flat and unblinking, betrayed no soul, only an abyss of dark intent, causing him to think. ''Is she a zombie? I don''t know.''


    Dominique''s warm tone cut through the oppressive silence. ''''Behold my Tier Ten champions, Raegar. Death''s finest instruments and three of the closest people that have ever cared for me.''''


    Raegar''s mouth went dry. He couldn''t tear his eyes away, knowing he was staring into the heart of her power. ''No wonder she''s the black sheep,'' he wondered. ''There''s nothing wrong with using Necromancy; this power is amazing.''


    His eyes widened when Dominique''s undead unleashed their wrath. The trio moved, carving through the enemy horde like a scythe through rotten wheat. The Death Knight led the charge, its runeblade a blur of dark steel that sang.


    A wave of zombies lunged, their decayed limbs clawing mindlessly, but the knight''s blade cleaved through them, severing torsos and heads in a spray of blood. Moments later, a Devil roared and hurled a bolt of hellfire.


    The knight didn''t flinch; it raised a gauntleted hand, and the fire dissipated against a shimmering shield of necrotic energy. With a single stride, it closed the distance, impaling the fiend through its chest.


    Raegar smiled as the creature''s scream died as the runeblade twisted, and its body crumbled to ash. The Banshee glided above, her wail now unleashed, a piercing shriek that shattered the minds of the undead.


    Zombies froze, their hollow eyes bursting under the sonic assault, collapsing into heaps of lifeless flesh. A Devil tried to flee, but the Banshee''s ghostly claws raked through its essence, shredding its soul.


    The Banshee''s laughter echoed as the Devil''s body plummeted, before it hit the ground. Her eyes glowed brighter, feeding on the despair she sowed. Following that, the Maid unnervingly wove through the chaos.


    A pack of zombies shambled toward her, but her hands flicked outward, and thin, razor-sharp threads of shadow erupted from her fingers. The threads sliced through the undead like wire through paper, reducing them to quivering chunks in seconds.


    ''''What the fuck is she!'''' he muttered in shock at the three Death Knights.


    A Devil charged, its claws aimed for her throat, but the Maid''s smile never wavered. She sidestepped with inhuman speed, and a needle-like blade materialized in her hand, plunging into the fiend''s skull.


    It fell, twitching, as she wiped the blade clean on her dress, her expression unchanged. The Death Knights didn''t just fight, they dominated, their movements a brutal symphony of destruction.


    The zombie horde, once numbering in the hundreds, was now a field of dismembered remains. The devils, arrogant in their infernal might, were reduced to cinders and broken husks.


    Dominique stood at the battlefield''s edge, her arms crossed, her smile one of cold satisfaction as her champions painted the ground with death. As the last Devil fell, its body bisected by the Death Knight''s blade, the Banshee''s wail faded, and the Maid''s threads retracted.


    Following that, the trio turned, their deadly gazes locking onto Raegar for a fleeting moment. His blood ran cold. This was no mere victory, it was a statement, a glimpse of the unstoppable force Dominique wielded.


    They moved to confront him, but the Vampire''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. ''''Leave them alone. Anyone else is yours to hunt.''''


    As Raegar watched them disappear into the distance, seconds later, the chilling screams of devils pierced the air, snapping his gaze to Selene and Zahara, the blonde who had collapsed, overwhelmed by the otherworldly horror they''d witnessed.


    At that moment, Dominique materialized before them, her presence altered, radiating an unsettling aura. Raegar''s instincts screamed of danger, yet her voice, low and haunting, cut through the tension. ''''Do I repulse you, Rae?''''


    His gaze locked onto hers, blinking, he shook his head and answered honestly. ''''No. You captivate me, Domi.''''


    Dominique softened, a faint tremor betraying her waning strength as she came down from the peak of her power. ''''May I... drink your blood, Rae? This ability drains me.''''


    Raegar didn''t hesitate and summoned his dagger, its blade glinting as he sliced his palm, grimacing as his skin sliced open, causing the girls to yelp. Selene went to stop him, but he reassured them. ''''I''m fine, ladies, this is nothing to me now.''''


    Extending his hand to the Vampire, he met her gaze. ''''Biting the neck feels too intimate. Will my hand do?''''


    Dominique''s eyes widened, a mix of hunger and restraint, lingering on the blood pooling in his outstretched palm. The air around them crackled thanks to the unspoken tension, and the distant shrieks of the Devils finally faded.


    Her grey fingers twitched, hesitating, as if wrestling the primal urge deep inside her while biting her bottom lip, which he loved. Slowly, she reached for his hand, her touch cold yet gentle, like moonlight on frost.


    ''''Rae,'''' she murmured. ''''You offer this freely?"


    Her gaze flicked up to meet his, searching for any trace of doubt. Raegar nodded in confirmation. ''''I do. You need it. I trust you, Domi.''''


    With a slow nod, Dominique brought his palm closer, her lips hovering just above the offering. Her breath brushed against his skin, sending a shiver up his spine as she pressed her mouth to it, her eyes fluttering shut as the first taste of his blood touched her tongue.


    A soft hum escaped her, a sound both grateful and ravenous, as her strength visibly began to return. Raegar watched, his heart pounding, not from fear but from the strange intimacy of the act.


    He glanced at Selene, who was caring for Zahara, still unconscious on the ground, the blonde''s chest rising faintly until her grey eyes fluttered open as she mumbled. ''''What happened? All I heard was a horrible scream that knocked me out.''''


    Dominique pulled back after a moment, her lips stained red. She licked the last drop from her mouth, then pressed her thumb gently against his wound, as if to seal it with some unspoken magic.

 Chapter 176: Complete Our Bond

    ''''Thank you,'''' Dominique said, her voice stronger now, laced with a warmth that hadn''t been there before. ''''You... you''re more than I expected, Rae.''''


    Raegar chuckled before turning to the battlefield that was covered in bodies and flames, prompting him to speak to the group. ''''Selene, carry Zahara. Dominique summons Baldur to be our scout. We need to find a place to hide out.


    As the sun started vanishing, he led the three girls deeper into the woods, their footsteps crunching softly on the carpet of fallen leaves. The air grew cooler, and an eerie stillness settled over the landscape.


    ''I can''t believe we are near Drakenwood,'' he thought, glancing around with a curious expression. ''I wonder where we are.''


    After a time, Raegar''s keen red eyes spotted a towering oak, its gnarled branches stretching like ancient arms into the twilight sky. He paused, pointing toward it with a steady hand while sending a wave of Aether across the landscape.


    ''''There,'''' he said, his voice calm but firm. ''''That tree will shelter us for the night. We''ll make camp beneath its boughs. The Creatures of the Night will stir soon, and we need to be ready.''''


    The three girls exchanged uneasy glances, their faces paling at the mention of the Nightwalkers. Tales of those beings had haunted their childhoods, whispered around flickering hearths to keep young ones close to home after dark.


    Their anxiety was obvious, but they trusted Raegar, their guide and protector, and so they followed, their steps hesitant but resolute as they trailed behind him toward the massive tree.


    ''''Don''t worry, ladies,'''' he said confidently while summoning his daggers with a ching. ''''I''ll protect you and have been fighting them for some time now.''''


    As they drew closer, his sharp gaze noticed signs of previous habitation: a ring of stones blackened by old fires, a few weathered logs arranged as makeshift benches, and faint carvings etched into the tree''s bark, worn by time and weather.


    It was an abandoned camp, likely used by other travelers or wanderers seeking shelter in these perilous woods. The discovery sent a prickle of caution down his spine, but he kept his expression steady, not wanting to alarm the girls further.


    ''''Inside, quickly,'''' he urged, motioning them toward the hollow at the base of the tree, where its roots formed a shallow cave-like enclosure.


    The girls hurried inside, their eyes wide as they took in the cramped but dry space. Raegar lingered outside, his hands moving with practice as he began carving protective runes into the earth and bark around the camp.


    While doing this, Drusilla appeared from his pocket and questioned. ''''How do you know how to create Runes Rae?''''


    Without looking away from his work, he answered. ''''I had to learn from some adventurers who taught me when I first learned about the night creatures, annoying things when you don''t have Runes.''''


    Each symbol glowed faintly thanks to his Aether as he completed it, a soft blue light pulsing briefly before fading, forming an invisible barrier to ward off Nightwalkers and other sinister entities that prowled the forest after dusk.


    His movements were fast but deliberate, the result of doing it every night for over a year. Once satisfied with the protective circle, Raegar dusted off his hands and stepped into the hollow, ducking slightly to fit beneath the low ceiling of roots.


    ''''It should keep them outside,'''' he muttered before looking at the blonde Fairy. ''''Have you been out in the wilds?''''


    Drusilla shook her head. ''''No, only back home but we was safe there,'''' she responded.


    Raegar nodded in understanding. ''''Makes sense, you see they aren''t just monsters, they are pure nightmares,'''' he revealed.


    He started studying the dark landscape and started noticing figures moving in the distance, prompting him to point. ''''They are Watchers, beings that like to lure out people from the protective Runes.''''


    When the Fairy heard this, she shivered before speaking. ''''I''m going to hang out with the others. Selene is starting a fire.''''


    ''''Okay, I''ll be in soon,'''' he said in response.


    While standing there, Raegar checked his previously damaged arm and noticed it was back to normal as he clenched his fist. Just then, he sensed a Watcher creeping up on him. A smile crept onto his face.


    He spun around and cast a Stormfire Bullet at the creature, causing it to scream out in pain as the projectile burrowed through its chest. Thanks to this, the surrounding landscape erupted into chaos.


    Raegar tensed as he spotted the Watchers encircling the tree, their shadowy forms blending into the night. With a resigned sigh, he summoned his twin daggers again, their dark edges glinting faintly.


    Channeling Ather, he cast an Enhancement spell over himself, his muscles surging with newfound strength. He then infused his blades with Fire and Lightning, the weapons crackling and glowing, casting an eerie light across the darkened glade.


    In a blur of motion, he launched himself at the nearest Watcher. The creature recoiled, emitting a guttural, otherworldly snarl as his radiant blades sliced through the air. In an instant, its head tumbled to the ground, severed cleanly.


    He surged through the grasslands like a tempest, his enchanted daggers a whirlwind of light as he unleashed a thousand precise slashes, carving through the Watchers with relentless fury.


    Raegar''s roar echoed across the field. ''''''Gotta go faster!''''


    A sudden boom reverberated as his Wind Aether ignited, propelling him to blinding speeds. His movements became a blur, each strike a masterpiece of his years of rigorous training thanks to his family.


    The creatures fell in droves, shredded into countless fragments by the storm of his blades. In the years they hunted the humans, the Watchers had never felt fear until meeting Raegar, who killed them in their dozens as none could escape.


    As he tore through the Watchers, Drusilla hovered frozen, her eyes wide and unblinking, every nerve in her body trembling like a storm about to break. She could feel the surge of raw, electrifying power of his Aether swelling with every strike, feeding off the chaos of battle.


    But what shattered her breath and clawed at her soul was the sheer number of creatures falling before him, an endless tide of death he wove with terrifying ease. Her heart pounded, a fierce mix of awe and excitement.


    ''''He''s unlike anything Sylvara has ever seen!'''' she cried, her tiny wings trembling with excitement and fierce loyalty. ''''No creature in this world can match him, and we are bound, soul to soul.''''


    Without a second thought, the small fairy soared forward, her form shimmering with dark energy. Though tiny, her power was immense, a Tier Five Mage wielding devastating Dark Blast and a whip of shadow that lashed through the Watchers like a storm of night itself.


    Side by side with her boy, she became a whirlwind of fury and magic, tearing through the enemy ranks with unstoppable force. Raegar turned to Drusilla when sensing her Aether killing the Watchers.


    The battle raged on, shadows clashing with fury, until Raegar''s sharp eyes caught sight of the last creature, desperately sprinting into the distance. His voice thundered across the battlefield. ''''You''re not getting away from me!''''


