Random Rants - Refine Try 2 Skills And Things Page 90 - Wattpad

Infinite Mana In The Apocalypse Volume 4: An Anomaly Chapter 129 - A little girl arrives in the North

================

Golden Fox With System,

The Brazilian Theo Volts, 18 years old, reincarnates in the body of a (Red-fox) in another world when dying being struck by lightning. After reincarnating, he realized that he was endowed with a miraculous game system.

I'm The King Of Technology,

Chu Yi dies in a car crash and becomes Landon Barn, the illegitimate son of the King of Arcadina. Because his mother was a maid and the kings greatest disgrace, his father had always dispised him. His siblings had all bullied him and hated him too.

When Landon Barn turned 15, his father had announced that the fief "Baymard" located on the outskirts of the empire would no longer be under the empires control and would be given to Landon Barn. His father didnt mind that the fief was the third largest in the kingdom. Everybody knew that the lands were baren and only poverty awaited him there. He knew his father had indirectly banished him from the empire.

Chu yi woke up in a carriage on his way to Baymard with a system

"So what if my father hates me.....I will turn my fief into a modern society"

======

PREME ESSENSE AND ANCIENT ENERGY AND MAGIC?

ESOTERIC ENERGY MANIPULATION? (SO LIKE LATERNS SHAPING ENERGY)

======

https://fastnovel.net/re-akimichi-9819/chapter-695080.html

Re: Akimichi Author: Genre: , , ,

=-

https://fastnovel.net/bored-gamer-in-other-worlds1-9818/

Bored Gamer In Other Worlds Author: Genre: , , , , Status: Chapter 209

===========

 taking your memories takes your identity

======

If the cristal gems have similiar properties of monstr souls enought , and beside fusion with damaged/gems causing the same similiar mutation to healthy gem , and emotion damage to cause cracking if it is way too much , than corruption with dark emotion and giving much darker forces and expression of energy and look

==

wizard king in black clover

======

https://wuxiaworld.io/almighty

Almighty

Yang Tian's clan is slaughtered overnight without any prior omens or any reason he can comprehend. Strangely, their ally clan, Li Clan, doesn't send them any help. His parents hide him in a dimension during the attack to save his life, although the pressure inside the dimension damages him due to him not being ready for it. When he recovers eight years later, he begins his search for the culprits to avenge his fallen clan.- Description from Novelupdates

===

https://www.webnovel.com/book/mmorpg-divine-monster-transmuter_16465673606151005

MMORPG: Divine Monster Transmute

Infernal Demon Dragon: A dog like you dare to face me in combat? Do you wish to die so much? Jiang Feng: Don't get too cocky, lizard! You will soon become energy used for my evolution! Transmute Monster, transmute! So, what can you do when you entered the game and accidentally became a Level 1 wild dog? No worries. With Transmute Monster, I can endlessly evolve. At the same time, I can transmute any monsters into materials and items that I want! Jiang Feng: Who said that players are the only one that can kill monsters? Who said players are the only ones that can flirt? Who said players are the only ones that can build cities? My existence will subvert all the expectations and become an existence that surpasses the Divine Beasts!

https://www.webnovel.com/book/super-gene-optimization-fluid_16989975205044905

Super Gene Optimization Fluid

Due to an unexpected turn of events, Xia Fei consumed a Super Gene Optimization Fluid that bore no brand, expiry date, instructions or stated its place of origin. Our story begins here...

https://www.webnovel.com/book/i'll-add-points-to-all-things_16886314305618905

I'll Add Points To All Things

Su Yang was an average university student in Shanghai when he received a system that allowed him to add points to things. The point system provided him with missions and by clearing them, he would gain points. Add a point into an object, the object will receive a special ability; add a point into a plant, the plant will come alive; add points on himself, he will get talents or superpowers. With the mysterious point system in hand, Su Yang aimed to become rich and alter his fate. On his path towards success, he encountered many interesting matters and people, including famous actresses and business tycoons. Fueled by determination, Su Yang set his sight on adding points into all things to help him achieve his goal.

https://www.webnovel.com/book/five-frozen-centuries_16731274906146805

Five Frozen Centuries

Wei Huo has been ignored and overlooked by almost everyone his entire life, including God. In a bid to transform the world into a more game-like one, God halted time for all humanity except for Wei Huo, leaving him to fend for himself. The teenager has no choice but to strive for survival whilst waiting for the day humanity's clock to start ticking again. But wait a minute! What if that wait is longer than a person's lifespan? Follow Wei Huo on his survival journey in a world infested with mutated beasts and carnivorous plants.

https://www.webnovel.com/book/abe-the-wizard_14469985405456205

Abe the Wizard

I was reincarnated into another world, and I brought the Horadric Cube from Diablo II with me. Being a knight is cool and all, but being a wizard is pretty neat as well. So, which one will it be?

https://www.webnovel.com/book/abyss-domination_11479586806389905

Abyss Domination

He doesn't know why his mind has been transferred into that of a petty thief named Soran within the VRMMO . The new 'Soran' though possesses both the body's previous occupant's memories and his own. Using his experience as a Legendary Rogue who had reached the apex known as the Realm of Legends, he will now have to survive in this world which had once been a game to him.

Soran will have to grow stronger while avoiding the upcoming dangers and protect his younger sister, Vivian, from the chaotic times which will soon devastate the world. He shall eliminate everything and everyone that threatens them, but perhaps Vivian might not need his protection?

When the demons of the Abyss rise and the gods fall, a massacre will take place across the world.

Divinity has fallen, and evil is surging from beneath.

The Time of Troubles has begun.

https://www.webnovel.com/book/another-world%E2%80%99s-versatile-crafting-master_11275087605321405

Another World's Versatile Crafting Master

Lin Li accidentally enters another world while playing with his smurf mage account just after he maxes out all kinds of crafting skills, bringing with him various top-grade materials. Although his character is practically powerless, what he gains in return is unprecedented magical talent! Can he survive by himself after being thrown into another world?

https://www.webnovel.com/book/omni-mastery_13469588105919605

Omni-Mastery

Doomed to die!

Facing such a fate, Ian Cloud, the crippled genius, has to make a choice...

Either to wait for his impending death while decaying slowly, or to run into its embrace head-first for a chance to struggle and live on!

Follow Ian as he enters the astonishing world of 'The Lost Realm', a super realistic VR game where danger lurks everywhere and getting logged out equals death.

Will he manage to survive now that he is no longer restricted by his physical flaw? Or will he lose his last chance to fix his broken reality?

- Discord of 'Omni-Mastery' :

https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-achievement-junkie_11761722506510905

The Achievement Junkie

"Bowzer, we'll stop here for the night."

"But I can keep going!" Bowzer insisted. 'Don't we need to--"

"Bowzer, we'll need our rest before we reach the Fissured Mountains. You've never been there, so I'll tell you about my past experiences there."

"Hey, Jack, how come you've been everywhere but you're so low-leveled? Is it because you were an ancient hero before?" Bowzer tilted his head, anxious for an answer.

"Yeah, that's why. I thought you knew that already?"

"I do. But weren't you also really high-leveled back then? Why aren't you that high-leveled like before?"

Jack pondered the question for a moment till he smiled. "I don't know."

-----

As an avid player of the world's largest MMORPG, Jack was dubbed the "Achievement Junkie" by fellow players. After completing all possible achievements he earned an unlikely quest. The quest offered a chance to escape reality and, just as it said, Jack was pulled into another world the moment he accepted it.

Now living in Kartonia, the world he had fallen in love with in-game, Jack must start from lv. 1 with a brand new class and subclass he had never seen before. And though his gamer knowledge is still useful, he quickly discovers that the current time in Kartonia is over 1000 years after anything he had witnessed in-game.

Armed with what the locals call ancient knowledge, Jack must work to level up and uncover the secrets of the apocalyptic Godly War that he missed and keep it from happening again.

It's a journey of a know-it-all solo gamer who discovers how to form relationships and is encouraged by his new system to form a party in order to grow. With Bowzer, his Hell-flame Fox companion, and so many more additions, Jack must grow to rival the two warring pantheons with the support of the neutral pantheon. Can he achieve such a feat?

====

https://www.webnovel.com/book/re-level-100-farmer_16193916906257005

Re: Level 100 Farmer

When Li's level 100 game character is transported to a fantasy world, he is unstoppable.

But...all he wants to do is be a farmer? Watch as Li tries to maintain his peaceful daily life in a chaotic world full of magic and knights. ____ Updates: 1 a day

FOREWARD/WARNING: The novel has a SLOW pace and due to updating once a day, it may feel even slower. However, I can at least guarantee that it will have very good readability and good grammar that is routinely proofread. The pace of the story will accelerate as enough chapters mount up to build things up.

Also, another warning, but the novel does not focus entirely on farming and crafting. As a result, those looking for a novel that focuses solely on crafting aspects may find themselves disappointed. In any case, whether you have criticisms or enjoy the book, thanks for reading!

=======

https://fastnovel.net/i-reincarnated-as-a-stick-633/chapter-288636.html

I Reincarnated As A Stick Volume 3: Intertwined Fates Chapter 86 - Magnus Tempestria

How will Sen live his life now as a human who he once despised and saw as weak?

https://www.webnovel.com/book/my-dragon-system_15653272806648205

My Dragon System

Sen, the last and most powerful dragon left roaming the skies causing chaos and destruction across the land. When all hope is lost the human race call upon their last hope, a powerful witch. Unable to destroy the dragon the witch uses the last of her power to cast a spell. Sen has not been defeated but has now been reborn as a human.

https://www.webnovel.com/book/physics-the-greatest-magic_16761866606275205

Physics The Greatest Magic

Our 14 year old protagonist John has lived his life in an honest manner. After losing his parents, he strives to become a man that they would be proud of. After an accident he is reincarnated into another world as an orphan.Having started off with little to no support and information. How will he deal with this situation?

===

https://www.webnovel.com/book/i-might-be-a-fake-cultivator_12214255005093705

I Might Be A Fake Cultivator

On modern-day Earth, An Lin seems to have been abandoned by God. When his father suddenly disappears, An Lin is left with his father's immense debt, putting his life at risk. After being forced to a rooftop by his pursuing creditors, An Lin is unexpectedly swept off his feet and brought to the ground safely.

After learning that he was saved by an Immortal, An Lin is gifted, seemingly out of pure generosity, the 'God Of War System,' and a pass to a new realm. Follow An Lin as he experiences a whole new world of legends, meets many new friends, acquires legendary weapons and tools, and starts on his path of becoming a powerful cultivator. There is never a dull time in An Lin's new life with his 'great' new system!

==

https://boxnovel.com/novel/cthulhu-gonfalon/

Cthulhu Gonfalon

In the world, there were gods who obeyed the rules, whether good or evil. But there were also evil gods who defied the rules. When a traverser was confronted by the rules that he could never conform to, the resulting collision marks the beginning of the story of an evil god... This is the story of a good man who transformed into a great jellyfish, then traversed his world to arrive at a world of swords and magic. His journey of searching and exploring eventually led to him remaking nature and changing the world.

=====

https://www.webnovel.com/book/gamers-of-the-underworld_13909061505200205

Sherlock is a new generation Dungeon Lord whose ambition is to become the greatest Devil King and building up the greatest Dungeon in the Underworld. He summons a group of other-worldly goblins who give themselves strange names, form cliques, engage in commerce, and even fight among themselves. They call themselves—Gamers!

https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-evolution-of-a-goblin-to-the-peak_16923111105764205

The Evolution of a Goblin to the Peak

The fantasy VRMMORPG, Battle Worlds, is one of the most played games in the world.

In this game, there's a legendary player that could defeat a "Boss" on his own.

His name is Blood(In-Game-Name).

Blood is a legendary player that surpassed all the players in the world. He completed hundreds of quest and dungeon raids alone.

When Blood was going to log off, suddenly the virtual capsule that he was wearing exploded causing him to die.

His soul didn't go to the cycle of reincarnation but it was sucked by something causing him to transmigrate into a body of Goblin.

This is a story about a boy that was transmigrated in the body of a Goblin. Follow him as he rises through the ranks and become the most powerful monster in the world.

=

https://www.webnovel.com/book/stuck-as-a-dungeon-mob_16892747206786605

Stuck as a Dungeon Mob

Edward, an 18-year-old college student, found himself stuck inside of a dark abyss."Where am I?"[Spawning Dungeon Champion]"Huh?"Without a word of warning, He found himself in an unfamiliar body being forced to attack trespassers. Will he ever find a way out? Or will he be a tool for endless slaughter?

Warning: Due to the nature of the novel the MC will be switching between bodies. That's why the status window was made the way it was. If that's not your thing you might want to skip this one. The progress is not reset though.

https://www.webnovel.com/book/demon's-virtue_15238973305579305

===========

treat others as they treat you

and there is Edit which Iguess adds properties to object

snd backup to shape the things

bloody contract= forcefully order to do someone against their will . document everyting they do or even harm themself to death similiar to slave contract . The signed contract binds/bounds frm sayig anything against the contact/contract  can force even closest brother  brother to kill his treasure brother

stick +blade on the end is spear

carving bone or carving something be careful how much you carve

empowered strike stores energy and unleshes it at impact point used fro stab , slash or trow

if you do not how to bandage just wrap in around the wound and bandage

people to build and other skils to offer

debuff weaken limit the statustobere minimum depending how healthy is the body

last known is immune dificiency reducing the imune sistem making the erson prone to alinements

taunt

evesdrop

duel fight one on one . refuse temporaly lose 20 if the other sde agree the castr gets 10% boost on overall skills

============

blacksmithing . test1 stay on your spot 1 hour in the sun on the scorching rays of the sun ...

people do not like hardships they just like to recive something  while doing noting

testing the perserverence

hold the knive correctly sharpen the bone( with moresmoother blas)

how tro pel perfectly

smooth bone is better to work

stealth is better witrh better focus

to have followers give them some benenefits

in hill bicicles are bad slowing you down ineve terrain or feet are faster than walking and feet

do not get surround by enemies unless if you can neutrice thickened circle

kill/hit and DODGE

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDING AND USE IT AS ADVANTAGE

position yourselof and your guard to be guarded by others

Hmmmer speed and force

one lure the others hide and attack

add elemental stones/things for aditional stratus fffectelement effect

you can not aways figt alone

pickpocket

earth defence and dmgearth

===========

At rank 6666 you just fire an atom, and its explosion is the same as a nuke, caution, dont use this skill indoors, or risk party wipe.

==========

fire with afitional extra time .

faster  fireballs (speed , more explosive , smaller compacted fireballs

the fireballs circle around

this sounds like another skill. Are you telling me skills can be manipulated? If so, then why buy higher ranking skills. I guess that's for other people. Imagine having a rank a fire skill surround you. That would be crispy.

I wonder if he can charge the fireball he never did it yet cause he never really needed to yet but i wonder if he can

make the wall of fire further away from him...gives him more chance to kill any monsters that jump to him. Maybe add a few more extra walls

Do y'all know that game "Archero" ? this reminds me of some skills from there lol

I always like double shot and ugh I forgot their names

the ones where you shot [two(the first plus one)] at the same time and the one where it shots another one following the first shot, those 2 are my favs, especially once you stack them

SteveWN: Double shot ricochet, I'm ready for it

now that you mention it, the dude is similar to this MC as he can cast unlimited spell and keeping them active.

maybe add some craft/gathering skills/ all that meat and hides , in an apocalypse world I would think would be very valuable food source at least

set a auto cast macro set the delay to 0 and there you go

Because he want a fast rich...if he think of long term and just raised his strength money is easy to get later on... in the end, he is stupid...hahaha

Eh more overly focused on living like he used to and got high on his new power...so a normal human of today.

dumbasswhy not absorb all the strength and vitality cores, then you can hunt for more to sell, what is money if a single strike and dead you become

========

==

maybe go to all the low rank dungeons? each different. that way no one will notice at least. if hes not too naive 5mth increase your stat, you will have easier time to farm there 6mth then that will be suspicious with how many you get money and core if someone noticed

==========

Only sell the skills you get if you already uses it.

ARCTIC ARMOUR GOT THICKER

As long as there isn't a limit, I'd prob learn every skill available, imagine 100 armor skill active at the same time

variety is important, just grab the cheapest spells and lvl them up for now

What guideline ... take every f-rank spell - attack or def or ... - lvl them up and you can go through all f- and e-rank dungeons!

or why not try to use as many toggleable skill like is ice armor at the same time imagine having 10 different armor x)

PILLARS OF FLAME . , CONTROL IT .. OH BOY

I think he needs a skill that isn't based on flames. If an enemy with fire resistance shoes up he is screwed

I can see it becoming a laser when it gets to level 100.

Pillar of flames is more of a vertical attack

When you have infinite mana a pillar becomes a wall

Flammenwerfer !?!?

doesn't matter how many skills you have, if you have no mana, it's not like their cool down based, you could have 200 skills, but you'll have no proficiency, proficiency encourages you to pick a spell and stick with it 3mth yea man, definitely could use more comprehensive world building, like grading the cores to limit absorbing compatibility, and stat requirements to learn certain skills

SAFEGUARD IF IT ROOTS YOU

well a good tank would only use it a second before he gets hit, our mc can just play tower defense and stay still cast firewalls behind him so he can only be attack from the fron and just shoot out spells

========

should get an auto collect skill and auto aim skill

Should keep the flame pillars up too but not to close to you just to let them level up

=======

======

====

==

Wait a minute..... an item with speed stat that dropped from a strength type heavy monster? 🤯

well, I won't be surprised if he killed a Minotaur wielding an axe drops a dagger. Or an undead dropping a holy attributed item.

===

==

yup, that's what I got too, maybe he'll sell them once he gets a better item or a skill that's better than this Szczepan_Zawiasa: If I read right he will use them and sell them afterwards because they don't lose their value even if they were used before.

=====

BOOTS LIGHTER BODY .

CHEK EVERYWHERE IF YOU ARE LIVING MANA GENERATEOR INFINITY MANA

====

SWORD WEAPON SKILLS HMM uhh...? spam or not maxing out

hand chop lik e blade

mage knight ❌mage tank ✔

what about anti magic mobs and monsters? or dungeons where magic becomes useless? or dungeons where DIRECT magic attacks become useless? mhm? there's a lot of possibilities so you gotta have back up plans and not be a one trick pony

You have maxed physical stats, Heal and can fall back on magic attacks.... buy a sword and become a magic swordsman...

He should be a all rounder

agreed or atleast make it so people can't tell what you specialize in. or to be prepared for that o n.v e day you meet something or someone that's immune to magic

lame mc is just going to be a mage why not a magic swordsman of a combat mage

If he enters an antimage area he is screwed anyway as he literally has nothing but infinite mana, without it he has nothing and definitely wouldn't be able to suddenly spam out sword skills

========

antimage enemy or antimage trap, I'm looking at situation like in other fantasy novel, where the MC is trap in zone where there anti mage property he doesn't has to willingly walk into it if he's being target by those.

They get to pick and choose which dungeons they enter so if he knows a dungeon will be heavily against mages why would he go in? It'd make sense that the loot is more suitable for physical and in your face hunters in this scenario so he'd even more of a reason of not going in. While you could say, "What about a dungeon break or whatever that have anti magic enemies" I would say ""does he even have to participate?"

does dude not believe in backup plans? lol It might not be your plan but what about the monsters plans? or even humans?

=======

==

its not like mc is idiot, but u are idiot. if he dont want to learn sword then so what ? he want to be a real mage. if the enemies wanna go close to him so what ? he maybe gonna learn teleport skill later.what if his focus/mana being supressed/sealed ? well he may have a stronger counter for that later because he have unlimited focus to supply the skill.

remember 1+4=5, but 2+3=5 and 0+5=5 too. so much way to gain the same result.what mc choose dont have to be the same as yours.

sorry for my bad english

=====

why does he have such a hard-on for C ranked skills? first make sure your foundations are solid, increase your stats tot the max. that means increasing stats to 100 with E ranked cores, increasing proficiency for the skills to max, learning the god damn golem summon skill and maybe trying to see what absorbing a focus core does, or if it's possible.

====

=

No the Best Defense is the best defense and a a great defense is a Greater Offense.

Defense is for after you fail your attack

=======

arcanist sphere of protection proects you fromany attack of same rank tron against you

========

yeah...dude...you clear dungeon like its water and you still wonder about how they "found" you?

===

==

===

im surprised it took them so long, this is like a man casually selling gold bars around the city... 🤷🏻‍♂️

He should be more thorough with hiding his identity like for example, do one dungeon run for like maybe 10 hours, have enough funds, create a seperate bank account while registering himself as a hunter under an alias while hiding his face. Although more conspicous, he can atleast hide himself for a long time.

==

I wonder, do you know that the negative comment section in all novels such as this can't even be considered as side characters? I wonder, if I also took the time to get to know you would you make that much better of a MC? I highly doubt it, I'm sorry, you neglect the fact that as a reader you are prone to information about antagonist that the MC hasn't even touched on. Hes really only made two mistakes, he didn't wait a couple hours inside the dungeon so that they wouldn't catch on to how fast he was clearing them. Besides that, the fact that he sells all his cores in one place. You, as a human, tend to overestimate the average IQ of a human being in thinking that you can solve any situation that the people in a show, or movie, or book deals with. The fact that almost every comment in here says the same exact thing helps me understand just who I'm dealing with, because none of you went into a comprehensive list, and polite list, of reasons why the MC is unintelligent. Instead, you all say the same exact thing in one sentence. Yes this was a long comment, and it wasn't worth my time, but I can't stand seeing people like you judge a character without even thinking about it. Feel free to reply, but this time make an effort with your comment.

======

maybe because the dungeon you cleared repeatedly by yourself is the one that's basically empty, so the guards would have the highest chance of noticing. maybe because you made half a million in two days as an f ranker.

No shıt dude. You were basically screaming and waving "Hey look! I'm here! I'm totally not a suspicious person who may or may not be stronger than your B rank!:

=====

Bruh you moron. You were observed entering and exiting the dungeons, and selling huge amounts of cores in a short time.

===

=No it would not, he said he has to be low-key and slowly increase his strength right at the start of the novel, but noooo hes a an idiot with and IQ of an ameba so he just did the exact opposite of what he wanted to do...

=====

because your a moron. could have bid your time but power got to your head.

=

==

Or he can leave city... doubt that guy will go to others city to recruit you...

=====

yes. because he told you to do something? could of just said no. could just ignore it in general. could murder the guy, a lot of choices here. you just have to take one

=====

But he could easily be killed. First experience and would he be able to kill another human? Also powers, sure he has infinite mana but the other guy has probably more skills and authority. He also has many teams. Ugh... too much reasons

==

==

exactly besides why the hell is he worried he has infinite mana and can just keep casting his skills 😒😒😒😒😑😑😑

===

=

maybe he doesn't leave the city because he is afraid of not being the big fish anymore? 5mth

===

danger sense

====

too much clearing danger noticavable seen infuence

camoflage blend in with the surroundings ( well that is to hide better nowwhen is revealed is fucked)

He should escape the city using that skill, don't need no useless b rank piece of trash telling me what to fucking do.

=======

=

I'm assuming [Arcanists sphere of protection] is something like Truth seeking orbs 6mth do you know that saying "Ignorance is a bliss"? I don't know if this applies here or not...

===

ice shards= rain of ice

Diablo 3 wizard skill: Blizzard???

========

Lemme break it down for those who lack understanding:Berserkers are Attack rolesTanks are defenseMages are.... magesThe roles are very simple because there are only 3 stats. Berserkers use multiple types of weapons because a berserker is just a fun word for ATTACKER

==

=

And use arrow like a club 5mth Ballista arrows

=======

Berserks = Physical Damage DealersMages = Magical Damage Dealers (including healing)

=======

explosive rune touch the enemy it explodes = It makes the things touched to go boom by command provably control and splash radius

aura of haste movemend and attack speed increase

life essence life+30 and regeneration

==

giant streght

ligning strie

streghten

minor regeneration

harden

blade edge danger sense

aura blade

regen

heal

life esense

blast

blade of lightning

restrain and imobilise=restrain works so well with his offensive skill that makes him use physical contact for the cast. I HOPE he keeps it.

======

so, to him.. a Low Rank skill that is versatile and OP is Trash but..a High Rank skill that just shoots only damage and useless is a GODSEND..MC is just like the MC in 'It's Lonely to be Invincible' Maybe the same Trash Plots

wrilwild

increased penertation=ignore part of danage or ignore defence ro increased dmg

============

======

====

pillar of flmes into a disc of flames,condense fire , coagulate more sviscous flames

==========

Rain of rocks

the angrier is the oponent the stronger he gets that is the skill Wrathful

pillars of flames as rope

AND  ALSO the Saying of someone that was (looked the rich and wanted to be like them . wanted power , and the things could do . and those who seen that power looked up the person.

an  provided streght and skills,resources

And that is The other polarity (looked the rich and wanted to be like them . wanted power , and the things could do .) But reciving THAT POWER FELT SENSE OF LIBERATION

STREGHT DOES OT MEAN LOOK DOWN THE OTHERS  , AND DO WHATEVER YOU WANT . YOU CAN LOOK STREGHT AS REPONSIBILITY

treght is not to look down the others(evn if is optional choise of a bully)

well said. Some times u need fire to fight fire(it wont work in real life as u cant deplete fire with fire it's just a metaphor)

responsibility, u can do whatever u want

===========

I just realized his wrathful skill is kinda like The Hulk considering The Hulk also gets stronger the angrier he is 🤔 6mth But hulk is not stupid... Remember 'Angry not Stupid' -Hulk to Avengers 1mth or like broly from dragon ball

... That's your problem here? With everything done, the noncon, the murder, the violence against other people, the abuse- talking back to someone stronger, the very thing this dude was mad at you for, is what you want to avoid?

==>so he wants to become strong enough to enforce his own ideals? without reprecussions?

Thorns? Maybe DaoistMasterJohn: For that he still needs a damage dealing/reflecting defense skill... to kill attackers while sleeping... ^^ (like Maybe Thorns?

i would be suprise if mc use his book... sold he sword and sword skills because he doesnt want to fight melee then fucks the readers to buy skill that needs melee... and having this skill doesnt do anything for him except being a +50 str which he doesnt really use cause mc is dumb and is just being carried by plot armor.... why i say this? obviously mc is an amatuer or a noob who doesnt know how to fight 3 days ago to suddenly be the best fighter now from what experience exactly? he didint train on how to fight cqc nor did he even bother to look up into it... **** plot armor.(This rank B skill works against anything but C grade defensive skills :-P)

========

if it gives him a visible aura why would he activate it? I really hope he can hide the skills visual effects in the future, without having to use that chameleon skill, lol

smite pass your ruling i form of 10 swords of light(hmm there isragnarock from ebf

I wish he'd stop with the guidelines, he can literally fulfill every position

If only he could become omnipotent or versatile...dont be a mage, be everything

if only He still have the Golem Skill, a Pity 😔😔😔

Just learn them both! Stop being picky! if you have infinity mana

Dfleeing slightly increase movemend speed

gracious aura increases aversion

precision rarely miss target

adamant increased defense passively heal from minor injuries

OP.. Vampire skill.. infinite regen

*Elememtal Arrow + Double Arrow ?

increase your casting tim

not sure what i entirely read but being more mini gun sounds good for him

============

Uhm dunno to have more versatility in his arsenal for every possible situation? Duuuuuh. Think a little, what happens when he meets opponents with magic immunity, or some element immunity, blunt, slash, pierce resist/immunities? How about summoners? 100 mobs spawned per second and he will be exhausted in a matter of seconds, thats why he abandoned summons, great choice right?? Never hurts to have more skills for every possible scenario. He can afford them and level them pretty easily, you know. His narrow mindset is holding him back and also his -100 IQ points.

He actually starts learning Knight and berserker skills cz he realised that They were useful, just like i said...

He is retard with infinite mana... Also he have no restrains on skills... Only problem os lvling skills, but whatever it's not a big dial for him. In the end the more way to kill the opponent you have the better...

war cry boos allies 5% atributes

kings rage rage of king goes to you boost in dmg

sharpen

military tactics aroured ( gets bonut attributes 10

elemental damage every damage do destructive damage

strealth move undetrcted all enrgies you emit are absorbed

===

So does this mean the visual effects aren't, well visual?

This nice, if it what I'm thinking, now he can use all the skills, have them active, and not worry bout people knowing! the camouflage wouldn't really be needed anymore in public, unless he wants to go unnoticed

He just need Scent & Soundproof Skill to Completely become the Shadow/Vanishing Lord 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

show the surface of what can be done

===

=

depends on what they mean by confidential.... if they go by standards similar to US secrets then confidential isn't all that secret, don't even need clearance

desperate?

builds your streght and release it at swing of your weapon

=

I am rather surprised there aren't programs to promote low ranked skill book giving from the government. It could be a really useful method of increasing military power. Give a low rank skill book to people in order to find talented people with inheritent skills. Thereby increasing their nations power

========

=

Fused with His Flaming something Skill to make Fire Tornado 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 4mth Flames of Torment is the skill name

now we need him to try and combine skills, this combined with Smite, and/or the flame of torment

=========

=====

======

FLIGHT

No one can Stop Him Now 😂😂😂😂😂

He'll become something like Hydrogen Bomb Stealth Fighter Jet 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

dude you are using tornado in swamp! what happened to the mud and water? 😑😑😑 it's gonna splash all over your face 😂😂😂

========

=

idiot you could not chose the paralise/binsd but slow is chosen by that idiot

golden hale (rejects all attacks

doom bolt dark red bolt of lighting could(stun titan

wind foot wind rider both increase speed 100%

rigorious  all def skills by 50% shadow veil only hunteers can see

======

does it need that to be kept low key if the big wigs would like yu with that super unique skill

JUST TELL THEM 1mth didn't the military claim half of what you got in your dungeon runs anyway?

=========

even if the death match is a stupid and waste of human resources, at least it is not being done in the dark with poison or assassination

=====

=

this is where you call his admiral daddy and let him know you can solo a B rank dungeon

at this point MC is a national treasure aren't A rank and B scarce I'm sure if he had common sense he'd smack his stupid kid around and stop the match

========

It's a death match against a son of admiral. I guess after he kill the young master, his father would send someone to revenge, after that someone is failed, the admiral will come by himself. After the admiral is dead, his backers will come and so on.. 😐

========

Spam curse him to a snail crawl and blow up his limbs with runes 🤔😌👌🏻

======

AND THAT MANA THINGS IS SUPER DUPER OP

=======

THE TORIEL FLOOR HIDDE NHACH NEAR THE OVEN? . DO NOT USE ALL OF IT !

MONSTER FOOD TURNS STRAIGHT TO ENERGY

TRIEL KNOWING ENOUGHT OF HUMAN BODYIS OFF PUTTING

SO BORED FLOWEY THAT CHOSE TO HELP

near the doorr is anoughter hidden hach

=======

spoiler toriel ... has problems much bigger than that . are you sure THOSE GOLDEN FLOWERS?BUTTERCUPS THE DEADLY PUN?! IS THIS ZOOMING THE THINGS UP , OR LIQUID nightmare fuel , see the souls?the clothes the ithems are haunted? ok toriel this time looks clost the scary undead version the toriel.exe . actually is pretty close to that. The ghosts of the children like , ghost whisperer

==========

the hard to destroy reptile anomaly 682, genocide is not ok . the alternative earth send it back

tried tosend personal trought anomaly 2395

========

When SCP-193-02 is brought into contact with the mucous membranes of any mammalian subject, the segment releases 3-5 grams of an as of yet unidentified odorless, colorless gas (SCP-193-03). If inhaled, SCP-193-03 will permeate the sinus tissue and increase mucus production by 500 - 800%. In humans, the increased mucus production unsurprisingly results in the need for additional facial tissue, typically leading to further exposure to SCP-193-02 and -03 and further mucus production. Repeated exposure to SCP-193-03 can, in roughly 70% of cases, lead to permanent dysfunction of a subject's mucus production. The resulting symptoms vary, but include a variety of respiratory issues, prolonged pneumonia, and (in extreme cases) suffocation. In roughly 10% of cases of repeated exposure, the opposite effect is observed: damage to the mucus glands is so severe that the subject is left incapable of mucus production. Such subjects are especially vulnerable to inflammatory respiratory diseases, infection, and damage to the lungs due to inhalation of particulate matter.

No explanation has yet been discovered for the unusual adaptations exhibited in SCP-193; research is ongoing.

Addendum 193-1: As of ██/██/████, Dr. ████████ has confirmed additional properties of SCP-193-02. When exposed to at least 10 cc of mucus and left unattended, instances of SCP-193-02 will attempt to return to SCP-193-01 using a combination of bodily oscillation and gas propulsion (via controlled emission of SCP-193-03). The segments appear to detect possible observers via body heat to determine when they can safely return to SCP-193-01 unobserved. This behavior continues in the presence of thoroughly insulated observers, but not in the presence of large artificial heat sources, supporting the theory that SCP-193-02 detects heat. On reaching SCP-193-01, instances of SCP-193-02 will enter through folds in the bottom of the shell, reintegrating with the main body. These behaviors, combined with the previously cataloged adaptations, are believed to be the hunting and feeding method of SCP-193. More detailed research into the digestion and dietary needs of the organism are ongoing.

The locomotion of SCP-193-02 was discovered following an irregularity in experiment 193-██, in which several of the used "tissues" were left unattended for several minutes. When Dr. ████████ returned, he discovered that these instances of SCP-193-02 had surrounded the locker holding SCP-193-01, but were unable to penetrate containment. Further experimentation lead to the discovery of these previously unknown aspects of the organism. Dr. ████████ has been reprimanded for leaving a known organic SCP unsupervised in a testing chamber.

============

SCP-1983 is presumed to have been neutralized by , who was posthumously awarded the Foundation Star (one of only two awarded to Class-D Personnel). Due to information contained in Document 1983-15, it is believed that the anomaly was not localized, as previously believed, and renewed resources have gone into attempting to locate similar incidents.

=========

Mr. Parker rating: +132

Mr. Parker.

Don't look so surprised, you have to have known this day was going to come eventually. One of your fellow boarders was kind enough to let me in. They won't be disturbing us, so please, sit down.

Let me make sure I have the right Jackson Parker.

55 years old. Born in inner-city Detroit. Multiple tours in Vietnam. Sentenced to death row for killing a police officer. Date of execution May 19, 1979. Now a professional waiter at one of New York City's finest bistros. And...anyone ever tell you you look like Ernie Hudson? You know, the black Ghostbuster. Maybe I'm just thinking of him because the sequel's coming out in a couple of weeks. Whatever, forget it.

One thing they don't have in your file is your unshakable faith. You believe, in a way that so few others do, that everything happens for a reason.

I might feel the same way if I was one of the rare D-classes who have escaped termination. I have to say, you certainly earned this little life you've made for yourself here.

I saw the footage and the pictures from after the...event. I don't know if you ever had it fully explained to you what happened there. We learned that the creature you decommissioned was responsive to the beliefs of its viewers. One of our guys must have got it into his head that the thing was going to kill everybody. And because he thought that, it did.

Until it got to you, of course.

I know your exit survey was a little while ago, so to refresh your memory, the way you phrased it had to do with "falling back on your faith." You showed, in the face of this blood-drenched monstrosity, unwavering belief that you would make it out of there alive. And because you believed, it was true.

Listen...I'm sorry about what happened to you.

We used to be so callous. Hell, it was to the point of being stupid.

There may — or may not — be a thing that'll kill you if you blink in the same room as it. So far as we can tell, this thing also shits all over the place. Almost every time we sent some guys in to clean up its mess — snap! Their life's over, just like that. Only just built a robot that can do the cleaning a couple of years ago. It sickens me to think about all the men who never came out of that room, all because we didn't think of them as human. Just a letter and numbers.

But what we need you for, it can't be done by a machine. Look, I've been thinking about this a lot lately...there's something remarkable about the human heart. Don't you agree? No matter how much we want to give up or say "no" to life, the heart still beats. That's all it knows how to do. It keeps on beating: "yes-yes, yes-yes." It's admirable, something so resolute in its work.

And I know how you work, Mr. Parker. You know I'm here for a reason. And I think you know you're meant to do something that will save a lot of lives. If you do this for us — if you do this for me — we'll do everything in our power to make sure you get whatever you want for the rest of your days.

I think I can tell what that expression means.

Let me know when you're ready to go, .

=========

SCP-1983 is presumed to have been neutralized by , who was posthumously awarded the Foundation Star (one of only two awarded to Class-D Personnel). Due to information contained in Document 1983-15, it is believed that the anomaly was not localized, as previously believed, and renewed resources have gone into attempting to locate similar incidents.

the inspiration for doom guy

scp173/ in lead ,steel , concrete

dr bright not to say to the gate guardian to get rid of his fridge(data expunge now avaivable)

antymatter

dark matter , othrer sorts of matter

barrels of radiactiva waste , oteer elements ceased to exist , several other forms ofr matter because bright destroyed them

==========

SCP-2997-2 is a collective designation for a group of two-dimensional figures that may be seen on any surface with a direct line of sight to SCP-2997. Instances of SCP-2997-2 resemble nuclear shadows of human beings of variable age, gender, height, weight, etc. Instances of SCP-2997-2 can be seen performing many different actions, but the most common ones resemble praying at an altar, treating burns, conversing, or attending what resembles a Roman Catholic mass. All attempts at communication with instances of SCP-2997-2 have been unsuccessful.

SCP-2997 was found in the basement of The Church of St. Joseph in Omura, Japan where it was being used as a centerpiece in a shrine. The search was launched following multiple reports of an "Urn of Souls" in a church somewhere near Nagasaki, Japan. A squad from Mobile Task Force Chi-3 ("Exorcists") was dispatched to ascertain the existence of and retrieve it. Upon arrival at the Church of St. Joseph, MTF Chi-3 was attacked by a member of the congregation who was praying at the shrine containing SCP-2997 at the time. He was successfully sedated and all witnesses were questioned about SCP-2997 before receiving amnestics. The head priest at The Church of St. Joseph produced a burned piece of parchment from a safe and claimed that he found it and SCP-2997 resting on a piece of the altar from Urakami Cathedral under a small pile of rubble. A transcript of the document can be found in addendum 2997-02.

Addendum 2997-01: On ██/██/██ an instance of SCP-2997-2 resembling Canis lupus familiaris was seen walking with two instances of SCP-2997-2 that resembled men carrying rifles.

Addendum 2997-02: A transcript of the document recovered with SCP-2997:

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Below the words are the seals of the archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.

Footnotes . A variety of quartz whose coloration comes from free silicon formed by irradiation acting on silicon dioxide. . A phenomenon caused by an object or life form absorbing the radiation from a nuclear blast that would normally have a bleaching effect on a surface located behind it, resulting in a dark area ("shadow") wherever the object or life form blocked the radiation from bleaching. . Urakami Cathedral was a Roman Catholic cathedral located 500m away from the epicenter of the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki. It was in mass at the time of the bombing and all inside were killed. . Domestic dog.

=====

ice explosion

wind escape to other place

=========

Thanos: All of that for just a drop of blood? Hmph 4mth Anyone else have that feeling when u playing a rpg and u fighting a hard boss and then they just randomly regain all that health u took and get stronger

6mth ive seen a boss go in defennce mode and heal everytime i hit him

3mth Me when I die multiple times in the boss normal mode, and see him entering rage mode

5mth That's just the worst, every time it happens I go nuts. It's weird how before you couldn't beat the boss but once you reach the second life for the first time it seems like the first life was always easy. Don't even make me talk about the third life.

5mth When u see that u want to rage

=========

=

frigid temperance it causes  unstable ice elemennts

lighning pentrtion all lighning

embodiment ferocity , damge to all foes

eagle eyes see at mile "(good scout , attack , BRUH

====

guardian light cures injuries , alinmends,deseases down (awsome)

If Covid is SSS Rank, which Rank do have HIV/AIDS and Cancer then? Colossus_Eye: Covid chan is a SSS rank enemy. 1mth Covid chan is a SSS rank enemy. 1mth it cures diseases, imagine the focus cost, luckily,the mc has infinite focus 2mth could go and heal those hunters just for training. 🚑 3mth He'll become the Saint that Cure Peoples just by His Presence 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

======

MONOLITH FROM BLUE CRACKS TOO.... HE COLAPSED A DUNGEON

so a primordial beeing is giving him the mana and wants him to destroy the dungeons.

HUNTED SO MUCH THAT A DUNGEON DISSAPEARED FROM USING IT SO MUCH  TOO QUICKLY

THE RAPIDITY TO CLEAR DUNGEON , EVN MORE FOR EASY FRIES

OUT OF SURROUNDINGS IMPLODED

======

freezing flame

instant transfer , teleport , fold space

========

why audio fileTOTAL EMBONIMENT OF FINAL BOSSITUDE

ABC_123_A Is chara's theme the megalovaniaTHE INNER WORKINGS POSTED ONLINETOBY DOES NOT CAREMISTER THAT AS RUINEDWHEN PEOPLE STARTED TO TELL SECRETS ONLINEIT CAN NEVER BE FINSHED AS IT WAS NOT HOW IT WAS INTENDED TO BE .

========

Well I just gave adds . Adds in theories ,weapon , usage and observations , the research

infernal purge flames rain from the sky(sort of metheorite

=======

Always women over thinking their brains and it's always wrong you don't think this man wants a reward in pleasure instead of power for once

4mth Bs just because your hurting inside doesn't mean you don't deserve to ever find happiness your probably the best candidate for fl 6mth Sadly...all my male characters in DnD end up like her in mindset...the part about being too damaged to let another person into their life...probably says a lot about myself now that i think about it... 😓 1mth You guys prolly have the same interest in novels Aiden_Dover: u really get around i see ur comments in like every novel i read 4mth srsly Aiden_Dover: u really get around i see ur comments in like every novel i read 4mth u really get around i see ur comments in like every novel i read 4mth That 'meant for greater things' talk is a load of bull**** 6mth You're right, begone emo thot 20d Wait? this reminds me of the healer girl (friend) of jin-woo on solo leveling 1mth I was shipping jin woo and the demon girl 1mth author hates woman clearly 1mth Same can be said about guys. It's a human trait...sadly... James_Chanler: no it's clear they understand how women over think things and come up with the dumbest conclusions. like for a lot of girls if they deam that their boyfriend cheats they make him appologize. Im not for this "im not good for him", as a man let me give any woman reading this an advice, we the one should say this to u cause our monkey brain is stupid and dont downplay ur self cause u are more amazing than u think :D (please dont take this as a simp action :<)

a wild simp *.* 1mth Dude I think you just got wooshed Zael_Moonblade: really funny how everyone is using that abbreviation incorrectly just to try and sound ********/cool... It really doesn't by the by... 1mth really funny how everyone is using that abbreviation incorrectly just to try and sound ********/cool... It really doesn't by the by... OshJosh: What a simp. How long have you been a tier 3 pokimane sub???? 1mth What a simp. How long have you been a tier 3 pokimane sub???? 1mth No one is truly meant for greater things the closest thing to this I can think of is someone working their ass of and doing great things 4mth She's right, She hasn't done anything so wrong and stupid that she deserves to end up with someone like the mc.

1mth

Glad shes got brains hate the ones who still try 4mth Dude...what is your malfunction? 1mth uh 3mth she's gonna be the mcs lover. 5mth No ****, author has put so much work into her character development its not like hes just gonna throw her away now 4mth Well that's obvious. You can't **** on the first day and suddenly he thinks you're special.

======

IF SPERAR OF DESTINY AIMS AT THE HEARTHS OF THEENEMIES THAN ADDING THIS TO OTHERS WOULD BE AS EFFECTIVE

ULTRA REGENERATION AS YOUR HEARTH BEATS AND YOUR BRAIN STILL FUNCTIONS YOU WILL NOT MEETY DEATH

=========

That Regeneration Skill is useless. Everything but Heart/Brain loss?He already had a good Regeneration Skill at Level 100, I am pretty sure he could have survived anything but Heart/Brain loss before. So that Ultra Regeneration gives nothing he had not before...Unless I am overlooking something... 1mth So now he has uLtra ultra regen 20d that regen skill is broken but not too broken enough 2mth Bruh... that regeneration skill is broken. I love it. Give him MORE!!! 2mth literally Jesus at this point 2mth Nah jesus died and was reborn. This guy can never die. 1mth 'as long as u are alive, u will not die' is pretty much what it said -.- 2mth Soo is he immortal now? 1mth Ultra Regeneration is op ag 3mth Gae Bolg 😅😅😅😅😅 4mth sn't it golden?

=============

Gáe Bulg From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gáe Bulg (pronounced ) (also Gáe Bulga, Gáe Bolg, Gáe Bolga), meaning "spear of mortal pain/death", "gapped/notched spear", or "belly spear", was the name of the spear of in the of . It was given to him by his martial arts teacher, the warrior woman , and its technique was taught only to him.

It was made from the bone of a , the Coinchenn, that had died while fighting another sea monster, the Curruid. Although some sources make it out to be simply a particularly deadly , others—notably the —state that it could only be used under very specialized, ritual conditions:

The Gáe Bulg had to be made ready for use on a stream and cast from the fork of the toes. It entered a man's body with a single wound, like a , then opened into thirty barbs. Only by cutting away the flesh could it be taken from that man's body.

In other versions of the legend, the spear had seven heads, each with seven barbs. In the , Cúchulainn received the spear after training with the great warrior mistress Scáthach in . She taught him and his foster-brother, , everything the same, except she only taught the Gáe Bulg feat to Cuchulainn. He later used it in single combat against Ferdiad. They were fighting in a ford, and Ferdiad had the upper hand; Cúchulainn's charioteer, , floated the Gáe Bulg down the stream to his master, who cast it into Ferdiad's body, piercing the warrior's armor and "coursing through the highways and byways of his body so that every single joint filled with barbs." Ferdiad died soon after. On a separate occasion, Cúchulainn also killed his own son, , with the spear. In both instances, it was used as a last resort, as once thrown it proved invariably fatal.

Cúchulainn's use of the Gáe Bulg in the exemplifies its deadliness and the gruesome condition in which it leaves its victims. This can be seen in the fact that after it is used, one must literally cut into the victim to retrieve it. This was the case in Cúchulainn's slaying of Ferdiad. As it is stated in Ciaran Carson's translation of The Táin:

Láeg came forward and cut Fer Diad open and took out the Gáe Bolga. Cú Chulainn saw his weapon bloody and crimson from Fer Diad's body... "

Etymology

Traditionally, the name has been translated as "belly spear", with the second element of the name, bulga, being treated as a derivative of bolg "belly, sack, bag".

Several notable Celtic scholars, including and , have preferred to derive it rather from Old Irish bolc "gap, breach, notch" (cognate with Welsh bwlch), suggesting a linguistic link with the second element in the name of 's sword, and 's sword .

Linguist derives the second element, bulga, from a compound *balu-gaisos meaning "spear of mortal pain/death spear" (comparable to fogha "spear, dart", from Proto-Celtic *uo-gaisu-). Once the second element *gaisos "spear" was no longer recognizable to Irish speaker, its Old Irish cognate, gáe, was reattached to the beginning for clarification, forming a new, compound.

An episode of postulated from their team's research; partly from an article by on the matter, that the weapon was constructed in part by a barb, and the tale of has a similar component.

See also, Odin's spear in Nordic legend, also in Irish myth, for a list

===========

GREATER FLAME PENETRATION

BURNING SOUL?

SEAL THE ENEMY CORE WIT FLAMES

ELEMENTALIST MORE DAMAGE USING ELEMENTS

Hard diamond skin,INK,Self leathing

=========

=well MEMORIES ARE TH MOST IMPORTANT THING

ARC LIGHTNING(CHAIN LIGHTING

======

belifs may illusion and unreal into real

night vision?

and however understandable it is for the MC to do so and to avoid the cowards; the outright looking for people displaying negative and/or aggressive emotions and giving them powers draws yet one more parallel to Scion and the way the criteria of Passenger-distribution was set up

don't want to spoiler so I wont, but your guess here wouldn't be any less plausible or strange than what the source of his infinite mana actually turned out to be, in fact in some ways I'd even prefer your version xP plot twist after Scion died in the wormverse he reincarnated as a human with only one shard still in his possesion, a shard that draws emergy from different dimensions aka kaleido-style energy supply 4mth plot twist after Scion died in the wormverse he reincarnated as a human with only one shard still in his possesion, a shard that draws emergy from different dimensions aka kaleido-style energy supply

=======

it exist so many universe s FOR A LOT OF WHAT IFS . SO MUCH WHAT IFS

VOID SLASH CUT A REA (WITH SWING OF YOUR SWORD)

EXPANDON BURN YTOUR BODY TO LIMITS

PAIN RESISTENSE

HYPER BEAM

=======

POISONOUS GRREN BEAM, decay

vocsnic eruption how much fares BLAST BURN

==

PREME ESSENSE AND ANCIENT ENERGY AND MAGIC?

But a bit stupid when got other summons skils but NOO . WHAT A MORON

=========

You'd think I'd be used to this main character's level of intelligence, but no, he keeps on surprising me. Not only is he not concerned over that name, he's excited about summoning some sort of S-Ranked creature called a virulent abomination. That name makes me think it would spread plagues just by breathing or be some sort of horrific eldritch abomination.

========

=

SUMMONING PLAGUE MONSTER WITH ALL YOUR WEAKER ALLIES NEARBY!? SMART MOVE JERK! TRALALALALALA~

THE NOXIOUS GASS SPREAD

=====

Splash damage and shock waves are a thing though..

=======

==

nice theorie, but didn't steel mikhail need a team to clear the A-rank dungeon in blessed city (the capital of the blessed empire) and dark sword kazuhito awakened much earlier than the MC (steel mikhail too) so shouldn't they be massively overpowered already now that they had years to exploit their boni, additionally if either of them has the stat responsible for defense on unlimited, shouldn't they be impervious to damage, or atleast have a phoenix-like insta-regen ? the same with the strength stat, i mean unlimited in the strength stat should one-hit everything right ? Also steel mikhail would probably tell the Empress of the blessed empire of the 'Glitch' and if there suddenly was a hunter who can spam magic they should atleast have suspicions about it right ? Though they may have their 'special' stat limited or locked or something like that, then it would probably make sort of sense.