    In an instant, he surged forward like a rocket. The speed was blinding, so fierce that the force of his leap sent Drusilla hurtling backward through the air. Time seemed to slow as he soared, twisting and spinning.


    Then, with a brutal, precise strike, he shredded the Watcher into bloody chunks, landing flawlessly on the ground as if born of the storm itself. Drusilla crashed down moments later, breathless and awestruck, her small form trembling from the violent shockwave of his power.


    Once all the creatures were dead, Raegar stood there and basked in the aftermath, as he loved killing. While doing that, the blonde Fairy flew over to him and stopped inches from his face.


    She had a big smile before sweetly asking. ''''Do you want to complete our bond, Rae?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he answered without hesitation. ''''You''re a wonderful girl, and I can''t wait to fight by your side, again and again.''''


    Drusilla''s tiny wings fluttered wildly as a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks. She shook her head shyly, then, before she could think twice, she darted forward with a spark of boldness and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.


    The moment her lips brushed his skin, Raegar felt a sudden jolt, like electricity surging through his veins, sharp and exhilarating. Time stilled for a heartbeat as the connection between them deepened, unspoken but undeniable.


    Something deep within Raegar roared to life, his Dark Aether Pool ravenously absorbing a flood of energy, more than ever before. A fierce, electric pain crackled through his body, thunder crashing inside his bones, forcing him to grit his teeth and drop to one knee.


    Beside him, Drusilla trembled as the overwhelming power spilled into her like a shattered dam, wild, unstoppable, and utterly transformative. The energy twisted and reshaped her very essence, altering her in ways no soul on Sylvara could have ever predicted.


    She was no longer just a small fairy; she was becoming something far more, something extraordinary and terrifying.

 Chapter 177: Colder Than A Winter Crypt

    Raegar couldn''t help but collapse to the floor as Drusilla dragged herself over to him, screaming her little lungs out. He grabbed the blonde Fairy and placed her in his pocket to rest.


    ''''Rest my beautiful Fairy,'''' he muttered, smiling.


    As the searing pain began to ebb, he slowly lifted his gaze toward the night sky. Above stretched a vast, endless canvas, thousands upon thousands of stars shimmering like scattered diamonds against the deep velvet of darkness.


    Each twinkle told a story, a light that seemed to pulse with ancient magic and forgotten dreams. For a fleeting moment, the relentless chaos of battle and the storm of power within him gave way to a strange calm.


    But the stillness was broken. Faint sounds stirred at the edges of his senses, a soft rustling, low whispers carried on the cool night breeze. His instincts sharpened instantly, muscles tensing as his eyes snapped toward the source.


    Beyond the protective barrier of the Runes, shadowy figures began to emerge, sleek, silent, and deadly. Nightwalkers. Their eyes gleamed with cold malice, their movements creepy and predatory as they crept closer, testing the limits of the ancient magic that kept them at bay.


    Raegar''s breath caught in his throat, a ragged gasp that betrayed the strain of the relentless battle. The air crackled with tension as the creatures watched him from the darkness, but he ignored them.


    The fight was far from won, yet Raegar stood resolute, his heart pounding with defiance and desperation. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his dagger. Its dark edge gleamed under the moonlight.


    That''s when he leveled it at the horde of creepy humanoid creatures that skulked in the darkness, their eyes glowing like embers in the gloom. Moments later, sparks of violet and azure erupted from the dagger''s tip, coalescing into a barrage of burning projectiles.


    One after another, dozens of the searing bolts tore through the air, each striking with precision, illuminating the battlefield in bursts of light and fire that lit up the surrounding landscapes.


    The creatures howled, some staggering under the onslaught, their twisted forms scorched and smoldering, yet others pressed forward, undeterred by the onslaught. With careful steps, while killing the Nightwalkers.


    As Raegar slipped into the hollow, the dim light of his blades revealed the three girls huddled tightly together. Their faces were ghostly pale, and their wide eyes reflected both fear and relief at his arrival.


    Their breath was visible in the chilly air. Raegar exhaled heavily, a mix of exhaustion and reassurance washing over him as he knew they were all safe. His gaze softened, though his voice carried a teasing edge as he addressed them.


    ''''What, not one of you knows how to start a fire?'''' he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    The girls, still trembling from the biting cold that seeped through the dirt and branch walls, exchanged sheepish glances before shaking their heads in unison, their expressions almost comically innocent.


    A faint smile tugged at Raegar''s lips, dispelling the tension that clung to him from the battle outside. ''''Alright, then,'''' he said warmly. ''''Let''s fix that.''''


    Kneeling beside a small pile of dry moss and twigs he''d taken from his storage, he set to work with practice. His calloused hands moved fast, arranging the kindling in a neat pile before striking his flint with a small knife.


    Sparks danced briefly in the gloom before catching, coaxing a tentative flame to life. He nurtured it carefully, adding larger sticks until a steady fire crackled, casting a golden glow across the hollow.


    The warmth radiated outward, chasing away the chill that had settled into their bones. Dominique sighed softly as the heat brushed against her grey skin like a gentle, comforting wave.


    Her shivering eased, and a faint flush returned to her cheeks as she edged closer to the fire, its light flickering in her grateful eyes. Raegar watched them momentarily, the fire''s warmth mirrored in the quiet resolve that steadied his heart.


    For now, the hollow offered sanctuary, and that fleeting sense of safety was enough to steady his racing heart. But the biting chill that lingered in the air was unmistakable, and he knew it would only grow harsher as the night deepened.


    The girls, though warmed by the fire, still shivered faintly, their breath forming soft clouds in the dim glow. Without a word, Raegar reached into his storage ring and pulled out three thick woolen blankets, sturdy enough to fend off the winter''s bite.


    He''d bought them months ago in a bustling market back at Dreadshade City when he roamed the Bloodfang Forest, anticipating nights like this when the cold would be as much an enemy as the creatures outside, causing him to think. ''There will be hundreds of them lurking in the darkness.''


    Following that, he moved with quiet care, draping a blanket over Dominique, her eyes widening in surprise before a grateful smile spread across her face. He moved to Zahara next, wrapping the heavy fabric around her shoulders.


    Raegar watched as her blonde curls spilled over the blanket''s edge as she murmured a soft thanks. Finally, he turned to Selene, whose gaze softened as the warmth enveloped her, her lips curving into a rare, genuine smile.


    The sight of their relief warmed him more deeply than any fire could, a quiet comfort that, for now, he could protect them from the world''s harshness. Yet Zahara''s worried gaze met his, her brow creased with concern.


    ''''Do you not have a blanket, Rae?'''' she asked, her voice small but laced with concern.


    Dominique and Selene exchanged glances, their heads nodding in unison, their expressions mirroring Zahara''s unease. The three girls, now bundled in their blankets, looked at him with a mix of gratitude and worry, their bond with him evident in their shared concern.


    His heart warmed at their concern, but he brushed it off with a casual wave, his smile unwavering despite the chill seeping into his bones. It felt like sitting in an icy freezer, a creeping cold he chose to ignore.


    ''''I''ll manage,'''' he said, trying to make them not worry. ''''The fire''s enough for me, and besides, I''ve got work to keep me warm.''''


    Raegar''s gaze betrayed him, drifting to the hollow''s shadowed entrance. There, the Creatures of the Night prowled, their dark forms weaving through the gloom, eyes glinting with predatory intent as they sought a breach in their sanctuary.


    Selene''s voice cut through the flickering warmth of the firelit hollow, her eyes wide with alarm. ''''Rae, you''re trembling!'''' she cried, her tone laced with dread. ''''Your skin, it''s turning blue, like frost on glass!''''


    The others'' heads whipped toward him, making him stiffen, their faces mirroring her concern as the weight of her words settled over the group. From his pocket, Drusilla darted out in a flurry of shimmering wings, her high-pitched voice sharp with indignation.


    ''''You''re colder than a winter crypt, Rae! An absolute icebox!'''' she scolded, hovering before him, her glow pulsing with urgency. ''''Wrap yourself in a blanket before you freeze us all with you!''''


    Her words, though sharp, carried a thread of worry, her tiny hands gesturing wildly toward the group of girls nearby, urging him to heed her warning as the chill of the night tightened its grip.


    Raegar let out a weary sigh, his breath visible in the frigid air as he forced himself to his feet. A sharp stab of pain lanced through him, his joints creaking like brittle branches under the weight of the cold that had seeped deep into his bones.


    Shivering uncontrollably, he ignored the concerned gazes and pulled out his tent. With trembling hands, he began to set it up, his movements deliberate despite the ache, surprising the group with his stubborn resolve.


    Drusilla, still hovering near his shoulder, her wings a blur of iridescent light, piped up with a mix of exasperation and concern. ''''Why don''t we all cuddle up to you to share some warmth?''''


    The other girls exchanged glances, their worry softening into agreement. ''''She''s right,'''' Zahara said, while Selene nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with determination.


    Dominique was already gathering the blankets he had given them. Raegar worked fast despite his shivers, erecting the tent with practiced ease, its sturdy canvas forming a small bastion against the biting cold.


    As he crawled inside, the others followed without hesitation, their presence a quiet reassurance. Dominique settled on his right, her shoulder brushing against his as she draped a thick fur over them both.


    Zahara took his left, her warmth a steady anchor as she pressed close, her brow still faintly creased with worry. Selene, with a playful yet careful clamber, nestled onto his chest, her slight weight a comforting pressure as she curled up, her breath warm against his collar.


    The tent, though cramped, became a cocoon of shared heat, their closeness warding off the cold that had threatened to claim him. Drusilla, satisfied, perched on a free spot on his chest, her glow dimming.


    ''''Much better. Now don''t freeze on us, I can''t lose my boy after finding you,'''' she muttered, smiling.

 Chapter 178: Their First Kiss

    Raegar felt the cold being chased away thanks to the four girls cuddling up to him, each one falling asleep apart from the Vampire. After doing that, he turned to Dominique, who was still awake, staring at him with her big green eyes.


    ''''So you''re a Necromancer?'''' he asked quietly.


    A flicker of unease crossed her face, but Raegar quickly dispelled it. ''''That was incredible!'''' he continued. ''''The power you wield is nothing short of extraordinary. I don''t understand why your family shuns it. Necromancy is fascinating, and Death Aether? It''s like nothing I''ve ever seen, wild and mysterious in all the best ways.''''


    Dominique''s face froze in genuine shock, her eyes widening as a flush of surprise chased away her earlier unease. The sudden shift in her expression drew a soft chuckle from him, his amusement warming the chilly air.


    ''''I''m serious,'''' he went on, his voice brimming with infectious enthusiasm. ''''I''m fascinated by all things Aether and magic, Death and Necromancy included. You''ve got to teach me it someday; I want to understand its depths, how it weaves through the fabric of life and beyond.''''


    Leaning closer, he gently brushed a stray lock of her blackish-green hair from her face, his touch light, grounding her in the moment as her heart started racing, and it showed with red cheeks.


    His grin widened, and a mischievous expression appeared as he added. ''''Just imagine the look on your father''s face when he hears his daughter taught the ''famous'' Tetraarch Death magic. He''d probably choke on his pride!''''


    Dominique''s giggle danced through the tent, a bright sound that softened the chill of the night. Her big green eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and warmth as she leaned closer, her voice teasing yet laced with a vulnerable edge.


    ''''Now picture his face if I showed up with you on my arm,'''' she said, smirking. ''''Not one of my prim-and-proper sisters, who are perfect ladies, but me, the tomboy who''d rather spar than curtsy. He''d probably faint from the scandal of it all!''''


    Raegar''s chuckle rumbled low, his eyes glinting with amusement and something deeper, something unspoken that made the air between them hum. He moved closer, the blankets draped over them brushing together, their shared warmth a quiet intimacy in the cramped tent.