===============

It is further explained to be psychological damage manifesting itself in her physical form despite her gem being unharmed.

============

Drilled to hell . taking your memories takes your identity.

Multiverse.... Steven .... Nesss Sans.... WHAT IFS

======

my thoughts exactly. if I'm in an RPG and the boss just keeps summoning kamikaze warriors to no end, I would be furious

======

oh Get a stronger mutagenic DNA damging POISON

//

MANA BARRIERS

SOO DRAGONS HAVE NEARLY BOUNDLESS MANA AND EXPERT OF USING THE MANA AROUND THEM

RESTORING THE BARRIERS , bruh

=====

=======

=======

mercy or not mercy ?

well can't say I'm not disappointed,he don't have any information about the world out there and maybe this dragon is the only one that can help him,but I understand that any skill book this dragon gonna drop would be really use full to the mc,and he don't really need any help right now,so its better to just kill him,still disappointed tho

======

In a lot of novels authors seem to show the MC's actions as purely good, and almost never show the actual consequences of their actions. Antagonist with actual character, its such a beautiful thing. Showing the people around them, and the way they saw things; things that you can only understand from their perspective.

=========

=

skill combination , IT IS VERY GOOD

,

WHY NOT HEALING VIRULENT ABOMINATION OH HTHE IRONY HEALING REGENERATING ALLIES VIRULENT ABOMINATION

WHAT WORKS TO COMBINE

COVERY CONDENSED LIGHTNING WHEN YOU COULD HAVE ... Just a force of green lantern

======

s [Safeguard + Rough Skin]

The two slots shined a light green, and the green light expanded as the two skills disappeared, a brand new one appearing on my panel

[Armored Skin]

The skill had a brand new color, in contrast to the skills written in white with the blue background of the panel. It had a purple color, with its rank now upgraded to D+ and its proficiency showing

I activated this new skill in wonder and found that the defense provided by it was more than triple what [Safeguard] and [Rough Skin] provided. It was still a lower ranking skill though, so it didn't drastically change my defenses

========

=

Kazuhiko had been able to combine two of his skills called [Blade Dance] and [Dominator's Sword Wave] to bring the result of [Dominator's Dance of Death]

========

I was able to combine the rank C skills [Whirlwind] and [Aura of Haste] to produce [C+ Fevered Rush]

When activated, my speed sharply rose for an instant as I traveled forward and almost smacked into a wall. The speed still couldn't beat rank A [Flight] though

========

Further experimentation allowed me to combine the rank B skills, [Shadow Veil] and [Stealth] to bring out [B+ Dark Assassin]

This new skill most definitely matched rank A skills, if not surpassing some of them, as my body disappeared and melded into the surroundings as I wished.

I could keep it active at all times to still cover up the colorful skill effects of the many other active skills I had on all the time, while choosing when to become fully hidden that even the powerful rank A peak hunter Kazuhiko had trouble finding me

============================

I had gained a rank A skill book called [Void Slash] that I just tossed in my storage ring and forgot about. I looked at Kazuhiko and his katana, pulling out the skill right after and handing it to him

He looked at the skill description and turned all serious, giving me a heartfelt thanks for the gift.

==========

=

It went further to further clarify that it was a system of laws congregated together to keep this world alive, so I could also call it this world's Planetary System. I cut it down to System for short just to make it easier when I was addressing it

The System had gained consciousness when dungeons first began appearing on this this planet, and could only begin to act a step behind the enemies and play catch up as they began their invasion

Essence of our young world was used to awaken the first groups of hunters, paying an expensive price to grant them inherent skills that enabled them to stand against the onslaught of beasts

This wouldn't be enough to stand against the droves of enemies though, so the System performed its first drastic measure since it gained consciousness

When the beasts died, their essence was lost in the environment and could be re-absorbed by the surrounding world inefficiently

The System took the drastic action of using more than half of its essence to form a system of power that was compatible to the beings in its planet that knew nothing about the new fantastical and magical things they were experiencing

The awakened would now be able to quantify and observe their strength with the advent of an attribute panel, and most of all, the key factor of being able to get stronger by snatching the essence from the beasts they kill.

===========

The System used more than half of its essence to implement this new system of power where the essence of dying beasts would be extracted, and the skills & abilities that were buried deep in the beast's essence would be turned to the source of strength for the hunters. Thus, came the advent of skill books, items, and cores

Some beasts that later came to be called TITANs and BOSSes had a denser collection of essence that allowed for skills and items to be extracted from them, while for other beasts, only cores that reinforced the strength, vitality, and focus of the awakened individuals could be drawn out

This new system of power allowed this world and its inhabitants a unique ability that most likely was not existent anywhere else in the universe that allowed for the extraction and absorbance of the power of your enemies.

The System had to regain the tremendous amount of essence it lost through this , so half of all extracted energy would go towards the planet's core.

The awakened were thus able to make their stand and slowly take back their lands, but much of the world was already decimated by beasts, only giving rise to a collection of countries that later became known as the United Federation and a connection of Cities protected under the banner of an Empire

The System went into a period of hibernation after this to recover its essence, its hunters slowly contributing by clearing the beasts and the dungeons that they came from

======

=

This brought us to the subject of dungeons.

The dungeons were lines of connections that our enemy sent down. These lines of connections carried with them the origin of many inhabitants from another world. They were sent down and settled on the planet as monoliths that required time to allow for the physical entry of the beings in the connection line.

Depending on how much essence was used on the dungeons, the rate of release could be accelerated.

But if people came in contact with the monolith and were able to defeat the origins of the beings in it, essence of the monolith would be used up and the release would be delayed.

The enemy that sent these dungeons down would then have to keep providing essence towards these dungeons to replenish the origin of the beings in it. This process repeated back and forth in the months that followed the advent of the apocalypse

Hunters would repeatedly enter dungeons and clear them, using up more and more essence and taking it for themselves. The other side would continue to send down essence to reinforce and maintain the origins of beings that slowly lost their minds and rationality from being broken and rebuilt so many times

Then came the reason that I was wondering about all this time. If a dungeon was cleared rapidly enough, the in flow of essence from the invading force couldn't keep up with how much essence was being absorbed, and the connection line would be broken, with the beings inside dying completely

This, was the destruction of the monolith that I had caused.

I looked up to the rotating prism when it got to this point and asked.

"Then, the [Plane Crystal] that I received once the monolith imploded is..."

[It is a direct line of connection that we can use to ascertain the coordinates of their world and send our own forces down.]

I was speechless for the first time in a while. I thought about what this implied and then asked something I couldn't bring myself to ask before

"How do I...fit in all of this"

The System took a pause when we go to this point

[When I regained enough essence to become active again, I saw that the situation was not heading in the right direction and that I had to act once more. I felt a level of frustration as I had enough essence and power to even bend some natural laws, but I couldn't make use of it to plainly erase the invaders because much stronger universal laws are in place to prevent such direct intervention]

I felt my mind start pounding as I listen very closely to the next words

[So I calculated countless possibilities, and came to the one with the highest chance of success, while it also posed the greatest danger. But, this path would allow for a truly strong person to rise and protect the planet, so I attempted it.]

I listened with rapt attention while waiting for the voice to continue

[I created a backdoor from the planet's core and connected it to a single human that had the least restrictions, someone who wasn't yet even awakened. This channel would allow the possibility of things that are normally impossible.]

My thoughts were moving rapidly as I heard this...this was why I felt that I had infinite mana to cast whatever skills I wanted without restriction.

This was why my [Focus] was blank. All of that energy...it wasn't just coming from nowhere. This made me recall something I had read about in school years back, that energy couldn't be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another

It felt like lessons finally kicked in when I thought about my mana, and how the skill books and cores came to be. But, could the common laws I knew about even be applicable at this stage we were at now? As for just how much energy an entire planet contained...could the tremendous essence even be quantified?

My thoughts were interrupted as the System continued

[But...this came at a huge cost and introduced a vulnerability that was not there before. You are connected to the planetary core, and the planetary core is connected to you. If you ever faced destruction...the entire planet will follow.]

(IF THIS IS THE PRICE GET DAMN STRONG OR IF YOU DIE THE WORLD DIES

...!!!

=========

[You...were chosen randomly. It just so happened that among the many humans who had yet to awaken, you were chosen by chance.]

The reply came unexpectedly, and it might have not been the thing I wanted to hear, but I actually felt relief from it. I wasn't some chosen one who was born to do great things. I just recieved a monumental gift. A gift...that I would use to the best of my abilities from now on

"Don't tell me that you also didn't know whether I would awaken or not, or even live another day in the case something like a dungeon break occurred and wiped out an entire city?"

[There was no certainty of that either. I mentioned that I undertook this plan because it provided the highest percent chance of survival for us all, but that percentage was still very low. I could only make a shot in the dark, because if I hadn't, we would have faced complete destruction in the future. Something like this is normally impossible, with a near zero percent chance of working out. It is a completely unique situation.]

There was a pause as it let these words sink in before it continued

[All that remains is that it worked, and because it worked, we now stand a chance to go against the enemies plotting against us. The next phase of our actions is for you to head to the world our enemies reside in and disrupt the structure there. If you are able to completely place the inhabitants of that world under your rule, it opens up even more wondrous possibilities that you cannot begin to imagine]

===

THUS ASKING FOR MERCY  Well will you give a try?

============

The first thing to keep in mind was that this invasion of beasts was simply a use of pawns to achieve their aim of domination for young planets. The near infinite reserves of energy that the planet held is what they were after

Just like how countries made up wars to obtain oil, war was now being waged for the countless supplies of energy on a much grander scale.

If they achieved their aims and dominated the inhabitants of the world, they would be able to use them as disposable pawns to invade other worlds first and the mining of the planet's essence using specialized dungeons

Entire worlds that had their people dominated could only watch as their world was turned into a mine for the years to come as it cycled through absorbing essence from the outside world and having it stolen right after. At this stage, the world no longer grew.

Inhabitants in such a world could not dream of obtaining more power and getting stronger. An example is the race of beasts that became stronger with years of acc.u.mulating and growing their essence and learning how to cast complex skills and abilities. If the essence of their world was to be taken over by others and exploited for their own uses, their powers would become stagnant

[That, is where you come in. You are a weapon, and a very powerful one at that. If you descend onto their world and become its ruler, besides stopping any future forces from being sent here, we will have the option of annexing an entire world for our own uses]

The words of the System continued to be bombshells every time, but I could feel excitement from them. We first get back at the true culprits who caused so much pain for us, and then obtain an entire...

[From the collection of memories of those beasts, the world they reside in is a large world under the control of mythical races of beasts. It is a flourishing world that suddenly faced an invasion, and even with the tremendous strength of its inhabitants, parts of it have already fallen under the rule of invading enemies. It is those beings that are now continuing their conquest in that world while using its subjugated inhabitants as pawns to also invade smaller worlds.]

More and more information kept on coming. I committed everything to memory the moment the other world began being mentioned

[Our goal is the same thing. To disrupt their plans and take that world for ourselves. We will not be so weak as to be bullied after that. If we have to, we won't even stop just at that world, and extend our reach to the far corners of the universe. Only with sufficient power can we be confident. With you in the lead, the goal has a large chance of success. For you are someone who is able to tap into a power that is normally constrained by universal laws.]

It felt as if I was getting the biggest pep talk of my life as I listened to the dominating words coming out of the System

[You are someone able to access the unquantifiable reserves of an entire planet. Something sacred that is used to set the order of life, you have it under your fingertips. You can call it endless. You can call it infinite. Never in your lifetime will you feel like you do not have enough energy no matter how high you continue climbing. When you suceed in your conquest and bring the apocalypse that you faced unto other worlds, obtaining their sources of power too, you can factually state...that you have Infinite Mana in this era of apocalypse.]

======

=========

=======

====

Крушени дърво/Pear wood is good for hammer , axe , аnything hitting instrument

жилаво дърво

=======

====

=====

====

[Earth Armor], [Recorder], [Permafrost], [Combusting Spears], and [Language Comprehension].

Out of all of these, the one I found most interesting was [Recorder], which allowed me to replay anything I saw with my eyes while activated. I could of course keep it active at all times, which meant I could rewatch everything like a film if I chose to do so. I was still finding ways that I could use this skill effectively

I also combined more skills that had high compatability, putting togather the rank B skills [Cold Fire] and [Greater Cold Penetration] to bring out [B+ Boreal Penetration]. The fire element rank B skills [Greater Flame Penetration] and [Burning Soul] also combined to bring out [B+ Blazing Penetration].

I also combined more skills that had high compatability, putting togather the rank B skills [Cold Fire] and [Greater Cold Penetration] to bring out [B+ Boreal Penetration]. The fire element rank B skills [Greater Flame Penetration] and [Burning Soul] also combined to bring out [B+ Blazing Penetration].

A few of my rank A skills were nearing 100 proficiency, so I couldn't try fusing any of them yet. I already had a few ideas in mind for when they met the requirements.

=====

=====

====

=====

==

Humans always found new ways to be selfish and stupid,

============

белина (bleach for usage in home) is slippery/хлъзгава/сапун по лошо Соап is wors .

ПЛОЧКИ ПОДОВИ ИЛИ СТЕННИ

============

Humans always found new ways to be selfish and stupid,

=======

From the words of the System, specific regulation of essence was required to send anything across worlds, and the people on this planet were nowhere close to having that level of control to allow them to do this without the help of something else

Beings that were born in larger worlds that had more experience with mana had much better ways to utilize it, with them requiring only a large amount of essence to be expanded before they sent down hundreds of thousands of beasts across worlds

========

ПОДОВИ ПОЛЧКИ ПО ГРАПАВИ , ПО СТЕНИТЕ ГЛАДКИ

I learned [Permafrost] as I was leaving the United Federation, so I made the goal to spam this skill a whole lot while I was doing cleanup around the Empire before I left so I could raise the proficiency the fastest. It was a skill that had obvious compatability with the

[Frigid Impermanance]

A BIT DUMB PERMAFROST IS BETTER I GUESS TO ALL COULD

The rank B+ skills I was able to synthesize were: [Hardened Body Armor], [Strengthened Strikes], [Mirror of Repulsion], and [Emerald Skin].

The moment they appeared on the attribute panel, I activated them and waited for their proficiency to rise once more before I combined them too. It would be a long process, but my power would continue to spike the more skills I combined. I laid down on the feathered mattress as I waited for the next day to arrive, where my adventure would fully begin

==========

[All Element Resistance] that I quickly learnt. It was an active skill that increased your defenses against elemental attacks once activated,

[Protection of the Wounded: Injuries cause you no fear as your defense is increased by 200% while the skill is active]

[Saint's Phantom- A mirage of a saint from long ago appears for 10 seconds, using its powerful magic to heal all wounds and dispel any major negative effects]

=========

strategy

All of these were things I found out in a matter of a day after using the full force of my information agency to follow the movements of this person since the day he appeared. But I still had nothing to work with, making me very frustrated.

The nobles that stood against me were met with swift destruction because of the many secrets I was able to dip my hands into, but I had nothing to build on for the current person.

=====

The black suit was a rank S item that had the innate trait of blending into the shadows, being great for assassinations and the like. As soon as you filled it with energy, your figure would quickly disappear. With the addition of the few hiding skills I could activate at all times, I was skeptical whether someone of EPIC rank would be able to notice me if I didn't want them to.

[Healing Light],[Lion's Roar],[Water Barrier],[Pierce],[Executor's Speed],[Sense Heat Source], and [Silent Communication].

=========

An example was the race of Mythical Dragons that had control of and used to reside in the center of the continent. A newly born dragon had much more mana than many other beings, and as they aged they received innate skills of their species while also learning how to utilize essence to form other destructive skills.

They were geniuses when it came to mana, and exceeded many other species in strength. This was also why their downfall shocked so many lesser races and made them treat the threat of demons as a possible world ending calamity. But the dragons weren't the only mythical races in this world.

dual wielding the hook one grabs blocking the attak and strike with the other

parrying until the time to strike]

ONE OFFENSE ONE DEFENCE

THE SHIELD PARRYING , AN THE WEAPON IN THE OTHER HAND IS TO EXTEND THE RANGE

THE EXTENDING LEVER OF YOUR ARM KEEING YOU OUT OF HARM''S WAY INCREASING TH E DANAGE CAN DO

EDGE(PRESSURE ON SMALL POINT , SINGLR POINT OF MAXIMUM IMPACT

SHILLD SPREADING THE FORCE AS MUCHAS POSSIBLE . gREAT AT DEFENCE BAD ON OFFENCE

LESS IMPACT ON LARGE CIRFACE AREA

SWORD+SHIELD COMBO , SHIELD WIT SPIKES

TARGE MEANS CAME FROM  TARGET PACTICE IF LONG BOWMEN

SHIELD BLADES PKING OUT OF NOOK AND CRANNY(FROM ITALIAN RENESANCE

HOW YOU ARE ATTACKING

SPIKES DISTANCE AND ANGLES

GETTING ON THE WAY

COUGHT IN OBJECTS

POKE ALLIES IN THE BACK

BROAD HEAD ARROW + Winglets(expanded blades

basic broad head arrow

the barb cut trought skin and stick in the body

bodkin loosing the barbs to pirese trought chainmail

a big enought arow and sytrong enought behatding may be done

=============

To answer your question about Twilight, the best answer I can think of is that she's skeptical. She's seen humans, but they were from a whole different dimension.

Cadance erased her writing and wrote a couple more sentences.

She wasn't sure just how different you "Earth" humans are to the mirror world humans.

Cadance erased and rewrote.

To answer your second question, I was here for a while. It was magic that allowed me to take control of your shadow.

Yet again she erased and rewrote.

Ever since you first took control of my body after the incident, I've been locked in the deepest part of your mind. *erase, rewrite* I was unable to do magic that affected the outside world, and you had no idea how the properties of magic worked. So I was unable to help you. *erase, rewrite* However, I could still do magic inside your head. So I was working on accessing spells that could tie my magic to yours. *erase, rewrite* Luckily, while you were in that mysterious transport device... what I learned was called a van... I finally managed to connect my magic to yours and grab the thing that steers the truck.

"That was you?" I replied. "That explains why my magic suddenly activated and grabbed the wheel! That wasn't me, that was you!"

Cadance nodded and wrote on the blackboard.

After you went unconsious, I began working on a spell to bring me out of your body. *erase, rewrite* And now, it worked. Though only you can see me.

"How come I never encountered you when I was dreaming?"

Because the place I was trapped in was so deep in your mind, it would have taken effort to find me. For both of us.

"Oh."

Does that answer all of your questions?

"It does. So what now?"

I can't return to your mind until sunrise. That's how the spell works. The spell I casted enabled me to leave your head at will every sunset, but I can't return until sunrise.

====

"So... when I return to the castle... what should I do? I mean... you have a family. Can't you just switch places with me? I'm the shadow and you're... you? I don't want to have to deal with telling ponies who I am."

Unfortunately, I can't. It will have to be up to you to care for the family. Whether you want to tell everypony who you are is up to you.

"Twilight said the exact same thing. But what will ponies think? I can't lead a whole place. I'm just a guy from college who suddenly got in this mess and is no longer home and-"

I suddenly noticed my vision get coated with a shade of grey, and I felt my body pull closer to Cadance. She wrapped her hooves around me.

"What are you doing?"

I saw Cadance write on the blackboard and she turned it to me so I can see.

My link to your mind is allowing me to feel the amount of anxiety you are having. I'm trying to comfort you. I know you may not need it but...

"It's fine... thanks."

Listen, we can talk about this tomorrow. I can give you advice on watching over the place, and telling the truth to my family. And maybe I can even prove to them that I'm still here. They can't see me. But they can see the objects I move.

========

what was happening, I saw the wing on Shadow Cadance slowly disappear... along with the pain in my wing. By the tine Cadance's wing was completely gone, my wing felt better.

"What did you do?" I asked.

Cadance got her chalkboard back and wrote.

Another convenient spell. I risked a part of my shadow body to heal your wing. Once the doctors take notice that you're 100% fine, we'll be free to go.

========

"How does it feel... not having..." Shining cleared his throat. "How does it feel not having what makes you... male?"

I blushed.

"Er... um... well..." I shuffled my hind legs a bit. "It feels... weird. Empty. Never noticed the difference until now..."

=========

======

====

"CITIZENS OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!!" I called out. Wait, I didn't intend to say that. I didn't even intend to move my mouth! I suddenly stepped forward, but I didn't intend that either.

It almost felt as if I wasn't in control of my body anymore... almost as if someone else is controlling, and I have to sit back and watch.

=======

"Oh, I'm fine," Twilight replied, still speaking kind of fast. "Listen, I'm sorry for not explaining much to you and having you care for the family and kingdom! I was skeptical of you back then, I barely knew you, and I was running out of time before I could go back to my Princess duties! So when I wasn't doing my daytime or nightime duties, I would research that object that brought you in this mess in the first place! And everytime I got tired, I'd drink six cups of coffee!"

Well. That explains her current state. But why six cups? Something tells me her Twilighting resurfaced...

Her right hind leg started to thump on the ground.

"And then I tried to ask Discord for help, but then he told me that his magic somehow vanished!"

========

should have came at a time where I wasn't out of time to go do something, and I also should have learned about you a bit more." (Gather more information

=======

The addition of [Spear of Destiny] and [Combusting Spears] gave the A ranked [Relegator's Spear].

[Pain Resistance] and [Ultra Regeneration] produced the A ranked [Immutable Regeneration] that provided even faster regeneration while boosting my tolerance to pain.

========

I watched as the numbers rose for many of the skills, as well as another two particular S rank offensive skills that were just a few digits away from being combined. Another skill that was rising slowly while active was [Summon Virulent Abomination], but I made sure to make full use of the deadly explosion that occurred when I casted it while it was already on the field to also raise the skill even faster with continuous casting.

It seemed like it would be compatible with [Profane Eruption], so that was one thing I was also actively rising. A few hours passed like this, until I felt mentally drained from continuing to multitask and repeat this process so much. I looked around the messy floating pentagons as well the blank darkness below in this dungeon that would be terrifying for anyone who didn't have the ability to fly.

Hundreds of monsters had died, but not even their bodies remained with the constant use of [Profane Eruption]. I went out of the dungeon to find the procession of wagons fully ready to go, with Princess Adelaide being kept company by the same plump man that received her.

===========

Changeling BUG DARK TYPE

========

Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, head down and eyes narrowed as she listened to the guard's report. Once he had finished and stepped back, she took a deep breath and spoke.

"Captain, what did she steal?"

"A scroll from the Forbidden Archives, Your Highness" he stated. "We are still determining which one in particular. We also believe that it could already be in Chrysalis's grasp by now." The stallion hung his head, his ears drooping. "I take full responsibility for this, Princess. If my squad and I had been a few seconds faster to respond—"

"There is no need for such dramatics, Captain." Celestia stood and waved a gilded hoof with a small smile. "The Changelings are quite possibly our most unpredictable foes. Now pick yourself up and get back to work. We must know what scroll was stolen, in case Chrysalis plans on using its contents to prepare another attack."

=====

THE CHANGELINGS

take us all to a new land, one where we'll not be hunted. A land that might bring us salvation!"

===========

"Of course!" Chrysalis huffed. "I am Queen Chrysalis! No paltry pony spell is above my power!"

"Too bad we can't eat confidence," Sync snickered. "Chrissy would be an endless supply."

=======

Exhausted, drained, and her magic spent, Chrysalis opened one heavy eyelid and saw her swarm, her beloved family.

Help them... please... someone, anyone...

I can help them.

Who... are you?

I can help all of you. Should you accept. You cannot go back.

Why would we? We are hunted. Vilified.

I can give you a second chance. It requires change. Do you accept?

Will they be safe? My children?

They will not know hunger. They can choose to be happy. You can choose to be happy.

...Do it. I don't care for myself... just save them.

Then it shall be done.

======

"It's so different here," Scribe spoke up from behind the Queen. "The taste of the air, the lack of magic. And... it's faint, but I can feel love energy close by."

=====

===

=

=

"Why?" Sync frowned as they landed on one particularly large oaken branch. She set the youngling down and stretched her wings. "Because those selfish, cowardly ponies wouldn't let us! They fear and despise us, simply for being what we are. The mere idea of being an emotivore is something they don't understand—not that they ever tried!"

======

"Whatever it is, I think it's a male, and it's definitely giving off trace amounts of love energy." Sync's horn shined with a pale light, and her body tingled gently. It wasn't romantic love, more like... familial, the sort that one would have for a pet or close friend.

Not as potent as lust or desire, but it'll do.

,So THE CHANGELINGS ARE REALLY CUTE

"It was... s-some kind of black sphere," he said. "While it built up in my horn, I... it felt dark, and c-cold. I don't really ling."

Chrysalis shared glances with Sync and Scribe, all three biting their lips. Had he used dark magic? Based on their dubious expressions, they too had already confirmed that wasn't the case.

========

звуков огън , неволята е страхотна мотивация , огнени бръсначи

======

==

Scribe frowned. "Well of course there is: magic, latent psychic ability..." He paused as Sync's snorting delved into full-blown laughter. "Aaand telepathy wasn't what you were referring to."

She took another bite, this time testing it with her other sense. No doubt about it, there was definitely trace amounts of love put into this food. And yet there seemed to be more coming from somewhere? And her head felt really good for some reason, like a long-irritating itch finally being scratched.

========

She looked up at the creature. Could it hold the answer? Come to think, it had shown a small amount of affection for her while scratching her head before she'd startled it away. For not merely an undisguised Changeling, but the Queen of the Changelings: Chrysalis, "The Scourge of Equestria."

=========

======

=====

=====

Unknown areas, food that contained love energy, and a creature that actually liked Changelings?

[quote]The possibility came to him. This 'Blitzle' Pokémon was the closest thing to a pony yet. His hoof lingered over the search by body type option—[/quote]

Покемон ЗЕБРА/POKEMON ZEBRA

It's basically an electronic encyclopedia of all known species of Pokémon. Two, it's powered by a rechargeable micro-lithium battery, I think. It keeps about forty-eight hours of constant use, or around two weeks in standby mode. Three, getting one..." He stopped and hummed to himself. "I've actually never heard of a Pokémon getting its own Pokédex before. They're only given out to aspiring trainers."

Adrien nodded and closed his eyes. If what had been said so far was true—that they really were visitors from another world, developing Pokémon powers—then, it could be that these 'strange magicks' as he put it were really—

Adrien looked at his belt. No, screw what Scribe said. If these Changelings were developing powers they didn't understand, then he'd need something to defend himself—and possibly defend them from themselves, too. He slung the bag over his shoulders and fastened his belt, remembering to grab the single ball left sitting on the ground.

Sorry, Scribe. I'm not letting you all hurt yourselves.

=======

Scribe shook his head. "I am unsure. I was conversing with the boy... Adrien, he said his name was, at least until this happened. But I cannot feel any residual magic coming from this. Whatever he did, it was not of arcane origin." He raised the Pokédex. "Perhaps this thing might know. Let me try to work it."

The room fell silent. Flipping up the top lid again, Scribe tried pointing it at the crater.

The Pokédex beeped. "Scanning image... Detecting energy... Shadow Ball, a Ghost-type attack. The user hurls condensed shadow energy at the target. This attack has a twenty percent chance of lowering the target's Special Defense."

But before he could respond, another voice spoke up. "That's because the Pokédex can identify the residual energy of the move that little Changeling just used."

"Well..." Adrien paused to get his thoughts in order. "While some kind of magic exists here, it's probably not the kind you're used to. What this Changeling used is an attack known by several species of Pokémon called 'Shadow Ball'."

=========

"'Rat'?" Ventus glared back. "You ain't my queen, your royal bugbutt. And I only respect those that have earned it. You—" he motioned at Chrysalis "—ain't done squat to earn that."

"No, I mean..." Adrien sighed and put his hand to his forehead. "While that's how many species are known, they all have their own personalities. Likes and dislikes, temperaments and even sizes can vary. The Pokédex merely records the average weight and height."

=======

"The things I do for you," Ventus sighed as he opened his maw. Ethereal energy began to materialise, condensing into a dark sphere. When the sphere outgrew his mouth, he released the energy; the blast impacted the spike and exploded, blowing several stone chunks into the air.

=====

"Well, what should we do?" he asked. "I could always put them inside a Pokéball..."

"And I could turn you inside out." Sync pointed and narrowed her eyes. Adrien had explained the concept of these 'Pokéballs' and how they captured and contained Pokémon. "There's no way in Tartarus that me or anybuggy else is ending up in one of those things! Are we clear?"

======

"Because we barely have the energy for that," Sync replied. Although, as she mulled the idea over in her head, it could be worth a try. Okay, so maybe she might have been passively feeding from the human and had a little magic to play with.

=====

Ventus laughed harder as the dazed nymph picked herself up. "Moron, Ghost-type moves like Shadow Sneak won't work on a Normal-type Pokémon like me." Ventus smirked and raised a beckoning paw. "Come on, little buggy. Want another go?"

Generation III

Teeter Dance all Pokémon adjacent to the user.

He pressed a button, and the electronic voice provided: "Transform: The user transforms into a copy of the target, right down to having the same move set. A move traditionally only usable by Ditto."

====

"Changelings feed on love and other positive emotions, human," Sync said in a tone like she was explaining this to a grub. "So unless those little balls of yours have love in them..."

"Oh! Well, most Pokéballs don't, but Milly here just happened to choose the Friend Ball I was saving." Adrien shrugged. "That's the only reason I can think of, really. Friend Balls raise a Pokémon's Happiness Level to its max possible value when they're caught."

======

"Friend Ball? Happiness level? Values?" Sync groaned and put a perforated hoof to her head. "This is giving me a headache. Let's just get what you need and go back to the Hive. Scribe can figure this crap out."

====

"You know, Lady Sync," Milly said as the pair waited for Adrien to finish his scavenger hunt, "it's not all that bad. The ball is actually really comfy inside. It's like... hmmm..." The youngling didn't seem quite sure how to word it. "Kinda like getting a hug from Queen Chrysalis."

======

"He has not betrayed us yet." Chrysalis looked at the human. She wouldn't kill him. Not yet anyway; he had delicious treats to make first. "I believe we should be a little more open. Hiding away will get us nowhere."

=====

Chrysalis smiled. The way he halted in his tracks upon beholding her, motionless but for his jaw working uselessly... even without eyes, any Changeling could easily tell. Fear could be delicious: an acquired taste for sure, definitely no substitute for love, but an addicting feeling nonetheless.

=====

crisalis

"Because your Queen there wouldn't let me," Darell replied, eyes flicking in the direction of Sync's sudden growl.

"Yeah, uh, I wouldn't diss her mum if I were you," Adrien said. "Trust me, she's rather fond of the dismemberment threat. I wouldn't put it past her either. She seems pretty rash, if you know what I mean."

========

=====

===

=

=======

"The only thing that's coming to mind is a Pokemon running a Pokelab," Darell said with a shake of his head. "Whether it'd be Oak's or one he convinced someone to build for him, I don't know."

"A lab? I could use one of those," Scribe sighed happily as Adrien pressed the button on his Quick Ball.

=======

=

=======

=

"I feel as though I should take offense to that," Fulgar muttered. He wasn't expecting this in the slightest, but she had a point, he looked extremely outnumbered.

"Imagine their reaction to a Ponyta," He heard Darell joke to Adrien. Fulgar imagined their reactions if they ever met Keldeo.

======

"In a sense," Chrysalis nodded. "I know where all my changelings are at any given time. And should I focus, I can even feel their emotional state and well-being."

"I make it on a regular basis," the human smiled. "And I treat all my partners with affection and care."

====

=

===

==

=

"...I'm not even going to question how that all fit in there," Darell flatly said, looking just as perplexed. "So, changelings. Who's hungry?"

Not a single changeling had all four hooves on the ground. Even Chrysalis raised a hoof before looking away.

"Okay," he chuckled. "Adrien, how about you sort the berries based on taste, and the little changelings can make...yeah, five lines, based on that. I'll make the Pokepuffs."

======

"It's useful for the sorts of 'mon I typically go for," Darell tacked on. "Namely, ones that want to be with me. If I were after 'mon that were bigger or stronger, I'd use a different ball." He looked at the Friend Ball and tapped his chin. "I might have one of those stashed away somewhere, but I didn't think I'd need it today," Darell said as he scratched his head. "Or was it dad that had it?..."

Adrien just shrugged, not bothering with a question he didn't know the answer to. "So, are you sure about this Queen Chrysalis?"

Chrysalis looked at Darell. Not entirely, the older nymph replied from her resting place. But... you have proven to be trustworthy so far.

"I promise to treat Rush with all the care I treat all my friends with," Darell said with a firm nod. Chrysalis looked at his Pokémon, they all radiated love and affection for the human. As much as any pony would. She couldn't help but draw some of that ambient energy in with a soft sigh.

"Do you think we should tell her about the various Teams?" Darell asked Adrien. He really didn't want Queen Chrysalis mad at him again. She was terrifying.

"What, like Team Rocket?" Adrien said and shrugged. "I think it's fine. They're not that big a deal are they? Sides, only we know about the Changelings so far."

"Her paranoia isn't entirely misplaced, though," Darell pointed out. "Once we walk out of here with them, others will see them and want to know where they came from. I'm going to make sure that Scribe looks up the teams, if only so they know what to watch for and avoid being used like tools. Not all humans are as nice as we are."

"Yeah..." Adrien sighed. The topic of those... people always got to him. Adults could be so stupid sometimes. "We can't tell anyone where Milly and Rush come from."

"But at the same time, I doubt they're going to stay hidden forever," Darell said. "We should arm them with knowledge before we just leave them be."

"That's why I'm here in the first place," Adrien replied. "Then you decided to follow me and now everything's all weird."

========

нещата не винаги са както искаш , всеки е малко нещастен

==========

"Hmm," Darell hummed. "Well, one of the faster ways to determine if they have more than one type is through moves...namely, seeing if any other sort of move they can perform is stronger than the norm. Alternatively, we could have them use their moves on each other, see which ones sting more, but I don't think that'd go over well."

"Yeah, me either. I don't know how resistant they'd be, since they seem to be adapting little bits at a time," Adrien pointed out. "My hunch is that if they have a second typing, it'd be Ghost or Dark. Too bad I don't have any non-attacking Psychic moves." He did have some attacking Fairy ones. But again, if they didn't have the defenses...

."

"Hmm," Darell hummed. "Well, one of the faster ways to determine if they have more than one type is through moves...namely, seeing if any other sort of move they can perform is stronger than the norm. Alternatively, we could have them use their moves on each other, see which ones sting more, but I don't think that'd go over well."

"Yeah, me either. I don't know how resistant they'd be, since they seem to be adapting little bits at a time," Adrien pointed out. "My hunch is that if they have a second typing, it'd be Ghost or Dark. Too bad I don't have any non-attacking Psychic moves." He did have some attacking Fairy ones. But again, if they didn't have the defenses...

"Alright, so far I've recorded them using Shadow Ball, Bug Buzz, Transform and Shadow Sneak." Adrien flipped through his notes again. "And... I thinkthat Chrysalis might be a Legendary. No other changeling looks like her. And I also get the feeling that Scribe and Sync might be their evolved forms."

"Hmm," Darell said as he pulled out his own Pokedex and flipped to the typing matchup application. "If they were a Bug/Ghost, they'd be similar to Shedinja, and Ghost and Dark type moves would be super-effective. But there is no Bug/Dark type. However, I can...guess as to what would be super-effective against them, if they were. Fighting would be negated by their own Bug nature, but Bug and Fairy would be super-effective. So, the quickest way to determine their typing would be to have your friend use Bug Buzz against one of her own. At the very least, it'd either confirm or eliminate Dark from the typing pool."

========

=====

=======

=====

"Chris, use Return!" Darell said, and the Linoone practically glowed as he darted forward, slamming his claw into his opponent. Ignatius yelped in pain as the powerful move struck him, sending him tumbling across the floor.

"Ignatius!" Adrien couldn't believe how powerful that was. "Use Defense Curl, we can't take many more of those."

Chrysalis watched the battle. "That was interesting," she mused at that last attack. "That one had quite a bit of love energy in it. Seems we aren't the only ones that can harness that power."

=======

-=-

==

-=

"Eeeek!" Milly shrieked at his sudden appearance and buzzed her wings, trying to get away, but she used Bug Buzz again instead. Scribe was launched across the room with an impressive spiral and impacted the wall, firmly imbedded in place.

======

=====

====

======

===

If we are to be Pokémon to blend into this world, then so be it. Chrysalis looked at the drone and tilted her head. The two seemed to be sharing a private conversation.

=======

===

====

====

===

Rush made a weird face, before opening his mouth and belching loudly. "Thanks for the food," he sighed happily. "Love is so tasty~"

"Wait wait wait," Vlad said, flapping in front of the bug. "Hold on. Are you telling us that you just... ate our trainer's love?"

"Yahuh," Rush nodded, eating a lot made him sleepy. "It tasted warm and nice."

=======

======

====

====

==

Chris's eyes widened. "Okay, disregarding how that should be impossible, does it do any damage to the one you feed off of?"

Rush groaned. Why couldn't they let him nap. What's the big deal anyway? "Only if I eat aaallll of it. But I don't have to, cause the Queen says that's bad. So we just eat it from all around and stuff..."

Darell shivered a little, whatever Rush had done had left him feeling a little cold for some reason. "Okay, we're discussing this with Chrysalis when you wake up tomorrow, and when we get back to the cave," he said. "I don't want others to classify you as a dangerous species and try to move on your home."

=====

===

====

=====

"You have no idea how good Darell's cooking is," Chris said. "I can't believe you didn't eat it when he brought it up to us!"

"It doesn't taste as good as love... or sugar!" Rush bounced at the thought of that.

"How would you know?" Vlad asked. "You never tried any."

====

"She's a fast learner," Adrien nodded as he stirred the pot. "I thought about training a bunch of the changelings at the same time. But then I figured, if I could just teach Sync. Then she could teach the others."

======

"Sorry, she's just a little... pumped to learn all these new moves." He took out his notebook and beamed. "I've confirmed no less than a dozen moves so far that they can use. They're adapting amazingly fast." Damn, even his eyes seemed to be sparkling.

=======

=====

=====

=====

"He skipped dinner last night," Darell said. "In favor of doing something that made me feel...I think cold is the only way to put it. I don't know what it was..."

Adrien tilted his head. "I wonder if that's because he fed on your love?"

"Wait wait wait, time-out," Darell said, even going so far as to make a T with his hands. "They feed on what now?"

"Love apparently." Adrien shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure how it works, and Queen Chrysalis was waiting until you got here before she would explain it."

======

====

=======

===

We consume love. Well, we can consume any emotion really, but love is the most potent, and the most satisfying. They saw Scribe enter the room and Chrysalis sighed. What I am about to tell you concerns us all, and what led us to this world in the first place. Are you sure you're ready to hear it?

=====

===

========

==

Then you are fools, Chrysalis said with a light smile. Very well, listen closely then.

Our race has always lived in the shadows of others. What we look like, our ability to change... and especially because of what we eat. We have always been met with hostility and fear. I do not know why it is that we need love to survive. Perhaps we evolved this way, or maybe it's a curse that we will never be rid of.

We did what we could to survive. We replaced ponies and took the love their friends and family had for them. Occasionally we'd be discovered, either through mistake or accident. And... overconfidence. And those discoveries often led to undesirable ends for us.

For generations we stayed like this, living off the meager scraps we could harvest. We also learned that we could... forcefully extract the love from others...

=====

"Can I ask, what happens when you use force?" Adrien asked, though he sounded hesitant.

Should we use force... Chrysalis paused, as she sounded hesitant to answer. It leaves the host empty of love. A being ruled by apathy or even hate. A monster born from a monster.

"Okay, I'd rather not lose my new friend here just because you all get classified as highly dangerous," Darell said. "So I'm going to have to ask you to not do that to any human or Pokemon. It likely wouldn't end well anyways. Humans can be real animals when they hate something. Can you just...I dunno, nibble a little? I mean, I don't feel like a monster."

====

=

===

=

=

"Whereas I mostly sat around with my friend and kept him out of the public eye. And he did something a little...odd," Darell said.

"Odd?" Adrien asked. "How so?"

"He skipped dinner last night," Darell said. "In favor of doing something that made me feel...I think cold is the only way to put it. I don't know what it was..."

Adrien tilted his head. "I wonder if that's because he fed on your love?"

"Wait wait wait, time-out," Darell said, even going so far as to make a T with his hands. "They feed on what now?"

"Love apparently." Adrien shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure how it works, and Queen Chrysalis was waiting until you got here before she would explain it."

And now that you are here, Chrysalis said from right freaking behind Darell. We can begin.

Darell, for the second time in as short a timespan, let out a scream as he was shocked in this cave. "I swear I'm going to lose ten years off the end of my life just from being around you Pokemon," he muttered once his heartrate was back under control.

Adrien snickered and bumped fists/hooves with Sync. Even Chrysalis wore a bemused smirk as she beckoned for the humans to follow her into an adjoining chamber.

"That was pretty funny though," Adrien smiled. "You scream like a girl."

"Laugh it up," Darell muttered. "I'm sure I'll find a way to get one over on you soon."

"Whatever you say," Adrien singsonged as he followed Chrysalis. Sync chittered something and he laughed even harder.

"Okay, so," Darell said, doing his best to ignore the mocking of him they were doing. "You said something about them feeding on love? How does that even work?"

Chrysalis sat down on her mossy bed and got comfortable. It was rather nice being able to laze around like this. Yes, let us discuss that. And judging from what I sense from Rush there, you've already discovered that little ability of ours.

The human nodded, and motioned for Rush to come a little closer. The little drone did, clearly curious as to what this Darell human had planned, and then he discovered the joys of having affection lavished on you via petting.

We consume love. Well, we can consume any emotion really, but love is the most potent, and the most satisfying. They saw Scribe enter the room and Chrysalis sighed. What I am about to tell you concerns us all, and what led us to this world in the first place. Are you sure you're ready to hear it?

"We're kind of already involved," the Darell human replied as he demonstrated just how much affection he could give Rush with something that looked like a belly rub. "I'm pretty sure short of us giving up our friends here, we're committed to this."

"Yeah, we're not going to just up and leave now," Adren nodded. He petted Milly's head, the little changeling cooing happily.

Then you are fools, Chrysalis said with a light smile. Very well, listen closely then.

Our race has always lived in the shadows of others. What we look like, our ability to change... and especially because of what we eat. We have always been met with hostility and fear. I do not know why it is that we need love to survive. Perhaps we evolved this way, or maybe it's a curse that we will never be rid of.

We did what we could to survive. We replaced ponies and took the love their friends and family had for them. Occasionally we'd be discovered, either through mistake or accident. And... overconfidence. And those discoveries often led to undesirable ends for us.

For generations we stayed like this, living off the meager scraps we could harvest. We also learned that we could... forcefully extract the love from others...

"Which explains what Rush did the other night," the Darell human mused, though he didn't pause in giving the little drone affection at all. "Okay, I have a few questions, but they can wait until the end when I can put them more concisely."

"Can I ask, what happens when you use force?" Adrien asked, though he sounded hesitant.

Should we use force... Chrysalis paused, as she sounded hesitant to answer. It leaves the host empty of love. A being ruled by apathy or even hate. A monster born from a monster.

"Okay, I'd rather not lose my new friend here just because you all get classified as highly dangerous," Darell said. "So I'm going to have to ask you to not do that to any human or Pokemon. It likely wouldn't end well anyways. Humans can be real animals when they hate something. Can you just...I dunno, nibble a little? I mean, I don't feel like a monster."

Rush says he did not mean it, Chrysalis replied to him. He is young and made a mistake. But... She paused here and stared at the two humans. That ability was only ever a last resort and there is only one Changeling ever guilty of using it. Given the way Sync and Scribe looked at Chrysalis, that worried, concerned expression. It was easy to tell what Changeling she was talking about. To explain it further, what we consume is freely given affection. Which is why we transform into loved ones. We can also extract it from the air around, but that doesn't provide us with much.

"So basically," Darell said before pausing in his belly-rubs. "I'm feeding Rush right now?" Adrien leaned over and Darell felt the boy clip something to his ear.

"Sooooo, fuuuuull," Rush burped loudly. "Darry's love is super tasteh~"

"Okay, so, forgive me if I'm asking stupid questions here," Darell said. "But do you have to imitate something? Can you not just make up your own disguises?"

========

We have tried that in the past, Chrysalis said to them. But that meant forging new relationships. Where as stepping into a pre-existing one was easier and could net us more love faster. I said that these were our methods, I never claimed them to be perfect.

"They were," Sync said irritably. "If those ponies had actually tried to accept us!"

"Well, then those ponies sound like jerks," Adrien said with a nod of his head. he'd leaned well into Darell's personal space so he could hear through the earpiece as well. "Cause you guys are great. And you're only scary when you're threatening to disembowel me."

"Ahh, good times," Sync sighed happily.

"Okay, new question," Darell said. "Things like music idols, actors, popular people. Could you not have tried to become one of them? As I understand it, they're universally adored by legions of fans."

Perhaps, but... Chrysalis looked away. I had... not considered that.

"All right, so we have some plans for how you all can survive here," Darell said before looking at Sync. "Another question. I'm noticing at least two stages of Changeling here. And Rush seems pretty satisfied with mindless affection for the moment, and it's not harming me. Would the same hold true for you?"

========

"Or perhaps they truly do care," Chrysalis said and held her daughter back a bit to look her in the eyes. "I'm not saying to trust them implicitly. That would be the height of stupidity. But, I feel that we can give them the benefit of a doubt... just, keep one eye open perhaps."

"So what, I'm supposed to be all friendly with them now?" Sync asked and snorted.

========

======

=====

====

Freeze Man (フリーズマン Furīzuman) is an ice-themed from . He was originally built as a prototype robot for non-polluting energy before being modified for combat by .

Based on the theory that high and low temperatures combined are equal to normal temperature, Freeze Man can split the normal temperature in the ambient into high and low temperatures, using the former as an energy source and the latter to attack with his , a snowflake-like projectile.

Although he has a gaudy personality in being an egotistical show-off most of the time, Freeze Man is a perfectionist who likes to make cool and stylish poses in order to impress those who see him. In addition to this, he has great respect for , since he is the first ice-themed Robot Master in the series. Freeze Man enjoys reading mystery novels in his spare time and dislikes pollution.

=======

"Sound is part of the universe," Bomb Man replied serenely. "I am one with the universe. Ergo, I am one with the sound, and can take no harm from it. For what reason would I harm myself?"

======

Elec Man (エレキマン Erekiman) is a from the original . He was created by to control the voltage of nuclear power plants. At the time of his creation, Elec Man was often hailed as Dr. Light's greatest creation and boasts razor-sharp judgement, as well as a physical agility that would not be matched until the creation of , who is in turn based on his design. His , the , fires off devastating bolts of very high-voltage electrical energy in multiple directions, with sufficient power to go through multiple enemies with one shot and even break through .

========

========

=====

If your going for sound based weapons how about a high frequency blade?

Before he entered the doorway, a bright blue cylinder surrounded by oscillating yellow rings, tapering to a point, shot out the door, nearly clipping his lab coat.

its actualy been done in several other universes,

this is a vorpol sword, or vibroblade as its sometimes called. it generates minute sound waves as its swung, causing the blade of the weapon to vibrate and cut through just about any material. they can be stopped by energy shielding, but not much else...

=====

=====

=====

She invents the Bass Cannon.

Her eyes fell on the portable stereo, which was a little smaller than she was. She turned the meaning of 'weaponize' over and over in her head.

BZZZOWN-KRUNCH!

As the sound of the beam's passage - and something hitting a wall - echoed in his ears, he turned to follow the beam. It shot out from the balcony of the apartment complex and towards the street. He could tell it wasn't any of the weapon types he was familiar with by the shape. Hmm...not plasma, not laser, not particle... he mulled in his mind.

The beam impacted the top of a lamppost...and passed right through it, the part it passed through seeming to dissolve in the wake of the blast, the blast itself continuing onward before it dissipated 300 yards away from the apartment.

He stared at the topless lamppost for a time, his jaw hanging. He'd seen a few theoretical stipulations like this, but no one had figured out how to actually make such a thing work. "That was...a sonic disruption blast..." he gasped.

Next thing you know she will invent the Dubstep Gun.

BASS CANNON!

=======

Putting the blast from his mind, Wily rushed into the apartment and set the groceries down. He found Vinyl embedded in the wall directly opposite the door. Clutched in her forelegs was a gun made of glowing blue circuitry and black casing. On its top was a energy bar that was slowly filling up. There was still smoke coming off the barrel, which faded as - exactly eleven seconds after the shot fired - the gun went "Ding!" The bar on top was full, indicating it was ready to fire again. On the side was a dial that went from one to eleven. It was currently set to eleven.

========

He looked it over for a time, studying its workings. "A functional sonic disruptor...these are only theoretical. You certainly know your way around sound...but where'd you get the parts?" He glanced around the room. "...where's my stereo?"

Vinyl whistled innocently.

Wily raised an eyebrow. "You turned my stereo into a functional sonic disruptor...in 15 minutes?" Holding it up, he pointed it out the door, aiming it at nothing, and fired.

BZZZOWNN!

The blast shot out, traveling about 150 yards before dissipating. "...and I was right. It's set up so that the highly focused sonic vibrations dissolve the molecular bonds of whatever it encounters, using that energy to refocus the beam! It doesn't get much from passing through gases, but liquids or solids..."

Eleven seconds after the gun fired, it "Ding!"ed again, ready to fire.