    ''''Oh, I think you''re plenty ladylike when it suits you,'''' he murmured, his voice dropping to a softer, more earnest tone that sent a shiver down her spine, one that had nothing to do with the cold. ''''But I like you just as you are, fierce, fearless, and a little wild.''''


    Before she could respond, he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. The gesture was tender, deliberate, and utterly unexpected, stealing the breath from her lungs.


    Dominique went still, her breath catching as her heart stumbled in her chest, a soft flush blooming across her pale cheeks. Her eyes widened, caught between shock and a spark of longing, tangled with a deeper, unfamiliar ache she couldn''t yet name.


    The moment stretched, charged with unspoken possibilities, as Raegar pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his own eyes searching hers with a quiet intensity that made the world outside the tent feel impossibly distant.


    Everything seemed to fade into the background, their presence muted by the electric pull between them, a fragile thread of connection that neither dared to name but both felt humming in the space between.


    As Dominique''s heart thundered in her chest, a wild rhythm that drowned out the soft crackle of the fire and the distant howls beyond their safe place. Her eyes, still wide from his tender kiss, locked onto his, the warmth of his gaze pulling at something deep within her.


    Panic surged, a chaotic swirl of thoughts tumbling through her mind. ''What is this?'' she thought, her breath hitching. ''This feeling, this pull, it''s too much. He''s the Tetraarch, I''m just... me. A vampire. A tomboy. This shouldn''t happen.''


    She felt her hands tremble slightly, tucked beneath the blankets, as she fought the urge to bolt from the tent. Her mind raced, screaming at her to pull back, to laugh it off, to hide the vulnerability threatening to appear. ''He''s just being kind. He doesn''t mean it like that. Does he?''


    But Dominique''s body betrayed her, leaning closer almost against her will, drawn by a quiet, primal instinct that whispered. ''This is right. This is now.''


    Her cheeks burned, the flush deepening as her gaze flickered to his lips, then back to his red eyes, searching for a sign, a reason to stop. There was none, only his charming smile, warm and unguarded, making her heart ache with a longing she didn''t dare name.


    Before she could overthink it further, before the panic could win, something fierce and certain ignited within her, urging her forward. Dominique leaned in, her breath trembling, and pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss.


    It was no gentle peck but a bold, desperate claim, her hands finding his face, fingers curling lightly against his jaw as if to anchor herself in the moment. The world fell away, leaving only the warmth of his mouth against hers as their first kiss unfolded.


    The soft hitch of his breath and the electric spark that coursed through her silenced the chaos in her mind. In that moment, she was simply Dominique, no longer the outcast daughter of the D''Ambrose family or the tomboy who failed their expectations.


    She was a girl alive, bound to the boy that caught her eye from the first day they met by a kiss that pulsed with the weight of fate. Raegar''s breath caught, a jolt of surprise flashing through him when her lips met his, sudden and passionate.


    Yet the shock melted away, and he leaned into her, eagerly returning the kiss that matched her intensity. Her warmth seeped into him, a slow heat, chasing away the lingering chill in his bones.


    Their connection deepened in the quiet sanctuary of the tent as the world beyond faded to a distant hum. The Vampire gently broke the kiss and murmured while cuddling up closer. ''''Let''s rest now and return to Drakenwood at dawn. Baldur will know what to do thanks to being a smart owl.''''


    Raegar nodded, and the two drifted into a deep sleep, cradled by the hollow''s protective embrace, the tent shielding them from the cold as the night creatures stirred beyond and tried to lure them out.


    He had sternly warned the girls to shut out the sinister whispers echoing in the night, ensuring none would be lured beyond the hollow''s safety. They pressed closer to him, their warmth beating back the chilling darkness.


    At dawn, a thunderous clash of steel and roars tore Raegar from sleep, his heart pounding like war drums as people screamed and orders were barked out while the scream of Devils echoed across the land.


    Without hesitation, he surged from the hollow after casting an Aether bubble around the tent to let the girls sleep. Moments later, he emerged into a chaotic dawn where Devil Hunters clashed ferociously with a horde of fiends spilling from a crimson-glowing Red Gate.


    Raegar''s eyes blazed with shock as he summoned his Bloodrose armor and twin daggers, their edges shimmering with death. ''I need to kill them before the hunters fall and the school is threatened,'' he thought, gripping his blades.


    The air was thick with the stench of blood and screams of clashing steel as Hunters and Devils battled it out. His gaze fell on the Red Gate pulsed like a wound in the sky, spewing a relentless tide of fiends, snarling and clawing at the outnumbered Order.


    ''''That''s an entrance to the Devil World,'''' he muttered.


    When laying eyes on that, his heart thundered in his chest as he surveyed the carnage. The ground trembled beneath his boots, littered with shattered weapons and the twisted corpses of friend and foe alike.


    Without thinking, Raegar activated his special ability Fusion Overdrive, his body erupting in a blinding cascade of Aether. The power surged through his veins, a molten torrent that shattered his limits and propelled him to the pinnacle of Tier Ten.


    His armor gleamed like a star forged in battle, and his twin daggers sang with a deadly hum, their edges vibrating with Lightningfire. He launched across the battlefield, a comet of destruction, his movements a blur too swift for mortal eyes to follow.


    Devils fell before him in droves, their monstrous forms shredded into a thousand pieces by the merciless dance of his blades. Claws, fangs, and sinew sprayed in gory arcs as he carved a path through the horde, each strike precise, each slash a death sentence.


    A hulking, horned fiend lunged, its maw dripping venom, only to be bisected mid-roar, its remains collapsing in a steaming heap. Another, a writhing mass of tentacles, reached for him, but he spun, his daggers a whirlwind, reducing it to a pile of quivering flesh in seconds.


    His rage was fueling Fusion Overdrive as it pushed his body beyond mortal constraints, his muscles screaming, his vision sharpened to a predatory edge.

 Chapter 179: Max Output!

    The battlefield blurred past Raegar until his eyes locked onto a sight that stopped his heart and angered him further, as the grip on his weapons tightened as he sliced apart several Devils trying to attack a group of wounded Hunters.


    Moments later, he closed in on Valentina, who stood defiant but seriously injured as blood ran down her armor, her blonde hair streaked with blood, her sword blocking a half-hearted attack from a Tier Eleven Devil Lord.


    When seeing this creature, he stopped running as fear bubbled within, but he ignored it as the beast, a grotesque colossus of molten scales and blazing eyes, swatted her aside with a clawed fist, her body skidding across the blood-soaked earth.


    She struggled to rise, her face etched with pain as the Devil approached the injured Inquisitor, who still couldn''t get up to defend herself. A primal roar tore from Raegar''s throat, raw and earth-shattering, drowning out the din of battle.


    His rage ignited like a supernova, Fusion Overdrive surging to its absolute limit, his aura flaring so brightly it cast shadows across the battlefield, catching the Devil Lords'' attention as he was the true threat.


    Raegar charged, a streak of fury, his daggers moving so fast they were invisible, mere whispers of death slicing through the air. The Devil Lord turned, its molten maw opening to spew fire, but he was already upon it.


    The creature towered over him, eight feet of obsidian muscle, its body etched with glowing infernal runes. Its eyes burned with hatred, and in its clawed hands, it held weapons that pulsed with demonic energy.


    He noticed the Devil Lord was a dagger-wielder just like him. For a moment, the entire battlefield fell silent. Soldiers and monsters alike froze in place. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.


    Then, they moved. In a blinding flash, the two figures collided, and the clash of their blades sent shockwaves across the ruined earth. He dropped low, striking for the Devil Lord''s knees with blistering speed.


    The Devil reacted instantly, parrying with one dagger while slashing toward Raegar''s throat with the other. Raegar ducked under the blow, rolled to the side, and sprang up with a counterattack.


    His daggers became streaks of black, moving too fast to track. Sparks flew as their weapons met again and again, each impact louder than thunder. The ground cracked beneath their feet with every strike.


    They moved like phantoms, each trying to outmatch the other in speed, skill, and sheer ferocity. It was no longer a fight, it was a war of gods. Across the battlefield, the chaos halted. Warriors from both sides, bloodied Hunters, snarling Devils, even commanders, lowered their weapons to watch.


    No one dared to interrupt. All eyes were on Raegar and the Devil Lord, locked in a deadly, beautiful dance. The enemy unleashed a furious flurry of slashes, spinning and striking with terrifying skill.


    He met every blow, his blades flashing like lightning as he countered, deflected, and struck back. The Devil Lord spun into a savage series of strikes, its daggers tearing through the air like scythes.


    Each blow was meant to kill, merciless, and backed by infernal strength. Raegar''s arms blurred as he blocked, parried, and dodged, his body a whirlwind of chaos. Their blades clashed with the sound of a hundred thunderclaps.


    Craters exploded around them from the sheer force of their movements. Earthquakes rippled outward with every step they took, and still, the duo did not stop as they were matched in power and strength, but he had the upper hand in Aether use.


    Raegar roared as something came to him mid-fight, his voice primal and defiant. ''''FUSION OVERDRIVE, MAX OUTPUT!''''


    A burst of energy erupted from his core. His aura surged to impossible levels, flaring gold and white like a star gone supernova. The shockwave vaporized the ground beneath him and hurled debris across the battlefield.


    Hunters shielded their faces. Lesser Devils were thrown off and instantly killed. Even the Devil Lord faltered for a heartbeat. And that was all Raegar needed. He vanished again, faster than lightning, faster than thought.


    One instant he was standing still, the next, he was behind the powerful enemy, his daggers a storm of slashes. He carved into its back, drawing a roar of rage as black blood sprayed into the air.


    The fiend spun, enraged, and its weapons screamed through the air, barely missing Raegar''s throat once again as he moved out of its way. The two collided again, their strikes now beyond mortal comprehension.


    Their movements shattered time itself, caught between seconds as they battled in a realm of speed and power no one else there could enter. The Devil''s rune-covered skin burned brighter, reacting in fury.


    It twisted its body unnaturally, launching itself into the air, bringing both daggers down with hellish force. When Raegar saw this, he quickly crossed his blades and blocked, but the impact cratered the battlefield beneath them, sending shockwaves through the ranks.


    Raegar grunted, skidding back, causing his boots to tear trenches into the earth. He let out a second, deafening roar, and Fusion Overdrive pulsed again, overclocking past safe limits as Aether rushed through him.


    Energy exploded around him in arcs of raw power, burning white-hot. His eyes glowed like twin suns, his white hair whipping wildly in the storm he had become, and this scene even worried the enemy.


    Its clawed hand pointed at him as a menacing voice echoed out, trying to sow discord. ''''You''re the Devil Killer, the humans should be careful with you, there''s more to you than your appearance lets on.''''


    He ignored the fiends'' words as he charged forward, the battlefield blurred around him as he struck with fury, slashes to the ribs, stabs to the shoulders, feints and spins, strikes that bent the air around them.


    The Devil Lord blocked, countered, and retaliated with equal savagery, its dark power crackling with rage. Raegar staggered slightly as he moved in close, blood dripping from a gash above his eye.


    His armor was torn and scorched, and each breath burned in his lungs. His hands gripped his daggers tightly, but the enemy was waiting. With a sudden, brutal twist, the demon knocked the weapons from his grip, sending them skidding across the ground.


    He barely had time to react before its hand slammed into his ribs, launching him backward. Bones cracked as he hit the ground hard, coughing blood. The Devil Lord sneered, towering over him, its twin daggers glowing before vanishing into its hellish flesh.


    One claw rose, gathering a seething orb of black and crimson energy. The infernal runes on its body blazed like firebrands. A Devil Beam, pure annihilation, concentrated into a single blast.


    Raegar lifted his head, barely conscious. Blood ran from his mouth. His legs trembled beneath him. He was unarmed, wounded, and staring death in the face. The Devil Lord raised its hand and aimed.


    ''''Perish,'''' it hissed.


    The beam roared to life, a colossal wave of destruction barreling toward him. But he didn''t retreat. Instead, with a pained snarl, he forced himself to his feet, shoulders hunched, every muscle screaming in agony.


    With a thunderous cry, Raegar channeled all the remaining Aether in his body into his fists. His aura exploded once more, not in brilliance, but in raw, burning intensity, and his skin cracked with the force of it, blood dripping from wounds.


    As the Devil Beam collided with him, he charged straight through it. The blast burned his flesh, seared his skin. His vision blurred, and the heat threatened to tear him apart. But he kept going, screaming with pain and fury, forging forward with fire in his soul.


    And then, in one final burst of will, he let out a roar of defiance before striking. ''''You''re done!''''


    His Aether-empowered fist rocketed upward, catching the Devil Lord beneath the jaw in a devastating uppercut. There was a moment of stillness that covered the battlefield, shocking everyone watching.


    Then, detonation, the Devil Lord''s head exploded in a torrent of black fire and shattered bone, launched into the sky before vaporizing completely. Its body collapsed to the ground with a deafening thud, unmoving.


    Once the battle was over, he stood there tired, but he sensed even more Devils appearing as the Red Gate started to shut when the remaining Hunters started chanting some unknown spell.


    Moments later, Raegar saw the portal begin to close, enabling him to dispatch the remaining fiends. A sudden Dark Blast struck the nearest creature as the girls charged into the fray, with Selene swiftly advancing, her blade carving through the enemies with precision.


    They collapsed dead as he was surprised, but soon enough, Earth Blasts protected him from the charging Devils, thanks to Dominique. Just then, the blonde Fairy appeared in front of his face with an annoyed expression.


    Drusilla pointed at him. ''''Raegar Blackwood! You mustn''t do stupid stuff like this. We''re a team, we fight together and fall together,'''' she scolded him.


    Raegar chuckled, but the pain caused him to drop to one knee, prompting the Fairy to start healing as Zahara joined to help. The brown-skinned beauty smiled. ''''Thanks for letting us rest, the crash took too much out of us.''''

 Chapter 180: Its The Headmistress

    Raegar felt much better thanks to Drusilla''s and Zahara''s healing magic, and once that was done, he noticed Valentina approaching him with a concerned expression as she suddenly hugged him.


    This shocked the girls and the surrounding Hunters, as she is known to be stern, but the blonde whispered that only he could hear. ''''Thank you for helping me, Rae. I thought I was going to die, then you appeared.''''


    ''''Well, the Devils caused the crash,'''' he revealed. ''''I felt that horrible pulse erupt from the craft before it was taken out, but everything happened too fast.''''


    Raegar sighed before continuing. ''''But we should head back to the school as we''ve missed Light Days classes.''''


    Valentina smiled, letting him go just as a Healer Hunter rushed up to them as more Order forces arrived, only to be shocked when all the Devils were dead and there wasn''t anything to fight.


    A big man with salt and pepper hair appeared after taking off his helmet and saluted the blonde. ''''Inquistor, we rushed out here from Willowbank, but it looks like we weren''t needed,'''' he said.


    The older woman laughed, motioning to Raegar. ''''This is Raegar Blackwood, nephew of the Lord Inquisitor Amara and the famous Tetraarch Mage that attends Drakenwood and will become one of its best students as he killed all the Devils along with their Lord.''''


    When the older man heard this, his brown eyes widned before nodding at him with respect. ''''Thank you for helping us young master, I''ve heard about some of the things you''ve done over the last year.''''


    Raegar chuckled. ''''Yes, those merchants like to talk on their travels, and I was only heading home when I came across the pirates,'''' he said.


    Following that, Valentia and the man went about their work setting up Anti Devil Runes with the blonde promising to come see him on his day off. This confused him, but he shrugged and made his way over to the four girls.


    The group huddled together, their voices a low hum of excited chatter and whispered gossip, the morning air crisp around them, causing him to think. ''Hopefully, there''s no more Devil attacks after the Rune is activated.''


    When he got close, laughter and murmurs mingled as they chatted. Suddenly, Dominique paused, her eyes catching a glimpse of something in the distance. She pointed toward the horizon where a faint path snaked through the grasslands.


    ''''Baldur says the road to the school lies that way,'''' she announced, a bright smile spreading across her face. ''''Come on, let''s get moving!''''


    Her words ignited a wave of agreement, ripples of enthusiasm spreading through the group. With eager glances, they fell in step behind her, boots crunching rhythmically on the earth as they walked toward the road.


    The surviving Hunters, their faces etched with gratitude and relief, turned to Raegar, who had guided them through the perils they''d faced. One by one, they offered heartfelt thanks, their voices heavy with respect.


    Raegar gave a simple nod in return, his eyes scanning the group to ensure no one was left behind as Drusilla flew into his pocket and got comfortable as they said their goodbyes to the Hunters.


    With the path ahead clear thanks to all the Devils being killed. As the four of them walked, the air suddenly changed causing them to stop. The girls heads swivled around only to see nothing.


    ''''What is that cold feeling?'''' Selene asked, her voice tinged with unease as she glanced around, her yellow eyes scanning the surrounding trees.


    Her breath caught slightly, visible in the suddenly frosty air.


    ''''It''s the headmistress,'''' came the low, certain reply from Raegar, his gaze fixed ahead.


    No sooner had he spoken than a figure materialized before them, as if conjured from the mist itself. The blue-haired woman stood tall, her presence commanding and serene, yet her piercing eyes landed on the group.


    ''''I''m relieved to see all four of you safe and unharmed,'''' Headmistress Von Hohenstein said, her voice laced with a warmth that softened her typically stern demeanor.


    Her sharp blue gaze swept over the group, assessing them with a mix of concern and relief. ''''When Valentina reported that students were caught in a crash, my heart sank. Hearing your names among those involved sent us into a frenzy. We''ve been scouring the area since last night, searching for any sign of you.''''


    Raegar let out a laugh, his shoulders shaking as he waved off her concern with a casual flick of his hand. ''''No need to worry, Headmistress. The Order was already on the scene when I woke up, and the Red Gate opened.''''


    This caused the older woman to nod as he continued talking. ''''We survived the crash without a scratch, found a safe spot to hunker down for the night, and got some rest until I got woke up the next morning.''''


    The headmistress nodded before revealing. ''''I will be teleporting you guys back to school.''''


    As the words left her lips, she froze with wide eyes as Drusilla''s head popped out of his pocket, yawning. ''''What''s going on, Rae? Why is it so cold?''''


    ''''Why do you have a Dark Fairy Raegar Blackwood?'''' the headmistress questioned suspiciously.


    He looked at the little bond and answered. ''''I bought her from the auction house in Brightwater City, it pissed people off but it doesn''t matter as I don''t care about them or their angry words.''''


    The girls quickly jumped in with Selene adding. ''''Headmistress, Drusilla is lovely and has helped us out a lot, she even healed Rae from the assassins poison.''''


    ''''It''s the reason we survived,'''' Zahara said confidently. ''''If he wasn''t healed, the Night Creatures would have gotten us.''''


    ''''What about you D''Ambrose?'''' the older woman questioned.


    Dominique shrugged. ''''There''s nothing wrong with Dark Fairies if you listen to the stories, but you could say the same for Necromancers?'''' she answered.


    The headmistress laughed but started nodding. ''''Yes, you''re right. Dark Magic isn''t bad, it''s the people that use it, funny enough, some of the nicest people I know are Death Mages and Necromancers.''''


    ''''Aren''t there Death Temples in the north that provide healing and food for the poor?'''' Selene asked, her voice bright with curiosity as she tilted her head. ''''My father always spoke fondly of them, saying they''re generous but cautious, keeping strangers at arm''s length until they''ve earned their trust.''''


    Headmistress Von Hohenstein nodded. ''''Your father''s not wrong, Selene. They are known for their charity, offering healing and meals to those in need, no matter their station. They''re sanctuaries in the far north, rooted in traditions. But their wariness runs deep, forged by years of safeguarding sacred rites from outsiders. It takes time and sincerity to earn their welcome, as they value loyalty and respect above all.''''


    The older woman paused, her gaze softening as a faint smile touched her lips. ''''It''s a delicate balance of kindness and caution, Selene, a lesson worth learning if you ever find yourself at a Death Temple. But enough of that for now; you''ll explore such matters in your classes soon enough. Our priority is getting you five back, where you''ll be safe and sound.''''


    With a wave of her hand, a shimmering mist unfurled from her fingertips, swirling around the group like a living veil. Raegar felt a sudden tug, as if an invisible force had hooked his core, pulling him through space itself.


    He noticed the world blur for a heartbeat, the chill of the mist mingling with a fleeting sensation of weightlessness. Moments later, the fog dissipated, and they stood in the familiar stone-paved courtyard of the school.


    The towering spires of the school loomed overhead, their weathered gargoyles gazing down as if welcoming them home, while the distant hum of student chatter echoed from the halls beyond.


    Once back, the headmistress turned to them and concluded. ''''Now rest for the day and make sure you''re ready for classes.''''


    She looked at Raegar and Drusilla, who were sitting on his shoulder, watching the scene with her big blue eyes. ''''She can enroll in your classes, it seems you both will be with each other for years to come.''''


    The beautiful Fairy nodded, beaming. ''''Yes, headmistress! We''re bonded now!'''' she exclaimed.


    Following that, Corrine left the garden, and Raegar was about to speak, but Selene summoned her sword and pointed it at him, grinning. ''''Show me your true strength, Rae, and this time don''t hold back. If you do, we''re no longer friends.''''


    ''''Are you sure?'''' he warned, narrowing his eyes. ''''When we fought previously, I held back ninety percent of my power; this time I won''t and will show you what I can truly do.''''


    As those words left his lips, the Demoness got excited and trembled as she replied. ''''Yes! Let''s do it.''''


    Once that was decided, Selene led them toward the training field, where there was an arena for students to fight. While walking, Raegar tried talking to Dominique, but she didn''t say anything about their kiss last night and ignored his question.


    ''She''s embarrassed or in denial,'' he mused, smiling. ''I''ll let her work it out and make the next move.''

 Chapter 181: What Is It About Demon Girls?

    While walking toward the training grounds, Raegar noticed people were going to class and staring at them. Other groups were avoiding them and getting out of their way as they whispered among themselves.


    ''''What are they looking at?'''' he muttered.


    Just then, someone grabbed him from behind in a bear hug, causing his heart to race, and he was about to summon his daggers, but stopped as two girls hugged the others, and he guessed it was Rune, but it was too late.


    He was sent flying with a single punch from Drusilla. Just then, the Dark Fairy flared to life, causing her black hair and red eyes to appear as she declared in an ominous voice. ''''Don''t you ever grab my boy like that again! If you think you can bully him, you''ll learn what it''s like to get on the wrong side of me.''''


    This scared the other students, but he grabbed her, explaining. ''''That''s my friend Drusilla, he just likes to hug me and is very touchy. And do you honestly think someone can bully me? I fight stronger enemies all the time; someone my age is nothing.''''


    When the Fairy heard his words, she calmed down, apologizing. ''''Sorry for that, Rae, I thought he was trying to hurt you.''''


    Raegar chuckled and, to calm her down completely, he kissed the top of her little hea,d causing her face to go bright red as she scrambled into his pocket. This made the others laugh.


    While this happened, Vienna and Luna were staring with wide eyes as the green-haired girl questioned. ''''So you bought the Fairy? And why did she call you her ''boy?''''


    He was about to reply, but Selene interrupted with a knowing grin. ''''It''s clear the two like each other, it''s just the size stopping them.''''


    Just then, he felt his cheeks go red, but Zahara joined in. ''''Drusilla is VERY protective of him since they bonded.''''