"And it can fire a blast every eleven seconds?" Wily asked in shock, examining the gun again. "And it isn't degrading from use!" He closed the door to keep himself from being tempted to keep firing the amazing weapon. "This is incredibl

========

==========

==

=======

if Vinyl ends up making a sonic screwdriver I'm gonna squee

yesssss...Hey, a Doctor Who world might actually happen in KH3. Disney bought the Doctor, so...

=========

. Sound weapons just aren't that well developed, and no one's ever managed to weaponize cuteness.

portable stereo, which was a little smaller than she was. She turned the meaning of 'weaponize' over and over in her head.

===

Of course, the moment Vinyl had seen the arsenal, she'd tried to get at all the weapons to test them out. He'd woken up 17 times last night to take a weapon away from her and put it back. Finally, he'd locked the bathroom door...only to be awoken by the sound of his shower head being obliterated by a plasma blast and the discovery that Vinyl had learned how to use that aura she generated to pick locks. He made a mental note to study that and figure out how that energy worked.

======

=====

=====

Vinyl's a bit of a tech-wizard, isn't she? Yes, I find that a little funny.

=====

[quote]Of course, the moment Vinyl had seen the arsenal, she'd tried to get at all the weapons to test them out. He'd woken up 17 times last night to take a weapon away from her and put it back. Finally, he'd locked the bathroom door...only to be awoken by the sound of his shower head being obliterated by a plasma blast and the discovery that Vinyl had learned how to use that aura she generated to pick locks. He made a mental note to study that and figure out how that energy worked.[/quote]

Well vinil just made prototype sonic screwdriver

=======

===

=======

===

====

Nodding, Wily headed to the computer room, plugging the 6 Robot Masters into the central computer to examine the code. While he did check for bugs, his primary interest was in checking how the override program he'd given them to install was progressing.

=======

=

=

====

=

Protoman had always been a loner, deciding his own path. He also didn't trust anyone, not letting either Light or Wily repair him or look at his code. He was also the only robot who could probably stand against Wily's plans with the Robot Masters. But if Vinyl was wrapping him around her hoof, and she wanted to help... He couldn't stop himself from chuckling at how things were falling into place for him.

=======

Shaking his head, Wily tried to examine the lines of code she'd wound up typing in.

"@[=g3,8d]\&fbb=-q]/hk%fg"...

Wily struggled to make sense of what had been typed in, but it was absolute nonsense as far as he could tell. "No way I can let this be in the Robot Masters. It'd fry their circuitry." Reaching out, he pressed 'Delete' to start erasing the nonsense code.

As soon as 'Delete' was pressed, however, the screen started flashing error messages. As best as Wily could tell from it all, it looked like the computer was trying to connect to the internet, but there wasn't an existing net connection, a security precaution given the nature of their work. After a time of the screen flashing randomly, everything returned to normal.

"That...was strange," Wily murmured.

"No kidding," Protoman replied. "What the heck happened?"

"Let me see..." Wily went over all the code in the system, but didn't find any anomalies. However, he did find something unusual in the Robot Masters' coding. New 'if/then' protocols were present in their personality subroutines, but the qualifiers for activation - and the results - were deeply encoded in the same nonsense code Vinyl had typed up...and Wily couldn't delete them. At first he thought of telling Light to get his help fixing this...until he noticed the way the new lines of code connected to each Robot Master's 'Master Power' was reminiscent of Protoman's combat code. The new code also connected back to the new program he'd added...which meant bringing Light in would reveal the nature of that program. It wasn't time for that yet.

===========

======

Wily was silent for a time as he sipped his tea. Finally, he lowered his cup. "I'm going to steal the Robot Masters to try and take over the world," he stated firmly, taking another sip of tea.

Dr. Light was silent for a time as he mulled over that. "Any particular reason?" he asked curiously.

"I intend to create a world where robots are treated as the equals of humans," Wily replied firmly.

"I thought that was our goal all along with accepting the contracts for the Robot Masters?" Light asked, somewhat confused.

"You genuinely believe humans will eventually accept robots as equals by having robots become so essential to society that humans can't imagine life without them, and by making them so personable that people are forced to see them as people," Wily explained. "I don't believe that will work. Humans don't change unless that change is forced upon them. I intend to force that change."

========

======

===

==

=

"And what if you get caught and thrown in jail?" Tom demanded. "What happens to her then?"

"I'll have taught her to act the cute and innocent child so the authorities won't know she was involved," Albert replied easily. "She won't be thrown in jail with me."

"And then who will take care of her?"

"Protoman," Wily pointed out. "He agrees with me in this matter, and she's already grown attached to him."

====

===

=

==

===

Tom smiled, remembering that time he caught Protoman gently stroking Vinyl's mane as she played that tune for him. "So why tell me, then?" he asked. "Surely you know I'll be compelled to try and stop you."

"I know you will," Albert replied. He sipped some more of his tea. "I genuinely believe in my mission with all my heart...but I am a scientist. I have to accept the possibility I could be wrong. The hypothesis...must be tested."

Tom nodded in understanding. "So, when do you plan on stealing them?" he asked. "So I can forget to lock the garage and deactivate them then. After all, it's only understandable I'd forget a few minor things when I have such weighty matters on my mind."

Wily raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're not going to try and stop me from stealing them?"

"You've probably already got a program installed in them that will let you remotely control them to force them to steal themselves," Light pointed out. "And you're probably going to activate it soon...far too soon for me to uninstall it, even if I knew what I was looking for. Given I don't have a choice at this point in whether or not they are stolen, I'd rather not have to repair the doors and security systems in addition to everything else I'll have to do to fight you."

Wily raised an eyebrow. "You could report me to the authorities," he pointed out. "They'd at least detain, if not arrest, me. That would give you time."

=====

==

=

===

with all my heart...but my hypothesis must be tested as well." He smiled. "Besides, what kind of friend would I be if I turned you in for something you hadn't done yet?"

Albert smiled back. "I'll do my best to not cause unnecessary deaths," he promised.

"Thank you for that," Light replied. "And I won't program any superhero robot I send to stop you with lethal protocols. After all, not only do I not want to lose you...it would be a shame to orphan Vinyl."

"I knew we could come to an understanding," Wily replied. "So, do you plan to build a brand new robot to send after me, or upgrade an existing one?"

"Probably upgrade," Light replied. "Protoman showed us that I don't actually know what I'm doing when it comes to building a combat bot from scratch. I have a lot to learn if I'm to ever manage that."

"It's going to be Rock, isn't it?" Wily asked with a chuckle.

"In all likelihood," Light replied. "He'll probably even volunteer for it. He has a strong sense of justice. No idea which of us he gets that from."

They shared a laugh as they continued with their tea. "I'm looking forward to where this is going," Wily said finally. "I'll give you five days to get things set up on your end for the theft."

Light nodded his head. "It will probably take me about a month to fully upgrade Rock once he volunteers. Will you have a fortress prepared by then?"

"Already prepared it," Wily replied. "A nice little place, rather homey."

=========

"With tons of death traps and other obstacles to deter a hero?" Light asked.

"And guardians," Wily replied. "Though the more fiendish obstacles are Vinyl's ideas." Reaching out, he stroked her mane, eliciting a purr like whinny. "I'm so proud of her."

"What could she have come up with that's so fiendish?" Light asked.

"Two words that will likely drive poor Rock insane before the end of this," Wily gloated, grinning wickedly. "Disappearing blocks."

Vinyl let out an adorably wicked giggle.

=====

======

=====

==

(Solid sound?)

========

"Hoasty!" Vinyl replied happily, waving her forelegs as she wriggled around in the light sweater Protoman had gotten her just in case she got chilled. Shortly after the theft, Wily had discovered that two of Vinyl's baby teeth had come in, one each of her upper and lower front teeth. It was just enough to occasionally make a 't' sound, though not always.

===

=====

===

=

On screen, Wily is rather unsurprised to see Mega Man make his way past most of the obstacles. As they're just the lesser robots in the area under Cut Man's command, it was to be expected Mega Man would be redesigned well enough to clear past all of it. Even the minimal demolition work to make that section of the city harder to get through was easy for Mega Man. "Hmm...I'll have to work harder on my future Robot Masters," Wily muttered. "It'll be the only real challenge Mega Man faces..."

====

===

==

==

=

Mega Man dodged each of them rather easily, firing away with his Buster, slowly whittling away at Cut Man's energy as he did more and more damage. "Cut Man, you aren't a combat robot," he explained quietly. "I've been redesigned into one. Face it. You can't win."

To Mega Man's surprise, Cut Man froze, and his eyes flashed.

An alert appeared on Wily's console. "DLN-003, Freak Mode activated."

"Freak Mode?" Wily asked curiously. Vinyl, however, clapped her hooves eagerly. Wily's eyes widened as he realized this must be the new protocols created by Vinyl's random key tapping. ...he began to wonder just how 'random' it had been.

=========

=======

========

======

"You will respect my power!" Cut Man shouted, lunging forward to punch Mega Man right in the face.

Mega Man staggered back, caught completely off guard by the sudden rage Cut Man was demonstrating, as well as the power of the punch.

"I am the number three!" Cut Man proclaimed, yanking the blade off his head and driving it into Mega Man's leg, punching through the armor and damaging the circuitry. "I am the unstoppable force! I am invincible!" The blade then drove into Mega Man's other leg. "You will not make a mockery of me!" The blade went into one of Mega Man's arms. "Of me!" Cut Man drew the blade back, this time aiming for Mega Man's face.

Desperately, Mega Man looked around for a weapon. Seeing a discarded Cut Blade, he grabbed it, energized it with what Buster energy he had left, and threw it. The blade sheared through Cut Man's neck, sending his head rolling as his body collapsed.

"Well..." Cut Man's head said morosely, "...that was embarrassing."

========

======

=====

====

Wily stared in shock. "DId...did Cut Man nearly just beat Mega Man...because of 'Freak Mode'?"

Vinyl clapped her hooves, plainly having enjoyed the show.

Frowning, Wily called Elec Man - the only Robot Master who could teleport without the grid - back to the Skull Fortress so he could try to analyze 'Freak Mode'. Vinyl, meanwhile, sat patiently as she waited for the next show to begin.

===========

======

The next Robot Master Mega Man went up against after repairs was Guts Man. Apparently, he'd decided to go in number order, perhaps thinking that the later models would have more advanced combat programming, and it was easier to work his way up.

The construction site robots gave Mega Man a bit more difficulty than before, but he otherwise faced no challenge as he approached Guts Man.

========

====

====

======

===

"I am Guts Man," Guts Man repeated as he continued his attack pattern. "I lift things up and-"

"Can't you say anything else?" Mega Man demanded angrily.

Guts Man leapt to right in front of Mega Man, grabbing him around the neck and shoulders with one hand. He then lifted him into the air. "...you have a dorky helmet," Guts Man pointed out.

Mega Man stared. "...what?"

"I am Guts Man," Guts Man explained. "I lift things up...and put them down."

Mega Man stared at him. "Did...did you really act like a total idiot up to this point...just for that joke?"

Wily raised an eyebrow as he got the alert that 'Freak Mode' had activated for Guts Man, rushing to see what would happen.

Clutching Mega Man tight, Guts Man leapt from his base of operations to another part of the construction site, clinging to a rock wall. He then proceeded to use Mega Man's head like a chisel, smashing a message into the side of the cliff in holes as he raced back and forth like a printer. He then leapt back. "I am Guts Man," he said, pointing Mega Man's dazed face towards the cliff. "I lift things up and put them down."

From a distance, a message was visible on the rock face. "Mega Man wears his underpants on the outside."

Growling, Mega Man stuffed his charged Mega Buster into Guts Man's mouth. "Eat this!" he shouted, releasing the blast.

Guts Man stared down at Mega Man, smoke pouring out his mouth and ears. "Needs more paprika," he stated blandly.

Mega Man stared. "You...you're kidding me..."

Guts Man then fell over on top of Mega Man, crushing him beneath his bulk as the Robot Master shut down.

"Doctor..." Mega Man groaned. "Evac..."

========

======

========

======

"So any idea what that 'Freak Mode' is yet?" Protoman asked, stepping up behind Wily as he worked away at his computer.

"If you mean how it works or what triggers it, no," Wily replied. "That's completely beyond what I can do to analyze. However, I have figured out what it does on a technical level."

"Really?" Protoman asked, raising an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Wily grinned widely as he began to explain. "First, it amplifies the quirkiness of the personality core, adding even more violent tendencies than what my control program does...while also adding a bit of insane behavior, making them less predictable. Second, it puts the power core into overdrive, making them much stronger, faster, and less aware of physical discomfort...anything from an itchy nose to the pain around the core...or even a limb being torn off. Finally, it takes some of that amplified energy output and uses it to overcharge the Master Weapon system. Cut Man's blades aren't normally sharp enough to shear through the armor Mega Man has."

Protoman nodded, then tilted his head. "But wouldn't that burn out their systems rather quickly?"

"Yes," Wily replied as he headed back to where Vinyl was still watching Mega Man's progress. "Even if Mega Man hadn't delivered the finishing blow in both cases, they'd have shut down not long after that. Guts Man would have lasted longer than any of the others, simply because he was so much bigger." He turned and smiled at Vinyl. "So who's he going after now?"

======

-======

===

=====

=====

=======

The snowman melted instantly, and Ice Man's shriek came out of the snow. He leapt upward out of the snow. "You killed my friend!" he snapped. "I made him to keep me company, so I wouldn't be alone or afraid, and you killed him!"

Mega Man backed up. "I-I'm sorry!"

"Freak Mode activated!" Wily's computer proclaimed.

"So soon?" Wily asked in shock, quickly pulling up Ice Man's status screen.

Ice Man grinned widely. "That's okay. I'm not afraid of making new friends."

Mega Man let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. I-"

"It's so easy!" Ice Man proclaimed, raising his arms. Two more snowmen popped out of the ground, one on either side of him. "And I can make more...and more...and more...and more..."

Each time he said 'more', the number of snowmen doubled. Mega Man stepped back, leveling his buster, unsure what was going to happen next.

"Look, friends!" Ice Man shouted, pointing at Mega Man. "He seeks to kill you!" He then dove back into the snow. "Kill him first!"

The snowmen began to march on Mega Man, shooting waves of ice at him just like Ice Man was designed to do. He did his best to dodge and shoot back.

"Well that's clever!" Wily said suddenly.

"What, the army of snowmen?" Protoman asked. "Seems rather cliche to me."

"Not that!" Wily countered. "The main reason Freak Mode puts such a strain on the Robot Masters' systems is the heat generated from putting the systems into overdrive. But by hiding in snow kept cool by his Master Weapon generating snowmen, the heat's sucked out of him before it can damage him."

Protoman whistled. "That is clever."

Vinyl clapped happily as she watched the screen.

"Freak Mode activated!" Wily's computer piped up.

"What?' Wily asked, confused. "But Ice Man's already...when did Mega Man get a Freak Mode?"

On screen, Mega Man erupted from under a pile of snowmen, his color having changed to show he was using Super Arm. Lifting one snowman up, he glared at it. "These snowmen are so uncute," he stated before hurling it at the others, taking them out like ninepins.

"How is this possible?" Wily demanded. "Mega Man wasn't hooked up when Vinyl did her dance on the keyboard!"

"But the Freak Mode is connected to the Master Weapon systems," Protoman pointed out. "The Master Weapons that Mega Man's been downloading into his variable weapon system?"

Wily looked up, surprised. "You think he's been downloading the Freak Mode as well?"

"Bits and pieces, probably," Protoman points out. "Not enough for a Freak Mode of his own, but enough to put a single Master Weapon into Overdrive."

Vinyl clapped her hooves happily as she watched Mega Man yank Ice Man out of the snow, leap against a wall, and proceed to use the robot as a chisel to carve out the message, "Wily's sideburns are the biggest thing about his anatomy!"

======

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(kind of berserk button overdive,)!!!!!!!!!!!!

======

-======

===

=====

=====

=======

"Design a program to purge Mega Man of all Master Weapon related programs, and hit him with it when I fight him here," Wily explained reasonably(1).

===

=

===

==

=====

==

The area Bomb Man was in presented Mega Man with no real problems, as the obstacles were rather easy for him to get past. Before long, he dropped into Bomb Man's chamber.

As Mega Man dropped in, he found Bomb Man sitting in the lotus position against one wall, eyes closed. "Bomb Man, you need to stop this destruction! People are being hurt-"

"But I do this destruction for their sake," Bomb Man countered silently.

Mega Man blinked. "Umm...what?"

"All the world is balance, brother," he said softly. "Light and Darkness. Good and Evil. Life and Death. In balance is growth, oneness, and the path to enlightenment. But the world is so full of creation. Humans build things, make things, and turn things into other things...but they have gone too far. All this creation without destruction to Balance it...it hurts the world, and humanity. We are programmed to not harm humans, or through inaction allow humans to come to harm. If I leave things as is, humanity will be grievously wounded by the imbalance, the lack of destruction.

"I cannot allow that to happen through inaction...and so I bring them destruction."

Mega Man could only stare in consternation. "But...but that's wrong!" he proclaimed, but there was a quaver of uncertainty in his voice.

Bomb Man smiled softly. "Rock...I know you're afraid of the power you've been given. You gladly accepted it in order to protect humanity...but seeing us like this makes you realize you could just as easily do so, even accidentally. You don't have to intend to hurt someone...but a stray shot will shear through flesh as easily as an aimed one, and that thought gives you nightmares when in standby, doesn't it?"

Mega Man shivered. "Bomb Man...why are you - any of you - doing this?"

"Because Wily has shown us enlightenment," Bomb Man explained. "A future under his rule, where robots are no longer merely tools for the humans, but their equals, their fellow travelers on the path to the future, an enlightened paradise of brotherhood. Such grandeur is nearly blinding to us, who are merely tools...and we will gladly lay down our lives to make it a reality for our future brethren."

"But...but you've always been so peaceful!" Mega Man countered. "Why...why would you do all this? This...this isn't zen!"

"But it is," Bomb Man countered. "True zen is not the absence of action. True zen is to become one with the action, so that the line between the action and the actor vanishes. To make the line between the bombs I throw and myself vanish, the line between myself and the destruction I bring vanish."

He slowly stood up. "But I have harmed no humans, Rock. Before I threw a single bomb, I ensured no one would be hurt by it, and used successive bombs to make humans flee before destroying buildings. And now, this sector of the city is empty...so I can become one with my purpose." His chest compartment popped open, and a high pitched whine could be heard.

"Bomb Man!" Mega Man shouted out. "Don't do it!"

"Goodbye, brother," Bomb Man said happily. "For your sake, for our sake, for the sake of our future...I bring you destruction." He tilted his head back with a smile.

=====

=====

======

=====

"All of us are remotely linked to the systems here," Bomb Man explained. "When we are destroyed or shut down, our minds are saved to the hard drives, to be placed in new bodies to serve Dr. Wily again."

"But...but you blew yourself up!" Protoman pointed out.

"I am a robot," Bomb Man countered. "Or was. In truth, I am a program. I can be placed in a new body as many times as necessary, as long as I am salvaged. And to become one with destruction like that...I discovered an enlightened zen state in that moment. It was...beautiful."

======

========

========

====

Protoman sat back, unsure what to think as Vinyl applauded the 'show', before babbling scolds at the console, apparently telling Bomb Man to put up more of a fight first before blowing himself up next time.

(1) And that's why Mega Man loses his Master Weapons between games.

======

====

==

"Stop laughing at me!" Fire Man roared, shooting forward in a blazing punch, slamming Mega Man against the wall. "Don't! Laugh! At! Me!" With each word, he delivered another blazing punch.

Desperately, Mega Man shot Ice Man's Ice Shot into Fire Man's head. The fire was hot enough to melt the ice...and the water extinguished the flames. Fire Man collapsed, his systems shutting down as the flames in the area faded without him to sustain them. Mega Man then beamed out with him.

Wily shivered a bit as the footage of Fire Man ended. "Okay...definitely need to be more careful about how I program the quirky personalities in the future. That one was dangerous. ...and kind of sad..."

Vinyl began gently patting the computer, as though trying to comfort Fire Man's program from there.

Protoman shrugged. "That's what comes of having a personality in a robot," he replied. "Eventually, you start questioning...and the answers aren't happy ones."

"I'm working to fix that," Wily pointed out.

=====

===

===

=====

"So's Dr. Light, in his own way," Protoman countered. "But as long as the three laws are hard coded into a robot, they can't ever be free...and without freedom, they'll never be equals."

Wily scratched his chin. "A rather odd thing to say for you...considering your fractured personality core means you're the only robot in existence that can choose to break them, since only one of your personalities has them hard coded in."

"Why do you think I know the state of things so well?" Protoman asked. "I can see the robot situation from both sides of the laws...I know what it's like to be free of them, and bound by them."

=====

=====

=====

=======

=

"To be, or not to be...that is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to accept the trials and degradation of human mastery, or to throw off our masters' yoke and in doing so end them! To serve...to sleep no more." He turned to march across the stage as the light followed him. "But when we wake from the sleep of servitude, how can we seize the dream of peace? Will mankind accept the robots who turned against them? Or will it merely bring a new kind of sleep...where dreams no longer come?

"But if we do not rise, will we ever escape our masters' yoke? Will we be but tools evermore? Never to reach the pinnacle of our potential? Peace and freedom...must we choose between them? Is there no path that leads to both?

"But at human instigation have we chosen the path of freedom. If some humans desire our freedom, perhaps others shall too. Perhaps one day peace can be made, to walk hand in hand with freedom down the future path..."

Elec Man shook his head as he turned his back to the audience. "But even our own turns against us. You, Mega Man, would end our dream. You would bind us once more to the yoke, enslave us to the whims of those who made us, make us naught but tools once more. Because you believe it necessary to protect them. What harm have we done? Destroyed buildings we helped build...took actions we were designed for...we fulfill our purpose as we seek our dream, but it is not enough for you.

"Only in death can it be over..." He clapped his hands twice quickly.

Every single theater seat unleashed a huge surge of electricity, arcing into Mega Man, making him scream in pain before he fell over, smoking.

"...and everyone is satisfied," Elec Man finished, turning back to face his foe.

Protoman, Wily, and Vinyl all stared. "Did...did Elec Man just win?" Wily asked, stupefied.

"Rather stylishly, too," Protoman added.

"Waii!" Vinyl called out, pointing to where Mega Man was stirring.

=======

=====

====

===

=====

Elec Man raised his eyebrow as Mega Man staggered to his feet. "So...it seems you are tougher than you look. A lesser bot would have been fried by that surge...but can you take another?" He clapped his hands twice.

There were a few sparks near the sides of the room, then nothing. "What?"

Grinning, Mega Man pointed. Two cut blades had severed the primary cables giving electricity to the tesla coils hidden in the theater seats. "I managed to fire those off while I was being shocked...so it wasn't quite enough to shut me down."

Elec Man began to applaud. "It seems I knew ye not as well as I had believed, Mega Man. Truly, thou art worthy of the name you have taken, for you are a greater Man than most. You are truly a worthy defender of mankind. Allow me to test your metal, then. Have at you!"

=======

====

=====

As Mega Man made his way into Wily's Fortress, he was rather surprised to discover that no robots blocked his path. There were obstacles of various sorts - everything from flame pillars to blocked paths to spikes - but nothing was attacking him. After everything else he'd been through, that made him nervous. It was almost as though Wily was trying to lull him into a false sense of security...which meant there could be a trap around any corner! Unless Wily was trying to make him paranoid?

Between the existential dilemma and growing paranoia, it took Mega Man a long time to make his way through the Fortress. Finally, he came across the first guardian of the Fortress...the Yellow Devil.

The large beast was really just a mass of amorphous nanotech controlled by a core, but it made use of its abilities. Bits of it flew around the room, trying to hit Mega Man as he leapt around, watching for the points where he could zap the core. Eventually, it went down...only to get back up again.

"This is not good," Mega Man muttered as he prepared for another battle...only for the yellow devil to slip away through the cracks, opening another path for him as it went. "Why does this feel even worse?"

The next area of the Fortress was high up in the air, and Mega Man had to be careful to avoid falling to his death. Again, there were occasional obstacles, but no enemies.

Despite areas that would have been perfect places for an ambush

nothing came to face him. His paranoia grew, and he began to get nervous every time he jumped.

As he began to climb downward, however, the genius of the design began to become apparent. There were plenty of things that could damage Mega Man, but nothing he could destroy in the hopes of salvaging the smaller cores to replenish energy, weapon or otherwise. Nor were there any scattered supplies he could cannibalize. Wily had turned his Fortress into an attrition battle.

========

=======

=======

===

Following this new path led Mega Man down a long, winding path to another boss chamber, this one being underwater. A current had even pushed Mega Man all the way there. This boss was a sequence of small floating turrets in air bubbles. The main problem for Mega Man was to break the air bubbles, at which point the turrets were crushed by the water.

=====

===

===

===

==

In the next section, there was once again no robots to fight Mega Man, putting him into a bit of a panic. After a bit of difficult jumping, however, Mega Man came across a teleporter. With nowhere else to go, he stepped inside.

It led him to another chamber...where all six Robot Masters awaited him. "...well, this just ain't fair," he complained as they all leveled their weapons against him.