    ''''Bonded? He bonded with a Dark Fairy!'''' Luna exclaimed in shock. ''''Aren''t they supposed to be evil? Bad omens?''''


    He shook his head as Rune and Caspian joined just in time to hear his answer. ''''No. Light Fairies can be cruel as well, depending on the person, not magic.''''


    ''''Remember, I can use Dark and Death Aether?'''' he concluded.


    This caused Vienna and Luna to nod as Drusilla reappeared and greeted the girls as she flew into the group. While this happened, Rune stood beside him, chuckling. ''''Looks like you found a good one, Rae, at least I know you''ll be safe without me around.''''


    Raegar started chuckling. ''''Yes, she''s one of a kind, like the others. Sorry about her hitting you, she is protective over me,'''' he explained.


    His giant friend waved it away with an amused expression. ''''Don''t worry about it, I''m a defender and need to be able to take a punch. Though I didn''t expect a Fairy to hit so hard.''''


    The three boys started laughing, their voices echoing through the crisp morning air as they trudged along the winding path toward the training grounds. Their banter was lively, filled with playful jabs and tales of past adventures, each trying to outdo the other.


    He noticed the morning sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that danced across the dew-kissed grass, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of pine from the nearby forest.


    As they neared their destination, the distant hum of activity grew louder, a chaotic symphony of clashing steel, shouted commands, and the rhythmic thud of boots against the earth. The training ground came into view, a field bustling with older students already busy.


    Wooden practice swords clacked together, and instructors barked orders, their voices cutting through the clamor. Dust swirled in the air, kicked up by the frenetic movement of sparring pairs, while the occasional glint of polished armor caught the sunlight.


    The boys'' chatter tapered off, their focus shifting to the scene before them, a mix of anticipation and nerves flickering in their eyes. Selene, ever the firebrand, broke away from the group with a sudden burst of energy.


    Her boots pounded the ground as she bolted toward her designated spot on the field, her movements fast and purposeful. She skidded to a halt, her white hair whipping around her face, and began bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet.


    The Demoness''s eyes gleamed with a fierce determination, her body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash its energy. Selene''s hands flexed at her sides, fingers itching to grip the hilt of her sword.


    Raegar couldn''t help but grin when he saw the red-skinned beauty staring at him, waiting for their fight to begin. He summoned his daggers before giving her one last warning. ''''I won''t be holding back, this is to show you how strong I truly am.''''


    With a wave, she halted him just steps away, their friends watching eagerly from the sidelines. The girls rallied behind Selene, cheering excitedly. While the boys roared support for him, their clamor drew every student and professor''s gaze.


    ''''Show me your aura, Rae,'''' she suddenly asked. ''''I want to feel it.''''


    He nodded, letting his hidden aura flare out and cover everything around him, causing Selene''s yellow eyes to glow in excitement as she bit her bottom lip without taking her gaze off him.


    Seconds later, the training field transformed, students doubled over, retching, while professors blanched, their faces drained of color. A piercing alarm tore through the air, shrieking of a formidable monster''s presence.


    Zahara and Dominique stared at him, wide-eyed, as Drusilla scrambled from his pocket, trembling. ''''It''s like I was staring down a nightmare beast!'''' she gasped.


    ''''No surprise,'''' the Vampire replied. ''''He spent a year in the Bloodfang Forest, and has been fighting powerful Devils for months. But the one thing that confuses me is why does he hide it?''''


    Before Drusilla or Zahara could reply, he suddenly appeared in front of them with a charming smile. ''''To give people the impression that I''m weak, hence why the fiends always attack me and then die,'''' he explained.


    In a flash, he materialized in the heart of the arena, where Selene stood ready, her face illuminated by a confident smile. Without hesitation, she surged forward with explosive speed, her movements a blur of grace and power.


    Raegar''s instincts kicked in; he sidestepped, evading her lightning-fast strike. Reacting on impulse, he thrust his palm downward, unleashing a torrent of Aether that slammed into the ground.


    A thick cloud of dust erupted, cloaking the arena in a swirling haze that disoriented the fierce Demoness. Seizing the moment, he darted forward with a mischievous grin, delivering a playful slap to her bum.


    Selene let out a startled yelp, her cheeks flushing as she spun around, her blade slicing through the air in retaliation. ''''You cheeky human!'''' she exclaimed.


    He ducked beneath the swing. With a flick of his hand, he swatted her calves, throwing her off balance. She stumbled forward, her footing unsteady, and in that split second, he vanished in a shimmer of Aether, reappearing silently behind her.


    Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her thin waist, pulling her close in a firm yet gentle hold. But as her scent, a mix of wildflowers and something distinctly otherworldly, filled his senses, he froze, momentarily captivated.


    Selene, ever perceptive, caught the shift in his behaviour and was internally happy for some reason, but couldn''t understand. Moments later, a sly smile curved her lips as she pressed herself closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper.


    ''''Well, well, looks like you''ve got the upper hand, Rae,'''' she murmured, her breath warm against his ear. ''''But I didn''t realize I had this effect on you. What is it about Demon girls that gets you so... enchanted?''''


    Raegar''s grip loosened slightly, his mind still reeling from her intoxicating scent and the warmth of her pressed against him. Her teasing words hung in the air as she melted into his embrace.


    The arena''s dust settled around them, and the distant cheers of their friends faded into a low hum, as if the world had narrowed to just the two of them. He cleared his throat, a rare flush creeping up his neck, but his eyes locked onto hers, steady and sincere.


    ''''Selene, it''s not just... that Demon girls thing,'''' he revealed.


    He flashed a half-smile, trying to shake off the nerves. ''''It''s you. Your strength it''s unreal. The way you charge into a fight, no hesitation, no fear, like you were born for it.''''


    Selene tilted her head, her smirk softening into something curious, her yellow eyes glinting as she listened. He pressed on, his words gaining momentum. ''''And it''s not just how you fight. It''s how you are.''''


    Raegar ran his fingers down her arm, causing the Demoness to shiver in delight as he continued. ''''You don''t bother with all that prim-and-proper nonsense like the other girls around here. You''re sharp-tongued, bold, and unapologetic. You''re not trying to be some delicate lady, and I like that. That''s more than enough for me.''''

 Chapter 182: Not quite, loverboy

    Raegar noticed Selene was silent momentarily, her usual quick wit replaced by a flicker of surprise and deeper, redder cheeks. Then her lips curved into a genuine smile, softer than before but still edged with her signature mischief.


    ''''Well, Rae,'''' she said, stepping back just enough to look him up and down, her tone playful but warm. ''''Didn''t know you were such a sweet-talker under all that Aether and bravado. Careful, you might make me fall in love with you.''''


    She gave him a light shove, but her gorgeous yellow eyes lingered on his, a spark of something new passing between them as she thought. ''This boy is so cheeky. I love his confidence.''


    The crowd''s cheers surged back to life, snapping them out of the moment, forgetting they were in the middle of a spar. Selene spun her sword in her hand, regaining her composure, and shot him a challenging grin.


    ''''So, you gonna keep flattering me, or are we finishing this fight?'''' she asked, already dropping into a stance, her energy as fierce as ever.


    Raegar chuckled, shaking his head as he matched her stance, Aether crackling faintly around his fingers. ''''Oh, we''re finishing it,'''' he said, his tone brimming with excitement. ''''But don''t think I''m going easy on you just ''cause I like your style.''''


    Selene lunged forward, her sword slicing through the air with a whistle, her movements as fast as they were ferocious, but it was nothing to him as he could see every action she made, making him smile.


    He met her advance with a sidestep, his Aether-charged hands deflecting her blade with a shimmering barrier. The arena rang with the clash of their powers, sparks flying as their energies collided, causing both of them to smile.


    Her eyes danced with exhilaration, and she shot him a wicked grin mid-strike. ''''Not bad, Rae,'''' she purred, twirling her blade in a flourish. ''''But you''re gonna have to do better than that to keep up with me.''''


    Reager smirked, quickly ducking under another swing and countering with a burst of Aether that sent a gust of wind rippling through her hair. ''''Keep up? I''m already ahead, Sel,'''' he teased, his voice light but laced with challenge.


    He darted closer, deliberately brushing past her just enough to feel the heat of her presence, then spun away before she could retaliate. ''''You''re fast, but I''m faster.''''


    ''''Oh, you think so?'''' Selene laughed, her tone dripping with playful defiance.


    She pivoted, her sword arcing low to catch his legs, but Reager leaped over the blade, landing with a roll that brought him dangerously close again. He flicked a spark of Aether at her, not to harm but to graze her cheek like a teasing caress.


    She gasped, more in mock outrage than pain, and swatted it away. ''''Cheap shot, Rae! You''re trying to distract me with those pretty sparks?''''


    ''''Pretty, huh?'''' he grinned, blocking her next strike with a pulse of energy that made the air hum. ''''Guess I''m not the only one noticing things.''''


    Raegar watched as she blushed so hard that her red cheeks went an even darker color. Their banter flowed as naturally as their fight, each strike and dodge laced with a flirtatious edge that kept the crowd roaring.


    Her laughter mingled with the clash of their attacks, and he couldn''t help but admire how her confidence lit up the arena. Finally, Selene feinted left, then spun right, aiming a playful tap of her sword''s flat edge against his shoulder.


    He caught her wrist just in time, pulling her in close for a fleeting moment, their faces inches apart, something sparked as a connection was forming. ''''Gotcha,'''' he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek.


    Selene''s yellow eyes sparkled, and she leaned in just enough to murmur, ''''Not quite, loverboy,'''' before slipping free with a nimble twist, leaving him chuckling.


    The fight ended as abruptly as it had begun as he appeared behind her and held his dagger at her throat so fast that she couldn''t see or even react. The arena fell into a charged silence, punctuated only by the crowd''s wild cheers.


    He watched the Demoness with a smile, who stood panting, playful tension still crackling in the air. But as he straightened, ready to toss another quip her way, a sudden chill ran down his spine, a primal instinct, like the gaze of predators locking onto him.


    Raegar''s smile faltered, and he scanned the sidelines, his senses on edge. There, standing among their friends, were Dominique and Zahara, their eyes fixed on him with unsettling intensity, radiating jealousy.


    The Vampire girl''s arms were crossed, her sharp gaze cutting through the crowd like a blade, while the blonde''s lips curved in a knowing smirk, her stare glinting with something between amusement and warning.


    Their attention slammed into Raegar like a tidal wave, pinning him in place, heart racing as if he were prey cornered by predators. ''Why are those two looking at me like that?'' he thought, confused.


    Selene caught his unease, her eyes flicking to her two friends, her grin turned sharp and mischievous. ''''Well, well, Rae,'''' she purred, leaning closer, her voice a low as she brushed her fingers lightly down his arm. ''''Seems like they see what I do, maybe we can be sister wives one day.''''


    Raegar went rigid when hearing Selene''s words, and she only made it worse as her hand lingered on his shoulder, her playful shake sending a jolt through him. Her lips curled into a wicked, knowing smirk, emboldened by his reaction.


    ''''Oh, Rae, getting all tense on me?'''' she murmured, a sultry whisper as she slid closer, her fingers trailing teasingly down his chest. ''''Relax, handsome. Or do I need to work a little harder to loosen you up?''''


    Her yellow eyes sparkled with mischief, daring him to respond as she leaned in, her breath grazing his neck, making his pulse race. Raegar''s face flushed as Selene''s fingers lingered on his chest, her teasing smirk burning into him.


    ''''Don''t get too cozy, Rae. I''m not down with you yet,'''' she teased.


    With a final, deliberate graze of her hand along his arm, she spun away, her hips swaying as she sauntered off. The two girls watching from afar shifted their gaze to Selene, their eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and judgment.


    ''''Hey, you two,'''' she said while joining them. ''''Did you see how flustered our Tetraarch was? His cheeks are still red.''''


    Vienna''s sharp laugh erupted behind him, joined by Luna''s softer giggle. Rune''s booming chuckle followed, and Caspians'' sly snicker capped it off, their laughter ringing out, leaving Raegar caught in the crossfire of their amusement and the girls'' lingering gazes.


    Following that, they left the training ground under the shocked gazes of the older students and professors. Drusilla quickly flew over to him and slipped into his pocket to rest as the girls decided to go to the nurse''s office to try to get Nurse Kitsunia to help them.


    Raegar looked at the Demoness and the Vampire curiously. ''''Why are you two going? You aren''t healers or even have Light Aether.''''


    Dominique shrugged. ''''They are our friends and I don''t have any classes,'''' she explained.


    ''''I may not be able to use it, but Nurse Kitsunia knows how to fight,'''' Selene reasoned. ''''I want to see if she can teach me anything from the Far East, they have some amazing fighting styles.''''


    He nodded before saying his goodbyes to the five girls as they started heading toward the healing building, leaving him with Rune and Caspian. He turned to the two boys, asking. ''''What lessons do you both have?''''


    ''''Aether Engineering,'''' his dark-haired friend answered with a spark of enthusiasm. ''''We''re just starting with the basics, but it''s already fascinating, especially since it''s becoming a cornerstone of the empire.''''


    Rune answered next. ''''Potion Brewing, maybe I can make some healing ones for you? Considering you''re always getting injured.''''


    Raegar let out a hearty laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ''''Sounds good to me, my friend, but I''ve got Drusilla for healing now," he said, giving the fairy on his shoulder a playful nudge.


    The Dark Fairy poked her head out, questioning with a curious spark in her big blue eyes. ''''You called? Are you hurt after the fight, Rae?''''


    He shook his head, explaining. ''''No, I''m fine, Rune here offered to make me some health potions.''''


    When Drusilla heard this, she flew out and appeared in front of the giant, speaking. ''''Sorry for hitting you, I didn''t know you were a friend.''''


    The brown-haired boy waved her away, smiling. ''''Don''t worry about it, we''re all friends here and misunderstandings happen.''''


    Following that, Caspian turned to him with a curious expression as he asked. ''''Would you like to come to Willowbank after school? We''re going to get some Brightshakes, I heard the bakery has even more flavors now.''''


    He was confused, but Rune explained. ''''It''s a student favourite. The woman who owns the place created a drink from milk and Aether Fruit; somehow, she blends it and creates Brightshakes.''''

 Chapter 183: No Misinterpretations Here, Drusilla

    ''Milkshakes!'' Raegar thought, shocked, but still answered after shaking his head. ''''Yes, I''ll come, what about the girls?''''


    He watched as Rune nodded. ''''Yes, Vienna is going to ask them, and Drusilla here will be with you,'''' he answered.


    ''''Alright, get to class and meet at the entrance once the last bell goes off?'''' he suggested.


    Caspain agreed before the duo said their goodbyes, leaving him and the Dark Fairy alone as she sat on his shoulder. ''''What do you want to do? Study at the library?''''


    ''''No,'''' he replied. ''''We''re going to check out a F Rank Dungeon as we have the day off.''''


    When the blonde heard this, she hovered up and appeared in front of his face with her hands on her hips like an angry mother. ''''Do you want to get injured again?''''


    Raegar chuckled at her words before rubbing her little head. ''''It''s a weak one, we can easily do it using spells, I don''t have to get close to any monsters,'''' he reassured.


    ''''Promise me you won''t be so reckless?'''' she pleaded, her voice tinged with worry. ''''I hate seeing you hurt, it''s not right.''''


    With a tender touch, Raegar lifted the Fairy, his eyes locking with hers before he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson, and he could almost see steam curling from her ears, a sight that warmed his heart with undeniable affection.


    She shot into the air, her face still glowing scarlet, stammering. ''''Rae, you can''t just kiss a girl like that! What if she... misinterprets it?''''


    Raegar''s lips curved into a roguish, yet utterly captivating smile as he strolled away. ''''No misinterpretations here, Drusilla,'''' he teased, his tone low and laced with promise.


    Left hovering in the air, Drusilla''s heart pounded as she tried to shake off her flustered state. Why did that kiss set my soul ablaze? she thought, her wings fluttering wildly. Shaking her head, she darted after him, landing lightly on his shoulder and playfully swatting at him.


    ''''Stupid boy!'''' she muttered, but he didn''t miss the big smile on her pretty face.


    Their shared laughter echoed warmly as they neared the entrance, only to be interrupted by a sudden shout calling his name. ''''Blackwood!'''' a voice rang out.


    Raegar spun around to find Valentina hurrying toward him, her smile radiant. She paused, her gaze flickering to the blonde fairy perched on his shoulder. With a warm grin, he gestured to her. ''''This is Drusilla, my bonded Dark Fairy.''''


    The older woman''s smile widened as she reached into her satchel, pulling out a small bundle of letters tied with a ribbon. ''''These are from home,'''' she said, handing them to him. ''''Your family''s been eager to hear from you.''''


    She paused, her eyes twinkling with warmth. ''''I''m Valentina Morris, an Inquisitor with the Order, and a dear friend of his Aunt Amara and mother.''''


    Drusilla, still perched on his shoulder, tilted her head, studying the older blonde with a mischievous glint in her eyes. ''''Well, I like you. You''re an honest woman who cares for him,'''' she declared. ''''Oh, and I thought you should know, Rae likes you too.''''


    Raegar and Valentina froze, their eyes widening as they turned to the Fairy in unison, stunned. ''''Drusilla!'''' he sputtered.


    The fairy giggled, unfazed, and fluttered her wings. ''''What? It''s true! We''re bonded, remember? I can feel your heartbeat, Rae, it''s a safety measure. And it''s been racing ever since she ran up.''''


    She crossed her arms, smirking. ''''Don''t try to deny it.''''


    Valentina''s cheeks pinkened, but a soft laugh escaped her as she glanced at Raegar, her gaze lingering. ''''Is that so?'''' she teased, her tone playful yet curious.


    Raegar rubbed the back of his neck, caught between embarrassment and amusement. ''''She''s... not wrong,'''' he admitted, a sly smile tugging at his lips as he met her eyes.


    Drusilla''s snicker softened into a warm, knowing smile as she perched on his shoulder, her gaze fixed on him with a quiet, unspoken tenderness. Her heart swelled with fierce determination.


    ''I''ll make sure you''re loved in this life, my boy, unlike the one before,'' she vowed silently, her eyes glinting with protective warmth as she glanced at him.


    Valentina''s eyes softened as she gazed at Raegar, a trace of wistfulness in her smile. ''''We''ll have a proper chance to catch up soon, I promise,'''' she said warmly. ''''The Order and Drakenwood have me stretched thin, running across the empire for their endless demands.''''


    Her gaze shifted to the Fairy, and a knowing glint flickered in her eyes. ''''I trust you''ll keep this meeting just between us?'''' she asked.


    Drusilla''s wings twitched, and she crossed her arms, her expression fierce yet earnest. ''''As long as you don''t hurt him,'''' she said. ''''If you do, I won''t hold back, don''t expect me to, Valentina.''''


    Before Raegar could process her words, an overwhelming Tier Ten aura surged from the Dark Fairy, a force that pressed down. His eyes widened as the sheer power enveloped them, vibrant and unyielding.


    ''She''s this strong?'' he thought, his mind reeling with awe. ''A Tier Ten fairy... why would someone so powerful choose to bond with me?''


    His heart raced, caught between astonishment and a quiet sense of gratitude, as he glanced at Drusilla. Her gaze softened for a moment, meeting his with a silent promise of protection, while Valentina watched the exchange with a faint, approving smile.


    Valentina''s smile bloomed, her eyes alight with fond memories. ''''Quite the contrary,'''' she said warmly. ''''Amara, Victoria, and I grew up together, thick as thieves, you could say. I''ve already had a word with his mother, and trust me, she was overjoyed to know our paths have crossed again.''''


    The Dark Fairy nodded, beaming. ''''Good, at least you''re an honest noblewoman. Most are liars,'''' she revealed.


    After that, the older woman left to go catch a Carrier to the capital. She left with twenty Order Knights that he watched and sensed most were Tier Sevens, others Tier Sixes, catching his attention.


    ''''Let''s get going, Rae,'''' Drusilla said. ''''I want to fight some monsters, it''s been years since I''ve stepped into one.''


    Raegar nodded, reaching into his ring to retrieve a worn map he''d borrowed from the library. He unfolded it carefully, his eyes scanning the markings until they settled on the nearest F-Rank dungeon location.


    ''''Looks like there''s one just ten minutes from here,'''' he said, pointing to a small clearing marked on the map. ''''Should be an easy start.''''


    After bidding farewell to Valentina, he made his way out, the heavy gates swinging open at the guard''s command. The headmistress had granted him the rare privilege of coming and going as he pleased, thanks to the remarkable power he''d demonstrated since joining the prestigious institution.


    Lost in thought, Raegar barely noticed the bustling crowd beyond the gates until someone collided with him, jolting him back to the present. He blinked, shaking his head to clear his musings.


    That''s when he realized an older woman with purple hair had stumbled to the ground, her belongings scattered across the cobblestones. Without hesitation, he knelt beside her, his movements swift yet gentle as he helped her to her feet.


    He gathered her fallen bag, brushing off the dust before handing it to her with a sheepish smile. ''''I''m so sorry about that, miss,'''' he said earnestly, his voice tinged with genuine concern. ''''I wasn''t watching where I was going. Are you alright?''''


    The woman steadied herself, brushing a strand of purple hair from her face as she looked up at Raegar. Her eyes, an unsettling shade of amethyst, locked onto his with an intensity that made Drusilla''s wings twitch uneasily.


    She was still perched on his shoulder, caught a fleeting flicker in the woman''s gaze, something dark and unreadable that sent a chill through her tiny frame.


    ''''Thank you, young man,'''' the stranger said, her voice smooth as silk but laced with an eerie warmth.


    A slow, unsettling smile curled her lips, revealing a hint of something predatory beneath her polite facade. ''''Not many would stop to help a stranger so kindly.''''


    Raegar, oblivious to the undercurrent, offered a polite nod. ''''No trouble at all, miss. Take care now.''''


    He turned to leave, adjusting the map in his hands as he headed toward the clearing for the F-Rank quest. Drusilla, however, lingered her gaze on the woman, her instincts prickling as if something was warning her.


    The Fairy''s eyes narrowed as she noticed the woman''s head tilt slightly, her creepy smile unwavering as she watched him with an almost unnatural focus. ''She''s not right,'' she thought, her bond with Raegar humming with a faint warning.


    She fluttered closer to his ear, whispering. ''''Keep your guard up. That one''s not what she seems.''''


    Raegar glanced back briefly before answering. ''''She seemed fine, just another worker at the school like the hundreds of others.''''


    ''''Just be careful,'''' Drusilla warned.


    He nodded and turned onto the road that would lead them to the dungeon and when they got close, he instantly sensed it.

 Chapter 184: Welcome To Sleepy Hollow

    It didn''t take Raegar long to get to the dungeon, and when he realized what it was, he sighed. ''''It had to be an Undead one called the Sleepy Hollow,'''' he muttered.


    When Drusilla heard this, she giggled. ''''Well, we can get a lot of cores, which means more gold coins, and it will allow you to test out your Light Aether.''''


    Following that, he approached the entrance and was greeted by the Dawnfirian guards keeping watch and patrolling the small fortress that guarded the outside world from Dungeon Breaks.


    He noticed a large human man step forward and saluted respectfully before speaking as the others went about their business. ''''Young master Blackwood. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you, I''m Joseph, one of the guard commanders of the dungeons.''''


    ''''I used to train with your Father. A brave man and brilliant commander during the Northern Wars,'''' the man concluded happily.