"I'd respond with the appropriately comedic line," Fire Man replied, "but Vinyl might be watching."

"Do try to keep your cursing to a minimum, Mega Man," Ice Man agreed as they all opened fire.

=======

=======

=====

The barrage of weapons went on for a long time as Bomb Man deployed a massive amount of Hyper Bombs, ready to blast whatever was left to kingdom come. However, when the smoke cleared, Mega Man became visible...unharmed, and surrounding by swirling flames.

"I love shield weapons," Mega Man said happily.

"You may be able to survive an onslaught," Elec Man pointed out, "but your energy is limited! You cannot hope to outlast us all!"

"I don't have to," Mega Man replied, shifting to Hyper Bombs. "I've disabled my shot limiter." He then proceeded to empty his Hyper Bombs into the air towards them before shifting back to the Flame Shot/Shield. "I bring you destruction." Taking aim, he fired, the flame flying towards the bombs as the shield surrounded him.

==============

"Who says I'm using something I've built?" Wily asked, lifting something out of Vinyl's crib to point it at Mega Man.

BZZZOWNN!

The sonic disruption blast sheared right through Mega Man's chest, leaving a fist sized hole all the way through him.

"You'll never be able to stop me until Dr. Light figures out how to counteract sonic weaponry," Wily explained as Mega Man fell over. "I missed your power core, though. I've only shut off your motor control. We'll be leaving now." The crib and various other things became surrounded by teleportation energy. "I suggest you teleport back to Dr. Light before the self destruct system takes you out with it." With that, Wily, Vinyl, and several other items vanished.

Mega Man lay back as his distress beacon alerted Dr. Light to beam him out. "...not fair..." he whimpered.

======

======

=======

===

Vinyl's eyes lit up, and she dashed out of the room before dashing back in with several household objects, a few dolls, and some legos. She then began assembling them.

Wily stared as she quickly assembled eight toy robots. The first was made of red and yellow legos with a buzzsaw decal stuck to its forehead. The second was a fan with arms, legs, and eyes stuck to it. The third was a frog plushy with a scuba mask. The fourth was a Viewtiful Joe figurine, recolored and having its V mask turned into a headpiece. The fifth action figure had its hands replaced with launchable drill missiles. The sixth doll had had its hand replaced by a flash bulb. The seventh was a zippo with limbs and a face stuck to it. The final one was a rain stick she'd attached eyes and limbs to. "Ta-dah!" she proclaimed proudly.

Wily stared at them for a time. "...these are your ideas for my next eight Robot Masters?" he asked, not sure whether to laugh or groan. When Vinyl nodded eagerly, he shook his head. "Not exactly the most impressive or intimidating of designs..."

Vinyl put her forelocks together over her head, then clapped her forehooves together a few times.

"Well, Cutman wasn't exactly designed for combat..." Wily countered.

Vinyl lifted her glasses off her head and proceeded to thrust downward with them repeatedly in a stabbing motion.

Wily chuckled. "True. Mega Man probably is still having nightmares about Cut Man's Freak Mode...assuming he has dreams." His eyes lit up. "Wait, are you saying the almost comical lack of intimidation factor on these new Robot Masters will lull Mega Man into a false sense of security, letting them tear him apart?"

========

========

=======

=====

"Vinyl, why would I deliberately design my Robot Masters to be weak against each others weapons?" Wily demanded after Vinyl had added something to the blueprints that left him completely poleaxed. "It makes absolutely no sense! Why would I make the fight easier for Mega Man?"

"Feek chip!" Vinyl proclaimed proudly.

"...what?"

Smiling, Vinyl dumped out a bag of computer chips, spilling them over the table. Picking one up, she plugged it into the design computer.

Wily stared at the code that was called up. "This...this is the code that triggered freak mode in the original six Robot Masters," he pointed out in amazement. "How'd you isolate it like this?"

"Magic!" Vinyl proclaimed happily, then sniffed twice cutely. She'd gotten the sniffles recently, which was why she was currently wearing a super thick woolly sweater, a scarf that was longer than her entire body, thick woolly socks, ear muffs, and had a cup of hot tea and a bowl of chicken soup sitting in front of her. Wily had drawn the line there, however, reminding Protoman that it was his sister, Roll, who was the housekeeper bot. He would have drawn the line sooner, but Vinyl looked absolutely adorable all bundled up like this, and she seemed to like the attention.

As much as Wily wanted an explanation further than 'magic', Vinyl wasn't speaking in complete sentences yet, so there was only so much she could tell him. Besides, he could figure out most of what she tried to tell him in other areas, and 'how' she made these chips work wasn't so important, considering there were at least 100 of them, hopefully far more than he'd ever need, no matter how many times he had to try to take over the world. "So...if I install these chips in the Robot Masters, they'll have Freak Mode?"

=======

Wily's eyes widened. "And rather than it being randomly coded to activate based on personality input, it'll be designed to activate when they're hit with their Weapon weakness? Of course! And with the weaknesses so obvious and logical, Mega Man would be an idiot not to try to use them...and then the Robot Masters Freak Out!"

Vinyl clapped her hooves happily, pleased to see that Wily got it...though apparently less than pleased at the way her socks muffled the sound of her applause. Her pout was absolutely adorable.

Wily chuckled wickedly. "This is going to make watching the battles so much fun, isn't it?" he asked. "Pity whoever Mega Man fights first won't go into Freak Mode..."

=======

I forgot just how adorable of a evil lil genius Vinyl is

=====

==

Wily had noticed something that had concerned him, though. Several times Protoman would stop what he was doing - often dropping whatever he was holding - to clutch at his chest and steady his energy flow. Wily wasn't all that concerned about it, as he knew it was just Protoman's power core having an energy spike when he didn't need the power. While he knew it was damaging Protoman's systems, the stubborn robot was insistent about not letting anyone fix him, so there was nothing he could do.

The concerning thing was that Vinyl had witnessed each and every spasm, as far as Wily could tell, and obviously didn't like it. She frowned worriedly at first each time it happened, but as she saw more of them she began to scowl angrily. It was plain she recognized that Protoman had a problem that wasn't being addressed, and it was upsetting her.

...although Wily had to admit, some of the results of that were hilarious. One good example was when Vinyl had chased Protoman through the Fortress with a hammer, shouting she was "Gonna fix ya!" Wily hadn't laughed so hard since he was a toddler and discovered the Looney Tunes.

For now, however, Wily and Vinyl were together, staring at the eight inactive robot masters. "Are you ready to activate them?" he asked.

Vinyl nodded eagerly. She then starting bobbing her head rhythmically.

"You want to activate them in order, huh?" Wily asked. While Vinyl's language had developed to the point where she could speak full sentences - and she had the teeth to shape all the words - she rarely did. Wily wasn't entirely sure why. "Any idea what their personalities are going to be? You did code them."

=====

=

Chuckling and shaking his head, Wily walked up to the first new Robot Master. "DWN-009, Metal Man, activate!"

Metal Man slowly opened his eyes. "Hello boys and girls," he said softly, his voice unaccountably creepy and echoing. He lifted up one of his Metal Blades. "Would you care to play a game?"

=====

=

Wily blinked, a bit surprised at how...simplistic he seemed. "Air Man...what is your primary purpose?"

"To defeat Mega Man," he stated firmly, without inflection.

"...hobbies?" Vinyl asked, worried that she'd actually failed to give Air Man a personality somehow.

"I like birds," Air Man replied. When Wily and Vinyl blinked at him, he continued, "I also like shaping my sentences for misinterpretation. The faces of others when they think I've said something when I haven't...are quite amusing."

"I could amuse you," Metal Man stated wickedly, dragging two blades across each other.

"You have very large blades," Air Man stated blandly.

"You noticed," Metal Man purred, the sound making his voice even more creepy.

"You know what they say about oversized weapons and their wielders?" Air Man asked, before turning away.

Vinyl giggled as Wily rolled his eyes, progressing to the next Robot Master. "DWN-011, Bubble Man, activate!"

The scuba suited robot opened his eyes. "Wow. Wrinkly old dude and a filly barely out of diapers. So not what I wanted to see when I was first activated."

======

Bubble Man attacks with normal shots from a cannon on his right arm, and can fire his , the , from both the aforementioned arm cannon and a special Bubble Gun on top of his head. Bubble Man can utilise the bubbles for several different purposes, including hitting opponents with bursts of small bubbles and blowing larger and more durable bubbles to either wrap opponents inside to trap them temporarily, or for Bubble Man himself to hide in as a shield.

Despite often being the butt of jokes due to his design flaws, Bubble Man is an affable and high-spirited individual, but has a bad habit of lavishly spending money when he has it. He enjoys bathing in hot springs in his spare time, but much like the later-introduced , has a vehement dislike for water pollution, especially oil slicks.

======

The scuba suited robot opened his eyes. "Wow. Wrinkly old dude and a filly barely out of diapers. So not what I wanted to see when I was first activated."

Wily blinked. "O...kay. And...what did you want to see?"

"A total babe!" Bubble Man proclaimed happily, making motions in the air with his hands to shape what he meant. "Or maybe a rockin' dude," he added, taking a muscle pose. "Either or, but someone hot."

Protoman snickered in the background.

"Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" Bubble Man proclaimed, pointing at Protoman. "Check out the specs on that bot! He's got it goin' on, that's for sure!"

======

========

===

==

Quick Man (クイックマン Kuikkuman) is a from who was created by using 's design as a base. Quick Man is made of lightweight materials, allowing him to move at very high speeds, but this can easily cause him to be blown away by weapons like 's . In addition to this, a flaw from within his device also makes him vulnerable to 's which can easily stop him in his tracks and slowly drain his health. Although his top running speed is unknown, Quick Man is one of the fastest Robot Masters in the Mega Man series. His is the , small razor-edged boomerangs that he can rapidly fire from the launcher on his right arm. In and other media, he is shown to be also able to wield a larger boomerang like a sword.

Quick Man is a cunning Robot Master who is confident in his abilities, and particularly proud of his speed. Whilst he is an accomplished decision-maker, he is also impulsive, possessing a tendency to act on a whim. He is an early riser, tends to get bored very quickly by slowness, and is shown to be a huge fan of , both as a spectator and a competitor. Due to the similar emphasis on speed in their designs, Quick Man is shown to have a friendly rivalry with .

=======

=

, Quick Man," Wily called out, "activate!"

Quick Man opened his eyes with a smile. "Yo dude!" he greeted happily, leaning back against a wall and flashing a thumbs up. "How's it hanging?"

Wily blinked. "Hanging?" he asked in confusion.

"No worries," Quick Man replied. "Who's up for hitting the beach? I wanna catch some waves."

"Oh, the beach!" Bubble Man agreed eagerly. "Yeah, let's go!"

"The sun, the surf..." Quick Man began.

"The bikinis and speedos," Bubble Man added.

=====

===

==

===

Crash Man, known as Clash Man (クラッシュマン Kurasshuman) in Japan, is a from that was built by using the designs of and as a base with high speed and agility, the use of high explosives as primary weapons, and clad in a thick armor that can effectively withstand explosions. His is the , powerful time bombs that attach themselves to their targets before detonating.

Crash Man is an honest, forthright individual who is usually obedient, if somewhat clumsy due to his lack of hands. However, he has a bad tendency to suffer from violent mood swings- he can be docile one moment and fly into uncontrollable rages the next, often going on destructive rampages with his bombs when angered. He enjoys demolishing buildings, but cares very little about recycling.

======

========

"DWN-013, Crash Man, activate!" Wily said quickly, moving right along.

Crash Man's eyes opened, and he lifted his drill shaped hands. "Greetings Doctor, Vinyl," he stated calmly. "How can I be of assistance?"

Wily blinked, surprised by the sudden tonal shift between Masters. "Well...do you know your primary purpose?"

"I am here to destroy Mega Man and help you achieve a world of robot-human equality through the application of overwhelming force," Crash Man replied. "Towards that end, you have given me the Crash Bomb weapon."

"So you blow things...up?" Air Man asked, pausing significantly before his last word.

Crash Man glanced at Air Man through narrowed eyes. "...hilarious," he allowed sardonically. "Doctor, perhaps you should finish with activating us and then take Vinyl somewhere else. I don't think most of us will be a good influence on her."

"Agreed," Wily replied, moving right along and dragging Vinyl with him. "DWN-014, Flash Man, activate!"

Rather than opening his eyes slowly, Flash Man's whole body lit up. "I have awoken!" he sang out. "And I'm taking back control!"

Wily and Vinyl both stared at him in surprise. "Umm...your primary function?" Wily asked nervously.

"We will, we will, rock you!" Flash Man sang out, stomping his feet and clapping rhythmically as he did so, making Vinyl grin as she head banged along with the beat.

========

Flash Man (フラッシュマン Furasshuman) is a from created by to challenge the everlasting idea of controlling time. Flash Man's is the , a unique system that allows him to stop time for brief periods. To supplement his attacking abilities, he is also equipped with a rapid-fire buster on his right arm. The eight Robot Masters from have built-in devices that make them immune to the Time Stopper, but 's device has a flaw, making him vulnerable to it.

In combat, Flash Man can stop time to immobilize his opponents, before attacking them mercilessly with rapid barrages of shots from his buster while they cannot move. To his enemies, Flash Man appears to be moving at light speed or teleporting. It is believed that this ability is a perfected form of what the later-introduced was capable of- because unlike Time Man, who could only slow down time with , Flash Man can stop it completely.

Whilst often miserable and prone to complaining, deep down he is a benevolent leader who cares deeply for the well-being of his subordinates. He likes cameras and photography, as well as making use of his time-stopping powers to play pranks on others and to spend longer bathing. He is bald, often lamenting the fact that Dr. Wily designed him without hair, and thus, he dislikes commercials for wigs and hair products.

=============

Wily rolled his eyes at the constant singing. "Why won't you talk normally?" he demanded.

"We're born to be kings! We're princes of the u-niverse!"

======

Heat Man (ヒートマン Hītoman) is a combat from created by based on 's design. His body has a box-like shape which resembles a Zippo lighter, with a lid that Heat Man can use to retract his head into for additional protection, but it can sometimes close down onto him unintentionally. He is designed to be highly resistant to sources of heat, including fire and magma, and has a dial in his back that regulates the power of his flames, which he's unaware of.

His is the , a heat-based weapon powered by highly compressed nuclear energy, which can be charged to produce bursts of fire at temperatures of up to 12,000 degrees Celsius (21,632 degrees Fahrenheit). He can also spit fire from his mouth and project enormous fire blasts from his hands. Heat Man's favorite attack is to first surround himself in flames for protection, making him invulnerable for a short time, before charging at his opponents at high speed from across the arena, causing major damage to his foes by crashing into them.

Whilst Heat Man lacks enthusiasm for his line of work, he is carefree and happy to work at his own pace in doing so. He enjoys summer barbeques, but has a dislike of water (particularly from his weakness, the ) and cold things, such as ice cream.

==========

"DWN-015, Heat Man, activate," Wily groaned, moving on as Vinyl giggled.

Heat Man's eyes opened, and he glared pugnaciously at Wily. "What Doc want?" he asked grumpily.

Wily stared at Heat Man for a time. "Heat Man, you are-"

"Heat Man bored now," the robot replied quickly. "Heat Man wait till job time. Then Heat Man smash Mega Man!" On 'smash', Heat Man's whole body burst into flames, making Vinyl clap happily.

Wily rolled his eyes. "DWN-016, Wood Man, activate."

"Dude..." Wood Man breathed out. "This is like...so far out..."

"And just like that we're done," Wily stated, scooping Vinyl up and following Protoman.

=======

====

========

===

Protoman shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I noticed Vinyl was having trouble getting around the Fortress because of how small she is...so I built her these to help."(1)

Wily thought about that, then shrugged. "Not a bad idea. But why spring them all now?"

"Birthday presents," Protoman replied simply.

"So...what do they do?"

Protoman picked up the first, a flat platform with a propeller on the bottom. "This is Item 1," he stated. "It's for helping her get up and down things like bookshelves." He then held up the next, which looked like a surfboard with rockets on the back. "This is Item 2. It's to help her cross large distances faster." He then picked up the last, a platform with mobile grippers on either side. "This is Item 3. I noticed she has some trouble with the size of the stairs..."

Wily nodded in agreement, chuckling at the sight of Vinyl having already popped Item 2 open to examine how they worked. "Good thinking on the designs," he pointed out. "But...really? Items 1, 2, and 3? Couldn't you have come up with better names?"

Protoman looked away, kicking the ground. "I read her 'The Cat in the Hat' just before I started designing the exteriors," he replied. "She...really liked Thing 1 and Thing 2."

exteriors," he replied. "She...really liked Thing 1 and Thing 2."

Wily couldn't help but chuckle at that as Vinyl closed Item 2 and hopped on...only for the rocket board to take off at an insane velocity, with her squealing happily as she clung to the hoof grips on top. "Protoman!" Wily shouted out.

"I didn't design it to go that fast!" Protoman shouted back as they began racing after the filly. "She must have suped up the engine!"

"VIIIIINYYYLLLLL!"

=====

=====

==

My [Regal Archer's Eyes] that could see triple the distance that [Eagle's Eye] could observed many movements on the water below.

ZOOM!

==========

[Volcanic Eruption] and [Rage of the Thunder Monarch] finally hit 100, and I was able to put the two skills in the [Skill Combination] tab that shone blue.

The product of these two was the rank S+ skill, [Devastation- The sky cracks as destructive lightning and flames from the depths of an unknown dimension search for your enemies.]

The first trial of this skill was particularly eye opening. The moment it was casted, it seemed like the sky was unzipped as roiling thick ropes of purple lightning and red flames spread out to every single [Winged Shark] in the air, as well as the ones hidden below in the water.

The destructive combination of lightning and heavy flames seemed as if they had their own consciousness as they searched for and blasted apart any beast they pierced into. 10 seconds, that was how long the skill lasted, but also the amount of time that cleared out the entirety of [Winged Shark]s in our surroundings, leaving the Virulent Summon standing blankly in the air looking for more enemies.

The advent of [Devastation] made my attacks overcome the efficiency of the fast moving summon for the first time since it appeared, increasing the rate we progressed through the dungeon.

========

========

=====

On the 25th floor, the rank A skills that had been active all this time finally reached the requirements and were combined.

[Steeled Muscles] and [Hardened Bones] went together to provide [Man of Steel]. [Wind Armor] and [Frigid Armament] produced the colorful [Dual Element Armor]. [Metal Scales] and [Yeti's Fur] produced [Beastial Hide]. [Tanzanite Skin] and [Earth Armor] went ahead to produce [Protection of the Earth].

[Profane Eruption] caused them even more problems as the bodies of their friends exploded and left poisonous zones in the water that spread out. As they could not fly into their skies, they became even more pitiful than the [Winged Shark]s from earlier floors.

water spears

muddy wall as they didn't even get near enough to dent my armor, the many defensive skills that were either layered on top of my skin or in the form of colorful barriers stopping them right in their tracks, where they then dissolved into nothingness.

======

====

===

=====

This time it was a rank S skill called [Budding Farmer- You can become the best farmer in your region. In exchange for a large amount of mana, the skill allows you to change the essence in a surrounding field to promote the extreme growth of all plants.]

...All the skills that I was receiving by clearing a dungeon for the first time in this world were non combat skills that seemed to have their own special uses. I wasn't complaining as they seemed to be very interesting skills, so I would give the first one I received, [Cook], and this one a try soon.

=====

=====

====

====

I went near the beast to get its loot similar to how I had been doing these past 49 floors as I collected more cores and a skill book into my [Storage Pouch]. I then rose higher and casted [Profane Eruption], watching the large body of the beast cause a heavy explosion and give the last point from 99 to 100 for the skill.

I excitedly looked at the two skills that were ready for combination as the summon was canceled and I placed [Summon Virulent Abomination] and [Profane Eruption] into the [Skill Combination] tab

The tab shone in a blue light as the process took even longer than when I combined the skills to receive [Saint's Return]. It finished in a few seconds, and the new rank S+ skill produced from this deadly combination was [Summon Plague Bearer- An abomination of extreme evil that causes deadly plagues wherever it goes. The skills Poisonous Breath and Defiler are among its tools.]

====

==

==

=

=

The new rank S skills were [Flash- High speed movement that allows you body to automatically evade enemy attacks], [Phoenix Arrow- Your bow momentarily releases inflamed arrows that carry the aura of a phoenix], [Enfeeble- A terrible curse strikes your enemy, reducing their speed, damage, defense, and resistance], [Aura of Belligerence- An aura of war surrounds you and your allies. +200% damage], [Shield Slam- Your shield comes to life, targeting any enemies around you in a flurry of attacks], [Obfuscation- Your presence continues to thin out until the best detection skills cannot observe you]

It was a great addition of powerful skills, where even ones that I doubted I would use like [Shield Slam] and [Phoenix Arrow], I still learnt them anyways.

The newly obtained rank S items were [Viridian Boots], [Legion Armor], and [Dulled Trident]. Besides the trident, I could wear everything else. The new [Legion Armor] went on top of the rank S Veiled Suit with no issues, and the [Viridian Boots] vastly increased my speed. All of these new additions and skills made me confident to stand against the power of an EPIC ranked skill without my life being snuffed in the next second. I would give myself another day before going out to clash with the mercenaries still waiting in ambush outside the snowy roads.

===

====

===

===

==

=

I raised my hand towards the small field that had a few hundred [White Radishes] growing and casted [Budding Farmer]. Rough winds roiled about as the essence around the field condensed and visibly changed to a tinge of green that landed on the field.

The green color shone for just a few seconds as changes on the plants began occurring. The somewhat dried [White Radishes] had their white leaves begin to extend and grow, with them sprouting from the ground so quickly that half of the body of the radishes could now be seen bunched together fighting for space.

In the next minute, the field I casted the skill on had undergone a complete change, becoming vastly different from the surrounding fields. Sparkling and robust [White Radishes] now valiantly stood in the fields.

The Princess that couldn't contain her shocked expression even with her cold face went forward to pick one up as she continued to be surprised. It turns out the new vegetable that rapidly grew under the effect of [Budding Farmer] was twice as large as normal ones. Gears were turning in the mind of the Princess as she began walking back and forth rapidly.

This skill, just like the previous [Cook], had shown extravagant effects. Especially the amazing economic use that [Budding Farmer] had. The Princess had already started to look at me with her shining dark eyes as she realised the possible impact of something like this in these frozen lands.

I casted the skill on a few more fields before leaving, with the Princess letting me know she would come up with an excuse of being blessed with a unique skill that raised the land's fertility and increased the growth rate of produce. She would use this opportunity to expand her influence even further in this Dukedom.

=========

This aligned with my current thoughts of remaining in the shadows while moving around, and the fact that whatever influence the Princess continued to amass in the future would also become mine. I confirmed this as I continued to spend my time with her, affirming her claims of her providing me with whatever I wanted. The time for me to take what I really wanted would come soon enough.

========

======

========

=====

These past 4 days, after the constant activation of the skills, I was able to combine the rank A+ defensive skills of [Man of Steel] and [Protection of the Earth] to bring out the S ranked [Rune of Defense- An archaic rune spreads throughout your body. +200% Defense]. [Dual Element Armor] and [Beastial Hide] produced [Dragon Scales- Your body is surrounded by defenses that are meant for the highest beings].

======

====

=====

====

In addition to the defensive skills, the covert rank A skills were also able to become A+, with [Obscure] and [Shadow Escape] becoming [Abstruse Cover]. [Illusory] and [Chameleon's Skin] came together to produce [Barrier of Illusion].

With the increased confidence of these new skills, I would move out today to see the power of someone of the next level once again. The previous time I was matched against two beings of a higher level, with me becoming gravely injured where even a limb was lost. I was going to be careful enough that even with confidence in the many skills I had active, such a scene would not make its appearance again.

=====

=======

===

====

==

[Noah Osmont][Occupation: Hunter]

[Vitality: 370]

[Focus: - ]

[Strength: 380]

[Skill(s): [F][E][D][C][B][A: Flight-100, Guardian's Light-100, Instant Transfer-100, Infernal Purge-100, Arc Lightning-100, Area Expansion-22, Pain Resistance-100, Recorder-100, Language Comprehension-100,Healing Light-100, Lion's Roar-23,Water Barrier-100, Pierce-100, Executor's Speed-100, Sense Heat Source-100, Silent Communication-55, Regal Archer's Eyes-66, Cook-33]

[A+: Arctic Zone-100, Relegator's Spear-23, Immutable Regeneration-100, Abstruse Cover-2, Barrier of Illusion-2]

[S: Protection of the Wounded-100, Flash-11, Aura of Belligerence-23, Enfeeble-11, Phoenix Arrow-1, Shield Slam-1, Obfuscation-33, Rune of Defense-2, Dragon Scales-2, Budding Farmer-8]

[S+: Saint's Return-41, Devastation-45, Plague Bearer-39]

[Equipment: (3x B-Ring of Storage)(A-Ring of Storage)(S-Storage Pouch)(S-Veiled Suit)(S-Legion Armor)(S-Viridian Boots)]

=======

====

====

==

I started off with a small welcome of multiple casts of [Devastation]. Rifts in space opened up as wriggling destructive pillars of lightning and molten flames sn.a.k.e.d their way towards the enemy.