    Raegar was taken aback but smiled at the revelation and how small his world was. He shook his head, answering. ''''Yes, just like my big brother Jasper, I heard he''s one of the empire''s up-and-coming generals.''''


    ''''That''s right, General Vaelthorne has earned the empress''s favor. Thanks to the horrible incident on Windy Isles, he was ordered to clear it in the summer, which will prove to the empire that he is something special,'''' Joseph revealed.


    This caught his attention, prompting him to question. ''''What happened out there? Pirates again? Or did another sea monster attack?''''


    ''''When the Red Gate opened by the school, several other normal ones popped up all across the empire, and Windy Isles got a Rank A one that destroyed several towns and cities during an outbreak,'''' the older man informed the duo.


    Raeger nodded, frowning as a bad feeling welled up inside, but he ignored it while speaking. ''''Alright, thanks for that information, but I''m going to explore this dungeon before heading toward the village baker''s.''''


    The guard''s brown eyes lit up as he responded. ''''I heard the Jameson family opened a store there a few years back. It''s a hit with the kids in Drakenwood, and they''re raking in a fortune.''''


    After that, he cheerfully led them to the entrance to the F-Rank Dungeon. ''''Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, among the mightiest of its rank.''''


    He crossed through the shimmering portal, activated by a nearby mage who channeled Aether into a glowing orb, granting him passage. Once inside, Drusilla flew out of his pocket excitedly.


    ''''This place is saturated with Death Aether," she declared excitedly. ''''Dominique would revel in the dark energy that pulses through this dungeon.''''


    Raegar stood in front of a desolate, eerie town that seemed frozen in time, its dilapidated structures cloaked in an unsettling silence. A primal scream echoed in his mind, a faint warning rippling through the air.


    Yet, bolstered by his strength, he felt no fear, only a steely resolve as he gazed into the heart of Sleepy Hollow, its ominous aura no match for him, just as several screeches echoed out as Tier One Ghouls rushed out from the old buildings.


    As the chaos erupted, Raegar unleashed a barrage of Stormfire Bullets. The air crackled with Aether as blazing projectiles, wreathed in tempestuous flames, tore through the oncoming horde.


    Each fiery bolt burrowed deep into the twisted forms of his foes, searing through flesh and bone. One by one, the creatures fell, their lifeless bodies collapsing into the dust before dissolving into the dungeon.


    ''''That was epic!'''' Drusilla said while flying around his head. ''''Those spells destroyed the creatures within seconds.''''


    He let out a chuckle, his red eyes glinting as he gestured toward the remaining Ghouls, their forms lurking in the shadows of Sleepy Hollow. ''''Be my guest, Miss Dark Fairy, and show these wretches the true meaning of fear.''''


    The blonde responded with a mischievous giggle as she raised a delicate hand, her lips moving in a chant, weaving words from an ancient tongue that seemed to hum with the very essence of the abyss.


    Above her palm, a swirling black bolt materialized, pulsing with malevolent energy, its dark radiance casting eerie flickers across the desolate town. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed the bolt, and it sliced through the air, its path a deadly arc.


    The projectile struck the nearest Ghoul, piercing its decayed flesh with a sickening hiss, dropping the creature instantly as its body crumbled into ash. Her eyes gleamed with focus as she guided the dark bolt with gestures.


    One by one, the remaining dungeon monsters fell dead thanks to the wave of spells, their guttural shrieks silenced as the bolt carved through them, never straying more than a few meters from him and the Dark Fairy.


    The creatures collapsed in heaps, their forms dissolving into the dungeon''s ethereal mists, leaving only the echo of their demise. He watched, his admiration unspoken but evident in the slight nod he gave her.


    Her power was as captivating as it was deadly, a perfect storm of grace and annihilation, and together they stood unyielding against the horrors of the dungeon''s heart. After fighting, she looked at him, beaming.


    ''''How many floors does this place have?'''' she questioned curiously.


    He thought for a few seconds before responding. ''''Two, this one and the boss floor, but it''s complicated as we have to kill a certain undead that is lurking around in the shadows.''''


    Drusilla looked at him wide-eyed and shook her head. ''''How do you know all this?''''


    ''''Studied the weaker dungeons during my journey here,'''' he revealed while casting Lightningfire Blast into a sneaky group.


    The fire turned them to ashes and left behind the glowing Brown Cores that he started collecting. While doing that, Drusilla guarded him as she questioned. ''''Why are you grabbing those? Aren''t they worth a few copper coins?''''


    ''''Yes, but the more I gather, the more coin I get,'''' he replied just as more screeching echoed out. ''''We need to find the Lich; he''s in control of the undead here and will keep sending more monsters.''''


    As the Dark Fairy hovered above him, she gestured urgently toward the shadows, revealing a horde of enemies lurking in the mist. With a thought, he unleashed a surge of Aether, its energy slicing through the air.


    The Ghouls, caught in the blinding wave, disintegrated instantly, their guttural shrieks fading into silence. But the triumph was short-lived as a new, more formidable foe emerged from the darkness.


    A colossal Undead Bat, its leathery wings spanning wider than a man, swooped down, its jagged claws aimed at Drusilla. His instincts kicked in, and he cast a Stormfire Bullet that tore through the air.


    The bat dodged with a mocking screech. Undeterred, he tapped deeper into his reserves, drawing from the pool of Light Aether. His hands glowed as he wove the shimmering essence into a blazing missile of pure light.


    It beat back the dungeon''s oppressive gloom like a beacon, its brilliance locked onto the giant Undead Bat. He hurled it, and the projectile sliced through the air, homing in on its target with relentless speed.


    He watched as its grotesque form, twisting mid-flight, couldn''t evade the strike. The missile tore through one of its leathery wings, leaving a smoldering gash as the creature let out a bone-chilling screech.


    Drusilla cheered as the bat spiraled downward, crashing into a structure with a thunderous impact, debris scattering across the dungeon. Seizing the moment, he surged forward, his boots pounding against the stone as he summoned his daggers.


    The blade materialized in his grip, lighting up with Light Aether. With the bat thrashing, he closed the distance, his eyes narrowed, ready to deliver the final blow to end its wretched existence.


    Raegar''s daggers thrummed with Light Aether as he closed in on the writhing Undead Bat pinned beneath a slab of stone. The creature''s dark eyes locked onto him, its jagged maw snapping wildly despite its weakened state.


    The dungeon''s air grew thick with the stench of decay, the bat''s wound still sizzling from the impact. Above, the Dark Fairy hovered, her voice sharp as she called out, ''''Finish it, Rae! More are coming!''''


    He didn''t hesitate and leaped over the scattered debris. Raegar drove his dagger downward, aiming for the bat''s pulsating core. The blade sank deep, releasing a burst of dark blood that hissed as it met the enchanted steel.


    The Tier Four Undead Bat let out a final, guttural wail before its body convulsed and stilled, its eyes dimming to lifeless embers. But the rest was fleeting. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and a low, ominous rumble echoed through the dungeon.


    From the shadows, a chorus of guttural snarls grew louder, accompanied by the skittering of claws on stone. The Dark Fairy''s wings flared as she darted higher, her keen blue eyes scanning the darkness.


    ''''Ghouls!'''' she hissed. ''''A whole pack, closing in from the eastern street!''''


    Raegar yanked his dagger free, wiping the ichor on his cloak as he steadied his breath. He could feel the Aether in his veins humming, still potent but draining with each spell. ''''How many?'''' he asked, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

 Chapter 185: A Tier Two Core!

    ''''Not enough,'''' Drusilla replied, her tone excited. ''''But there''s a choke point ahead, a collapsed archway. If we can funnel them there, you might hold them off.''''


    Raegar nodded, already moving toward the direction she pointed at, his boots crunching over the rubble that covered the street, shop windows were broken, and a well lay covered, thanks to overgrown vegetation.


    As he got closer to the Ghouls, his daggers in his hands flickered as he infused them with another pulse of Light Aether. Their glow cast long shadows on the damp stone walls. As he reached the archway, its remains formed a narrow passage.


    Perfect for forcing the enemy into a bottleneck and would allow him to kill them all. He planted his feet, his free hand reaching for the Aether Bombs that he forgot he had. ''This will shock them,'' he thought, grinning.


    Seconds later, the snarls grew deafening, and the first Ghouls emerged from the darkness, their emaciated bodies lurching forward with speed, claws gleaming in the faint light. His lips curled into a grimace.


    ''''Let''s thin the herd,'''' he muttered, throwing several Fire Bombs into the crowd, forcing flames to erupt.


    Most of the monsters were turned to ash thanks to the wave of flames that washed through the archway as Drusilla targeted any that survived with powerful Dark Lances. Following this, they continued fighting across the first floor searching for the Tier Two Lich.


    After hours of scouring the shadowed alleys and abandoned buildings of Sleepy Hollow, he followed behind the Fairy as she traced the faint pulse of evil energy to the mayor''s estate, as she used magic to keep an eye on their surroundings.


    Her senses, attuned to the taint of Death Aether thanks to being a Dark Fairy, flared as they entered the old building as the duo approached the basement''s heavy oak door, its iron hinges rusted thanks to time.


    ''''It''s down there,'''' she whispered. ''''The creature''s hiding, but it''s weak.''''


    Raegar nodded, his grip tightening on his daggers, their blades humming him as a peaceful feeling washed over him thanks to the Light Aether he was using to keep the darkness at bay.


    Moments later, he descended the creaking stairs, the air growing colder with each step, thick with the stench of decay. In the dim glow of his weapon, he spotted the creature. a gaunt, wraith-like being lunging in their direction.


    Without hesitation, he surged forward, his dagger flashing in a deadly arc. The blade sliced through the creature, dispersing its Death Aether in a fleeting burst of dark mist, leaving only silence in its wake.


    Drusilla joined him, beaming excitedly. ''''That was amazing, the Lich didn''t stand a chance.''''


    Right then, Raegar noticed the shimmering green core in the blonde''s grasp, her slightly larger size making the scene amusing. ''''A Tier Two core!'''' she shouted. ''''That was a lot easier than I expected!''''


    ''''Yes, thanks to the Light Aether I''ve used,'''' he revealed. ''''I haven''t dabbled in other elements apart from Fire and Lightning.''''


    Drusilla nodded thoughtfully. ''''You should try using them in your future fights,'''' she suggested. ''''It could shock the Devils and other humanoids, especially in those tournaments the girls mentioned.''''


    Raegar glanced at the little Fairy, smiling. ''''That sounds good, now let''s find the boss and hunt some monsters.''''


    With the Lich''s demise still lingering in the air, they pressed deeper into the Sleepy Hollow Dungeon, their footsteps echoing through the twisting, torchlit streets that suddenly lit up all around them.


    The darkness seemed to pulse with malice, and the walls of the exit tunnel were slick with damp moss and etched with ancient, foreboding runes. As they advanced, the air grew thick with the cacophony of screeches and bone-chilling screams.


    A pack of Ghouls burst from the shadows as they stepped outside and their emaciated limbs clawing at the air, eyes glowing with ravenous hunger as they appeared from all around the duo.


    Raegar met them head-on, his daggers flashing as he carved through their ranks, each strike killing one. Drusilla wove protective dark wards that deflected the Ghoul''s savage, frenzied swipes.


    No sooner had the last creature crumbled than the air shuddered with the thunderous flapping of wings. A trio of Giant Undead Bats swooped from the ceiling, their size casting shadows across the town.


    The creature''s piercing shrieks rattled the stones underfoot, but he was undaunted and excited at the upcoming fight. He created an overcharged Stormfire Bolt that crackled through the air.


    Seconds later, the projectile struck one bat and sent it crashing into the dungeon wall in a shower of sparks. Drusilla''s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and urgent. ''''Two more, Rae! Above you!''''


    Raegar''s hands crackled with Aether as he unleashed a Lightningfire Blast, a torrent of electricity and flame that roared through the air. The surge engulfed the second bat, its wings igniting as it let out an agonized screech.


    The beast plummeted, slamming into the dungeon floor with a sickening thud that echoed off the stone walls. Dark blood sprayed across the ground, splattering his boots and Drusilla''s shimmering wards.


    Moments later, the bat''s corpse dissolved, absorbed by the dungeon, leaving only a faintly glowing Green Core pulsing on the cold stone. Just then, the blonde Fairy started casting Dark Blasts into the last one.


    Gaping holes riddled the creature''s body moments before it dissolved into nothingness, leaving the town eerily silent. Raegar''s eyes darted around, catching a beam of light piercing the sky, illuminating Sleepy Hollow in a dazzling glow.


    As the duo pressed forward, their path led them into a nearby forest shrouded in an eerie stillness, where a dense fog blanketed the landscape, muffling sound and obscuring sight that sent a shiver down their spines.


    The air felt heavy, almost alive with whispers of unease, and Drusilla''s wings fluttered nervously as she landed on his shoulder. Her voice, soft and trembling, barely broke the silence.


    ''''I hate this fog,'''' she murmured, her words tinged with a deep-seated fear. ''''It reminds me of Lemuria... of the day those wretched Bloodshield Mercenaries caught me.''''


    Raegar turned to the blonde Fairy, her features drawn tight with the weight of memory. Her blue eyes flickered with vulnerability as she continued, her voice a fragile thread weaving through the mist. ''''It was early morning, and I was gathering rare herbs for the village elder. I wandered too far and found myself on a secluded beach.''''


    He noticed the fear building up, causing him to rub her little head with a smile that calmed her down. ''''Don''t worry, Drusilla. No one will be able to hurt or capture you again, especially when they find out you''re bonded to the only Tetraarch on Sylvara.''''


    The blonde giggled before continuing with her story as they approached the light. ''''That''s when I saw their tents sprawled all over, humans pacing outside. Before I could flee, their mage unleashed a blinding surge of Light Aether.''''


    She frowned while remembering all the bad memories from those years. ''''Thanks to being a Dark Fairy, it trapped me, and I was helpless. Those barbarians didn''t stop with me, Rae. They captured hundreds of exotic creatures, plundering Lemuria and abandoning the continent, leaving only devastation in their wake.''''


    Her words lingered in the dense fog, each syllable steeped in pain, resonating with the scars of her past. Raegar, sensing the weight of her sorrow, gently reached out and ruffled her hair with a tender, reassuring touch.


    ''''Hey, don''t let those memories haunt you,'''' he said softly, his voice a steady anchor in the misty gloom. ''''We''re going to get you back to your village, I promise. But, if I''m being honest...''''


    He paused, a warm smile breaking through his features. ''''I''ve grown too fond of your company to let you stay there. You''re stuck with me now, Dru.''''


    Suddenly, a bright, unguarded smile spread across her pretty face, transforming her expression into one of pure, heartfelt joy. Without a word, she fluttered up from his shoulder, her wings humming softly, and pressed a gentle, fleeting kiss to his cheek.


    The touch was light as a breeze, yet it carried a quiet intensity that made Raegar''s breath catch. Drusilla''s glow dimmed slightly as she settled back, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.


    She went quiet, her eyes dropping to the forest floor, as if the weight of her boldness had stolen her voice. The silence between them was warm, charged with affection, as they continued.


    Just then, a growl brought the duo back to reality as several Undead Wovles appeared from the surrounding underbrush. Without missing a beat, Raegar reacted and vanished while slashing through the leader''s head.


    The onslaught was so fast that the surrounding monsters froze, their roars silenced by his blades. He paid their stunned gazes no mind, cutting through the horde with unyielding focus until the final beast crumpled lifelessly to the ground.


    Dust settled in the eerie quiet, and with a shared glance, Raegar and Drusilla pressed forward, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

 Chapter 186: Are We Done Here?

    Raegar stepped into the arena just before it was blocked off, thanks to the dungeon, as he summoned his armor. Drusilla flew into the air while casting a dozen Dark Lances, waiting for the boss.


    A chilling mist swirled across the arena floor, cloaking the ground in an ominous haze. Without warning, a horde of Tier One Banshees surged forward, their piercing wails slicing through the air.


    ''The boss''s minions?'' he mused.


    Raegar reacted with lightning speed, sidestepping a vicious claw swipe that grazed the space where he''d stood moments ago, and saw the sharp tips just in front of his face as he moved out of the way.


    In one fluid motion, he channeled his energy, unleashing a radiant Light Blast that erupted. The undead women shrieked as the brilliant light consumed them, their forms disintegrating into ash, leaving only silence and the fading mist in their wake.


    Drusilla was confused and looked around. ''''Where''s my target?'''' she questioned. ''''Did that Light spell just wipe them all out?''''


    He chuckled at her reaction but nodded. ''''Yes, I took your advice and will start mixing my elements.''''


    Just then, Raegar jumped back as a massive sword pierced the ground where he was just standing. His eyes widened just as Drusilla shoulder-checked the Undead Knight, sending the creature flying.


    The boss crashed into the wall and dropped to the ground as the Fairy appeared, with a grin from ear to ear. ''''Did you see that, Rae?''''


    ''''Yes, you flung the thing across the arena,'''' he answered, chuckling. ''''It was impressive, Dru,


    Following that, a pulse washed with an oppressive aura as the Tier Three Boss appeared in front of them. Its massive blade gleamed with evil energy, but he was unfazed, his eyes blazing with determination.


    The knight lunged, but Raegar was a blur, weaving through the attack with an unnatural speed. In a heartbeat, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, his sword dancing in a whirlwind of precision.


    Each slash was a masterstroke, carving through the knight''s cursed armor and rotting flesh with ease. Within moments, the towering foe was reduced to thousands of fragmented pieces, scattering across the arena floor like ashes in the wind.


    The air stilled, the oppressive aura shattered, as he dismissed his blade, his breath steady. Drusilla, hovering nearby, let out a cheer, her wings sparkling with awe at the effortless triumph.


    Raegar plucked the glowing core from the shattered remains of the Tier Three Boss, its pulsating light warm in his hand, before tucking it safely into his satchel. He moved with purpose, gathering the smaller cores left by the fallen Banshees.


    With a final glance at the arena, they stepped out of the dungeon, emerging into the crisp, early afternoon air. As they crossed the threshold, they nearly collided with Joseph, the towering guard captain, flanked by a man in an official uniform.


    Joseph''s eyes widened at the sight of them, his weathered face breaking into a booming laugh that echoed through the fortress. ''''Three hours!'''' he roared, slapping his knee, his voice a mix of disbelief and admiration. ''''How in the blazes did you clear that cursed pit so fast, lad?''''


    Drusilla fluttered beside Raegar, her wings shimmering with pride, while he flashed a roguish grin, the weight of their victory sparking in his eyes. ''''Just a bit of teamwork and a sharp blade,'''' he quipped.


    Raegar strode toward the school entrance, his mind already shifting to meeting with his friends in the courtyard. Drusilla hovered at his side while chatting about these Brightshakes he told her about.


    Just then, a figure stepped into his path, halting him in his tracks. She was striking, with light blonde hair cascading in soft waves, framing a face with wide, luminous pink eyes that seemed to hold a spark of mischief and authority.


    A gaggle of students trailed behind her, their whispers buzzing like a swarm of curious bees. Raegar''s brow furrowed, his instincts sharpening. ''One of the popular girls,'' he thought, sizing her up. ''What''s her angle?''


    The stranger''s lips curved into a confident smile as she extended a hand with an expression that looked down on him, which annoyed him. He didn''t like these types of girls who believed they were everything.


    ''''I''m Andora Brightfire, cousin to Empress Dahlia Dawnfire,'''' she sneered, her eyes raking over him with haughty disdain. ''''Meeting the Tetraarch in the flesh is... quaint, but honestly, that horrible face of yours would be less of an eyesore if you slapped on that mask I saw you hiding behind on the first day of school.''''


    Raegar was unbothered and slapped away her offered hand while answering. ''''I don''t care who you are or if you''re the empress''s cousin. Don''t come up and insult me like a stuck-up bitch.''''


    A grin appeared on his scarred face as he concluded. ''''I won''t stop her next time.''''


    Just as the noble girl took in his response and a look of shock appeared on her face. Moments later, Drusilla''s temper flared, her fist clenched and swinging toward the noble girl''s face. He caught her mid-strike, his grip firm but gentle.


    Raegar pulled her close, pressing a sudden kiss to her forehead. The act was like a spark to a fuse; she froze, her eyes wide with shock, her usual fire short-circuited by the unexpected tenderness.


    Her body went limp in his arms, a rare vulnerability overtaking her. He chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief, as he steadied her on his shoulder as she slumped down on him with a happy smile.


    The shocked noble girl was standing there silently, her haughty expression shattered, jaw slack, and utterly speechless at the display. Moments later, one of her lackeys, a wiry boy with more bravado than sense, lunged forward, his hand clamping onto his shoulder in a clumsy attempt to assert dominance.


    Reagar''s response was instantaneous, his form blurring as he vanished in a flicker of motion, reappearing behind the boy. With a precise kick to the back of the boy''s knee, he sent him crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.


    A groan escaped the would-be attacker''s lips as he sprawled in the dirt. Reagar stood over him, his stance relaxed but radiating a quiet menace, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced back at the blonde.


    ''''Care to send another one of your lapdogs my way, or are we done here?'''' he taunted, his voice low and edged with a confidence that made it clear he was in control.


    Andora didn''t say anything as the group rushed off, just as Selene and Dominique appeared from the main building. He watched the two women approach him before the Demoness greeted.


    ''''Getting new girls, eh?'''' she teased.


    Just then, Drusilla came back to reality and swatted Raegar''s face before exclaiming. ''''She treated him like she, but our Rae showed her who''s boss! Her face was priceless.''''


    The duo looked curious as Zahara, Vienna, and Rune appeared from the garden. When the Dark Fairy saw this, she started telling them what happened but embellished it to know end, making him laugh.


    By the time Caspian and Luna arrived, Drusilla was done, causing everyone to look at Raegar in shock and horror. The giant boy shook his head as he let out a low rumbling laugh. ''''Doesn''t surprise me with our friend, it''s clear he dislikes the stuck-up nobles and has made an enemy out of Andora.''''


    Reagar raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. ''''So, who is she really, beyond just being the empress''s cousin? Got any actual strength to back up that lofty attitude?''''


    Zahara smirked, leaning in slightly as if sharing a guarded secret. ''''Andora''s got some real power, wields three elements: Fire, Wind, and Light Aether. She''s in my healing class, and let''s just say she''s got skill. But her real claim to fame? Being one of the popular girls, coasting on the empress''s name.''''


    ''Interesting,'' he mused before Vienna commented. ''''Let''s get going, I want to be back before sunset.''''


    As Reagar and the group continued their trek toward Willowbank Village, the road crunched beneath their boots, and the distant clatter of wheels drew their attention. A steady stream of merchant carriages, laden with crates and sacks, rumbled along the road toward Drakenwood.


    He noticed their wooden frames creaking under the weight of supplies. The air carried the faint scent of fresh bread and dried herbs, mingling with the dust kicked up by the horses as shouts echoed out.


    Selene, walking alongside them, nodded toward the procession. ''''The school''s got an appetite bigger than a dragon''s,'''' she said with a wry smile. ''''They order so much food from Brightwater that these merchants keep a constant train of carriages running. Never stops, Drakenwood''s always stocking up to feed the horde of students and staff.''''


    Selene laughed, a sharp, knowing sound. ''''Might as well be an army. Drakenwood''s got hundreds of students, half of whom burn through mana like it''s kindling. Add in the professors, the training grounds, and those bottomless feasts at the Grand Hall, and you''ll see why Brightwater''s merchants are practically on the payroll.''''