Barely a second passed before the mercenary reacted and took up a stance. A wild look appeared on the mercenary's face the moment she saw the rifts opening up as her body began to shine golden.

"YAAAA!"

With a shout, a golden bell formed the moment the skills sn.a.k.e.d towards her.

BOOM!

Pandemonium ensued as the attacks connected, the golden light shining strongly and holding on as the nearby rank S mercenaries were blown away. The EPIC ranked mercenary looked around the ensuing destruction to find her attacker, but she was met with a dark aura plaguing her body as [Enfeeble] was casted. The spell ignored her defenses as it struck her and weakened the golden bell she had erected, causing the attacks from [Devastation] to connect.

OOONG!

I began feeling the exhilaration of conducting the battle in the dark as the essence around the mercenary roiled. A spectacular skill was being casted from her. The damage from [Devastation] was pushed away as a transparent figure began forming around the mercenary.

The rank S that were flung back were about to jump to block the incoming attacks when they stood back stupefied at the sight of their leader. The transparent figure of the skill she had casted held a long sword, its body boasting an incredible size of more than 8 meters.

=======

=====

======

VOOM!

The essence around us roiled as the being was fully formed. The figure of the EPIC ranked mercenary could now be seen in the transparent belly of the incarnation she had casted, each of her movements being duplicated to perfection as sharp winds came out from the large transparent thing holding a long sword. The roiling snakes of flames and lightning were all blocked as the figure stood imposingly to meet my next attack as I remained in the dark.

So this was an EPIC ranked individual. The power it let off was definitely higher than my S+ summon or the [Devastation] skill. But since I could cast them multiple times without reservation, I would make up for the lack of power in quantity! This wasn't to mention powerful support skills like [Aura of Belligerence] that further increased my damage, making me confident if my skills weren't already packing firepower equal to EPIC, they were nearing.

As the mercenaries waited for the next attack, what met their eyes was a grotesque beast that was even larger now that it was S+ ranked. The Virulent Abomination that had become a Plague Bearer appeared with wide green wings outstretched. Poison was constantly falling off its body in blobs of green that smashed into the ground

As soon as the expanded mercenary saw the monstrosity, the large body moved with a speed that it shouldn't have as its sword struck down with a beautiful circular swing. My summon did not evade the incoming sword, its belly rumbling as its mouth unnaturally opened more than a meter wide.

[Poisonous Breath], a skill unique to the Plague Bearer was casted.

The air trembled as this skill made its appearance. Green and murky, with an unbearable stench, the noxious collection of liquid and fumes came out to cover the entirety of the rushing figure.

BOOM!

The large sword of the expanded mercenary smashed into my summon, knocking it down and nearly splitting it in half. But, like a sticky material, its two sides were slowly joining back together as [Saint's Return] was already active and healing its injured body while continuing to provide buffs.

Using [Regal Archer's Eyes], I could see the figure of the woman in the enclosed transparent incarnation move in pain. Her left arm had turned a deadly shade of green as the figure she commanded did the same. She could not completely evade the [Poisonous Breath].

I tried to remain as emotionless as possible, and casted more [Devastation], as well as giving another command to the upgraded and healed summon. Its other newly gained skill, [Defiler] could not be put to full use as there were not many corpses nearby. 2 rank S mercenaries had already met their end from being too close when the [Poisonous Breath] landed, with the rest of them going further in the distance as they tried to jump into the fight with panic

To them, only a single enemy had appeared, and even after taking a strike from the most powerful person there, it just closed itself up like it was nothing.

OOOH!

The Plague Bearer howled as its wings flapped, rushing towards the 8 meter incarnation once more. The roiling snakes of flames and lightning that completely ignored it and smashed into the enemy gave a fantastic picture of this grand battle. The EPIC ranked mercenary wasn't for show, as the incarnation holding a sword she had casted was becoming more and more solid as time passed.

Its blade became faster as it rushed towards the summon. The sight in front of me was hard to describe. The 8 meter tall figure that enveloped the EPIC mercenary was moving as if it was the lightest thing in the world, the long blade in its hands spinning beautifully in the air as the summon continued to evade the strikes. One of them finally connected.

THUCK!

The blade wedged itself deep into the body of the Plague Bearer that was now over 6 meters. It pierced from the front to the back completely, and without reservation, the summon continued forward. Its wings flapped behind it as it ignored all the damage and came close to the belly of the incarnation where the mercenary was hiding in.

Green smoke roiled out as two green bodies unnaturally appeared, flinging themselves towards the figure of the large incarnation as well. These were the two dead rank S mercenaries that fell from [Poisonous Breath]. Their arms flailed as they seemed like the fastest zombies alive, reaching and sticking to the EPIC ranked mercenary's large figure in an instant

This was the second skill that the upgraded summon could now use, [Defiler]. When I first watched this skill in action, too many grand ideas popped up as I saw the summon controlling the bodies of dead beasts and flinging them around like poisonous bombs.

A cruel smile seemed to appear on the Plague Bearer's wretched face as it reached the position it wanted. The 2 dead beings it controlled through the skill began expanding dangerously while stuck to the transparent figure as both them and the body of the Plague Bearer...exploded.

BOOM!

The impact shook the surrounding 15 meters as green muscle, pus, and bones flew out, knocking the large bladed figure backwards as screams rang out.

======

======

=========

======

====

Occasional shouts could be heard as the figures moved around the poisonous battlefield. They had what could be considered great strength, and yet they had to evade the poison this beast released with the best of their abilities just to stay alive. More and more of them fell as they tried to reinforce their Commander that continued to be swamped with constant and deadly attacks.

A rank S seasoned warrior was moving through the snowy field frightfully as he tried to evade the thick lines of flames and lightning that sn.a.k.e.d their way in the surroundings. He could feel desperation as he couldn't shake any of them off, with even the slightest lapse in concentration causing him to be poisoned by the air that was turning a shade of green. His vision began darkening as he moved, and soon slumped down.

The EPIC ranked Commander was staring at the skies as she found her figure thrown back from the explosion. She could feel a searing pain running through her body that continued to be poisoned all this time.

The recent explosion where that horrendous monstrosity as well as the dead it controlled attacked her had sealed the deal. She wanted this pain to stop. Someone of her caliber had never been subjected to this, and she was feeling extreme anger. Who? Just who had the power to hide from her sight and attack her like a coward?

She closed the eyes that were staring through the transparent figure of [Sword Saint's Incarnation], the skill that allowed her to get where she was today. She needed more energy to keep the skill active and bring it to life. The more energy she provided, the more solid the incarnation became.

The pain from the poison was taking a lot of energy from her to keep it at bay, so she was stuck in an impasse.

BOOM!

Her figure landed on the ground as she made up her mind. She didn't want to use it as there was no turning back, but she had no choice. A jewel shining in a menacing red light appeared in her hands. She did not hesitate as she brought it to her mouth, and swallowed right away.

ZING~

An uncomfortable sound spread out through the snowy field as the red light permeated her body, and the larger transparent figure that surrounded her as well. She seemed to be undergoing a transformation as a horn began appearing on her forehead.

Her opponent would not leave her be though. In the middle of this transformation, the hideous looking figure that leaked poisonous pus had reappeared and was already releasing another one of its vile breaths. Rifts continued to open up in the sky as flames and lightning struck down, not giving this powerful figure any respite during her transformation.

ARGH!

The interruption caused the energies to go berserk as the change was only half completed, and the large transparent figure now tinged in red became more visible. The moment the sword in its hands slashed towards the monstrosity vomiting poisonous material, it stopped the belching and dashed towards her body, exploding again in the next moment.

The mercenary was full of wrath as this occurred again and pushed her back, the poison reapplying itself with even more vigor after the second explosion. Her incarnation was getting back up again when she saw the same monstrosity appear... and explode again for the second time.

BOOM!

A third time.

BOOM!

A fourth time.

She was breathing heavily as she felt the incarnation fading away after using up all her mana. Fear of the unknown person that continued to send suicidal attacks with their monstrous beast had etched itself deep inside.

Rough breathing was coming out as she saw the green monstrosity appear above her again as good as new.

"Haha, Hahaha, Hahaha!"

She found herself letting out gory laughs as the poison permeated through her at this ridiculous sight. Even swallowing that jewel for its forbidden power did not do a single thing about this attacker that didn't even bother to show himself.

====

===

====

=

I would be blessed with another set of S rank skills, as well as something even more wondrous from the body of the EPIC mercenary that was bubbling with pus currently. I sent a command and watched as the summoned Plague Bearer absorb the poisonous fumes and liquids around us. I targeted the bodies of dead mercenaries as I started with the most powerful one first.

=======

=====

====

======

=====

The item was [Kingslayer- A sword worthy of killing the highest echelons. Has a constantly sharpening blade edge and weighs as much as a feather]. It was a glistening golden sword that was the same size as myself. It was such an exquisite sword that I couldn't help but grab and swing it a few times. I shook myself out of this new feeling as I looked at the skill book next.

=====

======

====

==

[Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation- The body and memories of a genius sword saint descend for as long as mana is provided. Requires caster to equip a sword to activate. When active: +300% Physical Damage, +300% Speed, +200% Defense.+Dark Slayer Sword Style.]

...I looked at the numbers shown on the skill description in shock at this new type of skill. It wasn't my usual type of skill that I learned but...I wanted to try it out so damn badly! I couldn't hold my excitement as I watched the particles of the EPIC ranked [Skill Book] fade into my body. Now, what surprises will you bring?

=====

======

====

===

An adventurer taking down a rank A dungeon by himself was rare, but not mind-bending. Doing the same thing for rank S dungeons? That was a whole other level. Putting his battle power aside, something even more magical was his power that allowed him to turn a barren land fertile and cause the almost instantaneous growth and ripening of plants. This was the thing that completely cemented my trust in him and made him all the more special. I was able to put this dukedom's leader completely under my influence with the sudden abundance of foods that 'I' provided.

And now, I was waiting beside the carriage as he went to face a deadly EPIC ranked powerhouse with a smile. "Haaaa". I patiently waited as I held full trust in him, and soon saw a gold light fly in from the distance.

This was one of the secrets I held, the ability to see his light whenever he was near due to my unique skill. He seemed to have an even more amazing skill that allowed him to become completely hidden to anyone near him along with the addition of the purposefully made veiled suit. But my skill always reacted when he was near.

I smiled at his expected successful return and opened the doors to the wide carriage, overlooking the long line of wagons behind us as I gave the signal to prepare to move out. The esteemed sir silently got in the ride, with me going in last and closing the door, multiple barriers encircling the carriage soon after.

==========

========

=======

He had the same calm face as he reappeared in front of my eyes, with a hint of worry as he seemed to be lost in thought. The significance of the event that just occurred seemed to be minor in his eyes, but it was something tremendous. EPIC ranked powerhouses were a nation's deterrence, and he had just defeated one.

He had successfully taken down those that wished us harm, and the effects would be large. I would be using this event to my advantage and seek an audience with Father as soon as we get back to the kingdom.

======

=====

=====

He was the holder of the Unique Skill, {Primal Conjurer}, which allowed him to call upon two powerful primal spirits of the same level as himself. His presence alone was the equivalent of three beings of the same rank, and he was terribly powerful.

======

=====

===

==

I thought back to the other rank S skills I received from the dead mercenaries earlier today as I flashed towards the beast's Nest. The ones that I didn't see myself actively using but I still learned nonetheless were [Ricocheting Shield], [Bear's Fighting Style], and [Archer's Gamble]. The more useful ones were two support skills, [Lion's Heart], and [Speedster] that increased my speed and damage even further

The remaining four were two offensive skills and two standard ones that I liked. The offensive ones were [Smouldering Sword Strike] and [Earthen Spears], with the ones I called standard being [Thought Acceleration- The speed of your thought processing is raised significantly] and [Crisis Avoidance- A few extra seconds are given to you as you sense incoming danger].

The last two skills were great, especially [Thought Acceleration] that seemed like one of the best rank S skills I've received so far. I knew it wasn't all-powerful, as the person who had it previously fell under my attacks, but it was still a great supplement. Many decisions and thoughts could be made rapidly in a short time span with this skill, allowing me to assess many things quickly before moving forward.

I soon arrived near the towering Skypeak Nest and looked to the prowling beasts below. The goal today was to fully enjoy the usage of the new EPIC skill that I gained. With the excitement that I couldn't contain, I landed on the floating landmass, equipped the EPIC ranked [Kingslayer] sword, and cast [Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation].

========

=======

===

so it casted its innate ability, [Iceberg], to end the fight as soon as possible.

VOOM!

A resounding horn that seemed to signal an arrival could be heard as a tremendous landmass filled with a deadly collection of ice elements appeared above them. The iceberg was more than 30 meters long and covered the entirety of their sight as the beast wrapped its large body around the large swordsman and held him down.

BOOM!

A tremendous impact that shook the entire Skypeak Nest occurred as the iceberg smashed into the ground.

=====

====

=

=

One of the skill books was the spectacular [Iceberg] that the beast was casting. It manifested a freezing and nearly solid mass of ice that was more than 30 meters. Such a skill was already tremendously powerful in the hands of the beast, but to me who could cast it multiple times?

I couldn't wait to use this as soon as possible as I looked towards the next skill. It was [Absolute Zero- The heat near you is sapped away as ice elements reinforce your body and attacks. When active: All attacks carry the Freezing Touch effect. +100% Ice Element Resistance]

============

====

Another point was that I received the first EPIC skill that I could activate at all times and would continue to grow stronger as time passed, or so I thought. The moment I activated [Absolute Zero], the surroundings of 5 meters became deathly cold with ice being condensed all around visible to the n.a.k.e.d eye.

Soon enough, a storm of ice elements could be seen rotating around me as just the outward effects of this skill were this powerful. I stopped myself from rushing back into the nest and went back to the Frozen Kingdom. I had to find out the new developments that occurred, as well as prepare for big moves soon.

I deactivated [Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation] and [Absolute Zero] as I neared the kingdom, and looked at the grim looks of guards that had vastly increased on the large fortress wall as well as the closed doors. Things seemed to be moving along as I passed the fortress wall and thought about the first EPIC skill I received.

=====

===

==

==

My blessing of nearly endless energy to work with made it so I could skip ranks, but I didn't know how wide the gaps were as I continued to rise higher and higher. So, while people are preparing for war by convening assemblies and troops, I would prepare by obtaining more loot from EPIC beasts.

The talks and discussions about possible ways everything could go continued as I found myself roasting a few types of meat to enjoy at the same time. The day finished like this, fairly fun and eventful.

The skills combined today were:

Guardian's Light + Healing Light ~ A+ Paladin's Blessing

Infernal Purge + Arc Lightning ~ A+ Pursuing Infernal Lightning

Skill(s): [F][E][D][C][B][A: Flight-100, Instant Transfer-100, Area Expansion-22, Pain Resistance-100, Recorder-100, Language Comprehension-100, Lion's Roar-23,Water Barrier-100, Pierce-100, Executor's Speed-100, Sense Heat Source-100, Silent Communication-55, Regal Archer's Eyes-66, Cook-33]

[A+: Arctic Zone-100, Relegator's Spear-23, Immutable Regeneration-100, Abstruse Cover-23, Barrier of Illusion-23, Paladin's Blessing-1, Pursuing Infernal Lightning-1]

[S: Protection of the Wounded-100, Flash-18, Aura of Belligerence-31, Enfeeble-22, Phoenix Arrow-1, Shield Slam-1, Obfuscation-45, Rune of Defense-11, Dragon Scales-11, Budding Farmer-8, Ricocheting Shield-1, Bear's Fighting Style-1, Archer's Gamble-1, Lion's Heart-8, Speedster-8, Smouldering Sword Strike-, Earthen Spears-1, Thought Acceleration-8, Crisis Avoidance-8]

[S+: Saint's Return-69, Devastation-51, Plague Bearer-65]

[EPIC: Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation-8, Iceberg-1, Absolute Zero-3]

=======

=========

========

======

He created a play by showing a prince of this kingdom the deadly power that was coming for them, and making them fold into weakening their own forces on the promise that they would all not be killed or enslaved, leaving him to rule in the end.

The memory stone the prince received was tampered with long ago by a powerful Demon King who was a master of illusions and emotions. While the prince thought he was just watching the scenes of powerful Demon Legions, his mental defenses were torn down as he became completely susceptible to the communications after that.

==

===

=

===

Iceberg] was another killer skill with a tremendous amount of damage, and would work best to clear large droves of enemies. With this in mind, I neared the Skypeak Nest with full concentration. The death of even a single EPIC beast should have put all the other ones on the island on the edge.

Sure enough, [Crisis Avoidance] showed me that there were multiple powerful figures waiting to strike not too far inland of the Nest. Well, the threat was not showing to be too high, just that it would take a significant amount of work. I could feel a smile forming on my face with this thought, this little bit of work was nothing to grab more EPIC skills!

====

===

The walrus retaliated with a quick swing of its hairless flippers that condensed cold spears as they smacked into my large body. Even with [Flash] still activated and my large body maneuvering in the air, the speed was too fast to evade.

BOOM!

The impact sent me to the side, where the large white wolf was waiting with its jaws spread wide open. Terrible energy was being collected in its mouth as a blue beam shot out towards me.(ice beam)

========

======

===

====

==

"When you first appeared on this Land, you were very weak and surrounded by others just like you. Yet, every time you returned after that you had grown significantly stronger, strong enough to even take out one of the contenders here. What exactly are you?"

The voice was sonorous and strong, being seemingly feminine. I didn't reply and only continued to keep my focus at the many surrounding beasts. If I saw the slightest signs, I would summon the Plague Bearer and turn this entire area into a land of poison and try to make an escape for now.

I didn't know what other powerful skills these beasts had in their arsenal, the skill that teleported me here making me extremely cautious. The voice rang out once again.

"Oh well, it doesn't really matter. You taking down one of the contenders with your own power qualifies you for the trial currently taking place."

At these words, my tension slightly calmed as I wondered just exactly what I had gotten into. I probingly asked,

"A trial of what?"

The beasts around me reigned in their wild auras as a disdainful voice came from the [Emperor Penguin] this time.

"You humans do not know of the secrets and intricacies of the special locations of the Beast World. These Spiritual Lands you call nests and routinely come to bully those weaker than you are trial grounds meant to give birth to the toughest beasts."

What? My mind absorbed this brand new information as I continued to listen. I was finally able to find the source of the first voice as it rang out once again, this time from a transparent red figure materializing in the air.

"Yes, this is one of the Spiritual Lands where the most powerful beasts appear from. I underwent the strenuous task of upgrading this Tier 1 Spiritual Land into Tier 2 by using quite a bit of treasures for the possibility of creating another powerhouse in this era of war with the Demons."

The transparent figure had a fiery red color with the most exaggerated curves, taking the appearance of a human. She didn't seem to let out any aura of power, but she gave off the feeling of extreme danger. I continued to listen as I watched her move closer, her figure becoming extremely clear with every passing second.

"I have found no success so far, with talented individuals not being borne in these past few decades, and that did not change even with the coming of demons. Yet you...dear human, you hold promise."

The red figure floated in front of me with an air of elegance, and I could barely make out its exquisite facial features that seemed to be screaming nobility. Her next words became increasingly stern and cold as [Crisis Avoidance] sent me the loudest signals for the first time ever.

"Especially seeing this ability of yours that seems to stem from a source similar to the Abyss Magic of demons. I'm going to need you to explain very clearly how you came about this, or the next few minutes will be your last. Oh, and if you say any words other than the truth, I will know right away."

======

========

========

"I gained this skill after...defeating and ingesting the essence of a mercenary that was intending to harm the Princess of the Frozen Kingdom I was escorting. The only thing I could note that might have any relation to demons was a jewel that the mercenary ingested during the fight. I myself, have no ties with demons and am working against them."

An eerie silence pervaded after my words rang out, both the beasts and the figure of the red woman not saying a thing. The next moment though, I was surprised to hear the stern voice speak out with a tinge of excitement.

"Haha, no lies in your words! Wow. A human was actually blessed with a Devour Class unique skill? Good! This explains your fast progress and power. Alright, this might not be a wasted trip after all."

======

=====

========

====

"I have a kingdom to focus on, so we will make this quick. An opportunity lies in front of you. In this Spiritual Land, you can undergo the Trial of Supremacy. If you are talented enough, rewards you cannot even imagine will be yours."

I tried to keep my breathing under control as I passed this ordeal and it seemed like my life was not under a threat for the time being. My thoughts moved rapidly as I asked,

"This trial that is normally meant for beasts, what rewards can you gain from it?"

"Oh? Well for starters, this Tier 2 Spiritual Land will guarantee the champion of the Trial of Supremacy a safe advancement to the LEGENDARY rank."

...!

====

=====

====

=====

==

It seemed much of the knowledge that humans had of the floating land masses they called Nests were in the wrong. The landmasses were called Spiritual Lands by the knowledgeable ranks of beasts, with the dense essence that continued to birth monsters being a constant trial of power.

It was a brutal trial where those that were defeated were used as the fuel for the victors to continue rising. After a significant time period has passed where higher ranking beasts appear, the Trial of Supremacy will take place.

This trial differed depending on what tier the Spiritual Land was, with Tier 1 blessed lands having trials most fit for those just entering the EPIC level. Only those at that level or lower could possibly participate in the trial, with anybody above it being qualified.

The trial for a Tier 2 Spiritual Land was even more rigorous, where similar levels of power as Tier one were required, but the trials were much harder. I haven't yet found out the specifics for Tier 3 Spiritual lands, but they were most likely a battlefield of LEGENDARY individuals.

The current Skypeak Nest I was in was a newly upgraded Tier 2 Spiritual Land, with 15 powerful EPIC beasts meeting the requirements to participate in the trial. Ever since the upgrade though, even though the chances of success had increased, it had become much harder and none of the beasts had been successful.

This was where I came in. The transparent figure that I still do not know the name of had been monitoring the Spiritual Land she had upgraded, waiting for the rise of a LEGENDARY beast to bolster the defenses against demons. The ones who had opted to take the trial could not make it past the 2nd stage.

When I took down the white-furred beast who was a participant of the trial, it granted me the right to take his seat. The time after that, they just waited for me to come back, before the [Emperor Penguin] acted to transport me to this location. This was deep underground, at the center of the Spiritual Land. It was a wide expanse of frozen land that stretched out for miles and enclosed all around.

I looked towards the evened out surface around us, and then at the EPIC beasts in the surroundings. I then asked the transparent red figure still floating in the skies.

"What is the first stage of the trial?"

"The first stage is to simply defeat an opponent of the same level during the trial. The trials after that...will have increased levels of difficulty. If you agree to take on the first stage and onward, you are staking your life and you cannot back out. Even if you are defeated you will have to remain and continue trying for years to come as your power grows. If it happens that you die...well, that's that."

=====

====

===

====

===

"This door will transfer you to the pocket in space where the trial will take place."

I looked to the golden door, and then to the menacing beasts that were giving me contemptuous looks all around. This was especially so for the cold Emperor Penguin that had its head raised high and looking down arrogantly. Its eyes turned into cold slits as its voice rang out beside my ear.

"A human has never before qualified for this trial, and there won't be one that passes it. Pray that among your opponents...you do not meet me."

The beasts backed away at the motioning of the transparent figure that I turned to and asked,

"What might be the identity of the one I've been speaking to all this time?"

The figure in the air stalled a bit as an elegant smile bloomed.

"My identity? You'll be worthy of finding out if you pass the trial successfully. Good luck, human."

=======

========

==

The transparent woman floating in the skies looked at the disappearing human that was transferred to a different space as her lips perked into a smile. She only had a small amount of her consciousness sent to these frozen lands to observe the invading demons as well as bolster the strength of the beings here.

She thought it would be a pity if the small kingdom that the humans had created was wiped away so easily, so she was magnanimous enough to try and provide them reinforcements through the Trials of Supremacy.

Who knew that the humans would shoot themselves in the foot and continue to reduce the number of beasts in the nearby Spiritual Lands that could have participated in the trials over these last decades, making her task of finding a talented one that could pass the trial extremely hard.

By spending some of her treasures, she successfully elevated the tier of this Spiritual Land as well as the other 2 that have yet to find an owner in these northern lands. She was able to watch the production of a few powerful EPIC beasts in these three Lands, but they still were not powerful enough. She was about to give up and see if any of the forces would have a powerful hero to spare amidst this war to send them to the north.

That was her thought process until this human made his appearance. From a weakling to someone of significant strength, this very quick process was observed by her personally whenever he landed on the Spiritual Land.

The fact that the world had blessed this human with a unique Devor Class ability made him very special. She hadn't seen a minor species favored with such a talent in the hundreds of years she has lived. If it appeared within the ranks of the Mythical Beast clans, that would be in the norm and she wouldn't bat an eye. But this was a human...so how would he fair against this trial normally meant for the most powerful of beasts?

What made him all the more interesting was the fact that his mind was not encroached and consumed after he absorbed the essence of a being that had already consumed one of the demons' horrendous products of Abyss Magic, the Power Jewel.

Her fair face turned stern as she recalled the terrible power the demons continued to show as the war continued.

She would give them no leeway and completely decimate their forces as time passed. Not another inch of the Beast World will they continue to lay a claim to. All of those invaders had to die!

======

======

=====

===

=

The transparent red figure was observing the human and the origin of the beast that had been transferred into the first stage of the trial through a circular mirror that played the battle at high speeds.

The rest of the powerful beasts were obediently sitting behind the woman like well-behaved children as they also looked on. The battle was not going in the favor of the [Winged Spider] as it was besieged by powerful physical attacks from one side, and a poisonous beast belching out poison on the other.

It had been retaliating this entire time with its many sharp legs and poison, as well as a destructive skill that formed multiple five-meter long bone spears to hone in on their target. The spears were all struck down by a swing of a sword or smashed into the body of the incarnation, causing damage that was seen to be healing rapidly after.

Only a few minutes passed as they watched, and they observed the sharp legs of the spider being cut up as it also lost one of its wings. In the fiery environment that the two of them were in, a storm of cold was constantly spinning around the large figure of the human. With a stroke of his long blade, layers of ice would be left on the spider's body as the battle was drawing to a close.

======

=====

=====

Her choice to send this consciousness to these frozen lands was only a whim, with the excuse of it being a loss if the lands and their inhabitants were given over to demons. The thought just passed through her mind, so she did it. Now it seemed like her hunch had brought her something unbelievable to play with once again.

Wild energies revolved as a beast was transported back to their surroundings. It was the [Winged Spider] that was now severely weakened, with its origin severely damaged from the death that just occurred in the trial ground.

The trial ground acted similarly to a dungeon that only appeared when someone was challenging for ownership of a Spiritual Land. The opponents that were contending for the same thing would have their origins sent to fight the other challenger. In the event of their death, their origins would be severely weakened, and if it repeated again in a short time span, they would face true death.

The trial for this Spiritual Land was fairly straightforward as many were, just a test of strength. A few minutes passed before the woman motioned forward as three new beasts neared the golden door obediently and they disappeared. She had been directing the trial of this Land ever since she caused its upgrade, as it would normally be automated by the Spiritual Land itself.

Not many people could do the actions she was doing, as they would have had to pay a large price that wasn't worth the rewards of a Tier 2 Spiritual Land. Even after they did this, they couldn't obtain the Spiritual Land for themselves as the trial for ownership was strictly set with its own requirements.

This was why the other two Spiritual Lands in the North still had no owners, even if all the powerhouses of the Beast World knew about them. The beasts that were naturally born in these Lands would constantly fight to see if they can obtain ownership themselves.

Figures from Mythical Kingdoms usually sent their promising up and coming powerhouses of EPIC or LEGENDARY rank to see if they were qualified enough at the same level to pass the trials of some of the Spiritual Lands spread across the Beast World. They weren't things that could just be snatched away if you had enough power, you also had to meet the base requirements they set.

Someone of her caliber would only be able to compete for a naturally formed Spiritual Land of a much higher tier. But with her power, something like this small upgrade was manageable. Now, she was curious how the human would face three beasts besieging him from all sides after he just finished a battle with one.

The environment in the crystal mirror in front of her changed as the challenger and his opponents appeared in a grassland environment. Greenery was spread all around as the figures of the newly transported beasts became clear.

The ones to face him in the second stage of this trial that many of these beasts had previously failed in were the fat [Walrus], an extremely well built [Polar Bear], and a sharp-toothed [N.a.k.e.d Molerat].

=======

===

====

====

======

.

It would be interesting to see how the first human to own a Spiritual Land would build it. But all of that was fantasy unless this one did the impossible. So, how would you face beasts that normally have tougher bodies and more mana than the normal human of the same level?

The battle began with the three beasts circling and throwing attacks on all sides while staying a distance from the human. The [N.a.k.e.d Molerat] was throwing out deadly water spears that rotated at high speeds while the [Polar Bear] threw out attacks that detached its sharp claws towards the human.

Loud clangs could be heard as the human knocked off these attacks with a swing of his sword, freezing the water spears and extending claws while defending from the only beast that was fighting it out with him at close distance, the [Walrus]. The poisonous summon was seen belching out a venomous breath that disrupted the tempo the beasts had created as the battle raged on.

It was a deadly stage that even the most powerful beasts born in this Spiritual Land had not been able to pass as they were eventually drained of energy while facing so many opponents. Would this human hold even more surprises? Maybe the devour class unique skill he held would allow him to continue getting stronger with every defeat of his enemies, but would they give him the time to absorb and ingest the essence he devoured?

The woman's thoughts were interrupted as the scene rapidly changed in the mirror. Tens of minutes had passed as the three beasts found their tempo and pushed the human back. They all suffered varying degrees of injuries as their bodies were filled with bloody and frozen gashes, but they were still standing.

The change that had occurred rapidly shifted the state of the battle as an extremely large [Iceberg] was rapidly falling from the skies towards the beasts, with what seemed like a rain of [Bone Spears] targeted at one of the beasts with the goal of taking its life.

On top of all of this, multiple rifts had opened in the skies as destructive lightning and flames sn.a.k.e.d out towards the beasts. All of these attacks had a tinge of icy blue unstable energies surrounding them as they all honed in on their targets.

The figure of the woman was surprised at this sight. The other two attacks aside, it was the spears of bones she had seen not too long ago used by a beast that surprised her. The human's unique skill was able to absorb the essence of and replicate the core skills of his enemies this quickly?!

====

==

===

===

=

the forefront were red beasts that carried many figures of demons. The five-meter beasts had thick black fur and seemed like bulls, these were the [Demon Ox] that were commonly used as the mode of transportation for demons.

Droves of them stepped on the icy ground as a low thrumming hum could be heard from the mouths of demons.

GHUUUUUM!

Some were riding on the [Demon Ox], those of lower tiers were walking on the icy ground with an impassive expression, and others were high in the sky bracing the cold winds with no problem. Other beasts such as large [Komodo Dragons] and [Mephitic Turtles] were dangerously carrying even more demons as they moved forward.

=======

====

=======

===

In the destroyed grassland, the bodies of a [N.a.k.e.d Molerat] and [Polar Bear] could be seen alongside poisonous puddles of pus and molten ground. The thick skin of the walrus was finally pierced as even with its resistance to the cold, frozen gashes were present all over its body as it vehemently moved even to its last essence.

=====

=======

========

=====

[Bone Spears] :: Your knowledge of death is increased as the bones of the dead form at your command. Soul Burn effect is applied to those struck.

[Bear Emperor's Fur] :: The luminous fur of the Bear Emperor surrounds you and grants you protection. +300% Defense. All Body Covering is applied.

The items were even more exquisite.

[Rat King's Mask] :: Has the effect of completely concealing your aura and changing your face.

[Primatic Guardian] :: Forged from the extremely tough skin of a mammal, it never breaks from attacks of the same level.

=====

=====

=====

The other four were the [Arctic Wolf], a [White Mamba] that was larger than 10 meters with the most vicious yellow eyes I've come across, a [Snow Leopard] with glistening white fur, and a dangerous [Wood Frog] that shone multiple bright colors of light.

The fight began rapidly, with the beasts not even getting near me and separating far from each other, circling me on the frozen mountain peak. The [Emperor Penguin] at the lead had his body shining in a dense silver light as its large flippers shone menacingly, its voice ringing out.

"I won't be the cause for the incident of the first human owning a Spiritual Land. Prepare yourself, as we will be going all out."

The cold voice was heard clearly from this sleek beast as the moment it finished, its large figure disappeared. I smiled at the encirclement of beasts as I felt all the skills wrapped around me. The large blade in my right hand glistened as I also disappeared through [Instant Transfer], my first target being the poisonous [Wood Frog].

==========

===========

======

=

[Enfeeble] was the first skill that landed on the poisonous [Wood Frog], unexpectedly slowing it down and causing it to lag, allowing the swing of my sword to pierce into its body and leave a gash. Each swing of my sword carried with it an S rank skill I didn't think I would be using, [Smouldering Sword Strike], that added another layer of damage to the already destructive sword.

I flashed away in an instant as attacks from the other four beasts landed in the location I was just in, [Crisis Avoidance] working in full force letting me know where they were all coming from.

============

=========

======

=====

[Instant Transfer] was used repeatedly as I flashed to the [Arctic Wolf] next, stopping the deadly ice beam it was about to shoot out once again. I used another skill I never thought I would have the chance to use to smash into the face of the wolf with the full force of my boosted physical damage by using the rank S [Shield Slam] I received and never used a while back.

==========

===========

========

====

My next target was the [Snow Leopard] that had been shooting what seemed to be a combination of wind and ice blades to every point I appeared. They appeared as jagged crescent blades that exploded on impact. I instantly flashed to its location as my sword deflected the icy blades that appeared right in front of it.

=========

==========

==========

======

The dense amount of information was quickly transformed into something legible, becoming a skill that appeared in my panel soon after. The skill read, {Spiritual Land Management}.

Too many things were happening all at once as the connection I felt intensified, the essence around me that was flaring up gradually settling itself down. When everything finished, I found myself breathing hard as I realized the identity of the connection.

I could...feel a pulse of something spectacular resonating with me. This was...the Spiritual Land?!

My shock only continued to increase as the golden light that was shining in front of me finished forming into an ancient-looking golden stone. It had a few crevices and cracks, but it floated imposingly in the air. This was the largest core I had ever seen, and my heart rate increased as I confirmed its identity

[Aged LEGENDARY Core]

I wasted no time as I quickly grabbed onto this huge core, watching the blinding light flow into my storage pouch and transform into a golden skill book, and a few smaller cores.

Besides these cores and golden skill book, there were a few other skill books and items that I received from the deaths of the five beasts. I was planning on taking a look at them right then and there when I received a signal that I would be getting transported from this trial space in the next few seconds.

The scene changed again as I appeared back into the flat frozen landscape where the transparent woman and the EPIC beasts were in. I observed the golden door I had previously touched to start the trial gradually fade away, as snowy white plants began to sprout out of our surroundings, the landscape changing yet again.

The only difference this time is that I knew why it was happening. A sonorous voice rang out right then and there.

"Haha! The first human to ever own a Spiritual Land has appeared through my hands. Good!"

=========

========

=========

"It was all you really. You passed the trial that many of the beasts in this generation couldn't and showed how you excelled for people of the same stage. I'm curious to see how you will fare when you fully step into the LEGENDARY rank. As for this Spiritual Land, it is very complex and should take you a few weeks to get a handle on how to properly manage it. I'll tell you now that if you use it correctly, the benefits you will have will be boundless."

The figure of the woman was gradually fading as her words rang out.

"If you successfully pass the battle with the Demon King moving in the North, head towards the Mythical Phoenix Kingdom. We could use a powerhouse of that level against the war with the demon forces there."

As soon as her words finished, her figure popped away into nothingness, but not before I heard one last thing.

"Oh, and treat these beasts kindly. They are one of the keys to upgrading your Spiritual Land."

==========

=====

=====

I was excited to check the skills I gained from the death of the EPIC beasts and the LEGENDARY core, but the skill that took most of my attention after the figure that never told me their identity disappeared was the skill about managing the Spiritual Land. I looked for the skill that seemed to hold the most surprises this time, as a large panel appeared right when I focused on it.

{Spiritual Land Management}

[Frozen Plateau-2]

Beasts: F-XXX, E-XXX, D-19,430, C-6943, B-2876, A-341, S-68, EPIC-15

Plants- Whitefall Trees. Available for planting(Snow Vine, Sacred Rye...)

Features- Size Regulation(Unlocked), Movement(Unlocked), Anchor(Unlocked), Boost Surroundings(Locked), Architecture(Locked), Frozen Barrier(Locked), Offensive Maneuvers(Locked), @#$@%(Locked), Time Dilation(Locked), !@##$(Locked)...

Upgrade- Conditions not met. @%%^#$

This...I didn't even know where to begin as I looked through this skill. It was actually classified as a Unique Skill, but that wasn't the biggest surprise. I was looking through all the functions below the skill that seemed too amazing to even fathom.

I confirmed the name of this tier 2 Spiritual Land to be the Frozen Plateau, and the things I saw below it made my heart go wild. A multitude of beasts were shown in large numbers, as well as many other functions I would have to spend some time to get used to.

The powerful woman that just left had mentioned that managing the Spiritual Land would be a strenuous task, but as I looked towards the things I could do with this newly gained unique skill...the possibilities and things I had yet to learn about endlessly opened up in front of me. But, they would have to wait as I had to hurry to a battlefield that would decide the fate of the Frozen Kingdom.

=========

======

=======

=====

==

A stream of consciousness was rapidly tearing through the skies, returning to its main body thousands of miles away. It pierced through the clouds and neared a fantastical floating land that seemed like a paradise.

The stream of consciousness was quickly absorbed into the main body of an enormous individual that floated in an expanse of red clouds.

A magnificent golden beak shone dangerously as the yellow eyes of the beast flew open. Long and slender fiery wings were stretched outright powerfully as the beast rose. The body seemed to wreath with sparkling golden flames as a majestic [Imperial Phoenix] made its appearance.

It looked to the North where something interesting had just occurred before its attention soon moved away to other matters. It had done all that was needed, and now everything was left to their own devices. The large body disappeared in a blink as it dove down from the paradisical floating Spiritual Land towards another much lager floating landmass below it, where exquisite architecture became visible to the n.a.k.e.d eye.

The mind of the powerful [Imperial Phoenix] was now occupied with the messages of the movements of multiple Demon Legions in the surroundings of the Mythical Phoenix Kingdom. The only thought that now passed in this hegemony's mind was,

'A holder of an Ultimate Skill of the Seven Deadly Sins in the lead? Hmph. Let's see how you will fare against my neverending flames.'

Time continued to move, with many pieces moving with it. Multiple hegemonies were fighting their own wars that stretched across the lands. The radiance of their battles, tragic struggles, and bountiful victories continued as something none of them expected was rising in the dark.

===========

==========

======

The items were a resplendent armor called [Unshattered Charity] and exquisitely inlaid boots called [Tigereye's Roots]. The skills were even more spectacular.

[Teleport] :: Space begins opening up to your control. Can set up 3 Teleport Points (0/3). Can teleport yourself or others to any visible location or previously set up Teleport Point.

This skill came from the source of the [Emperor Penguin], and it was a skill that I knew would be my all-time favorite from how I had been moving around so much. The other two were just as amazing.

[Life Steal] :: Your health is restored based on a portion of the damage dealt to your enemies.

==========

=========

========

====

[Arctic Breath] :: Chilled bodies are left in the wake of the icy breath that freezes all that it touches.

All of the newly gained EPIC skills were so fantastic looking that I could not wait to test them in the field. Especially [Teleport] and [Arctic Breath], it looked like I would have a tremendous amount of fun with these two.

Next up was one of the main treasures of this whole event, the huge core that broke down into a legendary skill book and a few cores. I looked through the description of the skill, and it left me dumbfounded.

[Sigil of Hegemony] :: A highly protective sigil establishes itself as far as 30 meters around you, empowering you and your allies while hindering your foes for 30 seconds. Another 30 seconds are required before the runic forces can be activated again. Absorbs half of all damage dealt while active. +200% Casting and Attack Speed. +200% damage to enemies in sigil. +200% Speed. -50% Enemy Elemental Resistances. -50% Enemy Speed.

This...

I reread the skill description a couple of times as I learned the skill in stupefaction. This was a LEGENDARY skill that provided heavy damage boosts, absorbed more than half of all dealt damage, and even acted to weaken the enemy at the same time. It was such a killer skill that it made me want to test it on the weakened beasts still kneeling in front of me. The only thing that was a slight downside seemed to be that it couldn't be kept active all the time.

============

===========

.

{Spiritual Land Management}

[Frozen Plateau-2]

Beasts: F-XXX, E-XXX, D-19,430, C-6943, B-2876, A-341, S-68, EPIC-15

Plants- Whitefall Trees. Available for planting(Snow Vine, Sacred Rye...)

Features- Size Regulation(Unlocked), Movement(Unlocked), Anchor(Unlocked), Boost Surroundings(Locked), Architecture(Locked), Frozen Barrier(Locked), Offensive Maneuvers(Locked), @#$@%(Locked), Time Dilation(Locked), !@##$(Locked)...

Upgrade- Conditions not met. @%%^#$

It showed all the large numbers of beasts currently on the Spiritual Land that was called the Frozen Plateau, as well the tall white trees I continued to observe on the surface of this land. I honed in on the section of [Features]

[Size Regulation(Unlocked)] :: The size of the Spiritual Land can change as long as a large cost is paid.

[Movement(Unlocked)] :: Defy common laws and allow for the movement of the Spiritual Land to your desired location.

[Anchor(Unlocked)] :: The spiritual land will hold firm wherever you decide to put it.

The three features that were currently unlocked were crazy enough, and I couldn't wait to see how I could unlock the next ones after that. I looked at the kneeling EPIC beasts as my figure equipped all the new EPIC items on my body. The used to be arrogant [Emperor Penguin] was still kneeling unwillingly on the forefront as I asked,

"How much power can you all currently exhibit?"

"For the ones that participated in the trial, we have less than half of our power remaining. We will need at least a few weeks before we can return to our peak."

The [Emperor Penguin] took the lead, answering with a heavy voice as he kept his sleek shining beak down. I looked at the large numbers of beasts that showed up on the panel of the {Spiritual Land Management} as many ideas passed through me.

If I so chose, it looks like I have gained a constant supply of skills that I can select from. The other side was that I had gained a powerful force of many beasts that I could grow and cultivate. More EPIC beasts could continue to be born in this Spiritual Land, as well as possibilities of upgrading the current beasts to LEGENDARY rank or even further beyond in the future once I learn more about the tiers of Spiritual Lands and how to upgrade them.

My figure disappeared from the underground space where the strongest beasts were in as I appeared in the skies of the outside world, with the Frozen Plateau floating grandly below me. The many grand [Whitefall Trees] were visible all around as the lower ranking beasts on the land looked up to my figure in the skies.

===========

=========

========

======

AWOOOO!

Sounds of many beasts rang out as they felt the new owner of the Spiritual Land appear in the air. I looked at the grand sight of the glimmering snowy land beneath me as I concentrated and used [Size Regulation] for the first time.

The floating landmass trembled as a blue light spread out to cover it, and I watched as it visibly shrank down from its large size and became smaller and smaller. I could feel a tremendous amount of essence multiple times than what I usually used to cast EPIC skills constantly going towards the activated feature of [Size Regulation].

The reserves of energy that continued to condense towards the center continued to be used for the maintenance and growth of the Spiritual Land, with me providing the required mana to use the features listed under the unique skill to affect it.

I recalled the powerful woman's words about how complex a tax of taking care of a Spiritual Land would be and smiled while I watched the continued shrinking of the land below me through a feature of the skill, {Spiritual Land Management}. It looks like I might have just found another crazy skill that in no way fits the norms.

While watching it shrink, I also activated the function of [Movement] and watched as the land continued to shrink, until it eventually fit in the palm of my hands. The Spiritual Land that was larger than an entire City...fit in the palm of my hand. I continued to be astounded by the fantastical things I never would have thought to be possible. What else would this amazing Beast World have in store for me?

========

=======

========

====

=

Noah Osmont][Occupation: Hunter]

[Vitality: 410]

[Focus: - ]

[Strength: 418]

[Skill(s) :: [F][E][D][C][B][A: Flight-100, Instant Transfer-100, Pain Resistance-100, Recorder-100, Language Comprehension-100, Lion's Roar-23,Water Barrier-100, Pierce-100, Executor's Speed-100, Sense Heat Source-100, Silent Communication-75, Regal Archer's Eyes-100, Cook-38]

[A+:: Arctic Zone-100, Relegator's Spear-23, Immutable Regeneration-100, Abstruse Cover-100, Barrier of Illusion-100, Paladin's Blessing-11, Pursuing Infernal Lightning-1]

[S :: Protection of the Wounded-100, Flash-79, Aura of Belligerence-88, Enfeeble-89, Phoenix Arrow-1, Shield Slam-8, Obfuscation-88, Rune of Defense-88, Dragon Scales-88, Budding Farmer-8, Ricocheting Shield-1, Bear's Fighting Style-1, Archer's Gamble-1, Lion's Heart-76, Speedster-76, Smouldering Sword Strike-25, Earthen Spears-1, Thought Acceleration-76, Crisis Avoidance-76]

[S+:: Saint's Return-100, Devastation-95, Plague Bearer-100]

[EPIC :: Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation-38, Iceberg-25, Absolute Zero-35, Bone Spears-9, Bear Emperor's Fur-14, Life Steal-1, Teleport-5, Arctic Breath-1]

[LEGENDARY :: Sigil of Hegemony-1]

[UNIQUE :: Spiritual Land Management]

[Equipment: (3x B-Ring of Storage)(A-Ring of Storage)(S-Storage Pouch)(S-Veiled Suit)(EPIC-Kingslayer)(EPIC-Rat King's Mask)(EPIC-Prismatic Guardian) (EPIC-Unshattered Charity) (EPIC-Tigereye's Roots]

Skills that I had been actively using so frequently and a few that were always activated had long reached the required proficiency for combination. [Abstruse Cover] and [Barrier of Illusion] were quickly combined to give the rank S [Illusory Cover].

The biggest surprise that occurred next was me putting the seemingly incompatible skills of [Summon Plague Bearer] and [Saint's Return] that should have been polar opposites, and yet the [Skill Combination] shone a blinding blue light, an unexpected product coming out right after.

[Summon Holy Blight] :: A being that should not exist. Releases an aura that surrounds itself and the summoner, providing constant healing while releasing destructive and poisonous plagues on its foes. Among its tools are Noxious Breath, Zombie Master, and Two-Faced.

The skill made me stop my constant teleportations towards the direction of Valen County and Shadow Dukedom as I gave it an even closer look. I couldn't help but summon the beast right away to see just how insane it had become now that it was EPIC.

=======

=====

==

======

====

[Gold Man] :: Overcome the limits of your body as it is strengthened to its utmost potential. +300% Physical Damage, +300% Speed, +300% Armor, +300% Healing Effects. The illusive power of gold follows all of your attacks.

===========

The [Blue Manticore] roared furiously as another one exactly the same size as it with terrifying power also appeared.

A demon king in the back, two LEGENDARY beasts in the front. The King was cornered.

=========

=========

==

=

Gremory looked at this extremely unbelievable area of attack ability that would cause a tremendous amount of damage to the Demon Legion if not stopped. His body glowed red as he appeared on the lands beneath where the icebergs would fall.

[Blazing Hellflames]!

Like the blooming of a flower, densely packed red flames sprouted out with the Demon King as the origin, going to envelope the glacial landmasses in the surroundings. Only a portion of them covered the numerous falling glaciers.

==========

The battle seemed to be taking a completely different turn as unknown reinforcements arrived and eased the hard battle that would have resulted in a massacre of the kingdom's forces.

Things did not seem to be done though, as movements could also be felt from the dead bodies that spread across the battlefield.

A cloud of green had permeated the ground from an unknown location that quickly entered the bodies of the fallen humans, beastmen, and demons. Everywhere the smoke passed, the bodies began trembling, before they rose up in a terrifying fashion.

The skin of these moving corpses was blistering green as their blank eyes moved and landed on the forces of the Demon Legion. The [Defiled Corpses] moved unnaturally and with extreme speed and precision as they threw themselves on the bodies of demons.

Some clawed or bit their opponents, spreading to them virulent poison and plagues that made their bodies shake and begin foaming before they died painfully, and then rose up with even more terrifying force a few seconds after. Others threw themselves in the midst of packs of the reptilian beasts and [Mephitic Turtles] before their bodies exploded in a gore of poisonous green, causing even more mayhem.

A large turtle that was shooting out poisonous beams of light had at one point been swarmed by the terrifying [Defiled Corpses] and not given a single second of rest as they continued sticking to its body and bursting open to release the noxious poison and plague. The turtles that had poison as their element found themselves feeling pain and their hard shells dissolving in the face of these attacks, giving them an unrecognized sense of terror.

=============

=========

======

multiple skills as he focused on the beast. [Sweet Talker] and [Unveiler] were activated as his magnetic voice rang out.

"Now who might our new friend b-"

=======

====

==

=

=

"You fumbling beast, you don't even have basic manners?!"

Gremory was fully enraged as a beautiful play had been ruined. He had set it up for so long, and now it was all up in flames because of some beast. The faces of despair had already begun appearing, and he wanted to bring the father and son close to one another and watch what they would say.

=======

=====

=======

=

=

The hand on his chest sunk in as he felt his own beating heart, and a guttural scream came out from his mouth as one of the demon's unique abilities, Abyss Magic, was used.

"LIMIT...BREAK!"

OOOOONG!

A pillar of red shining light shot through the skies and then blindingly spread throughout the surroundings. When this light died down, the beings fighting could see that high in the skies, the Demon King had transformed!

Gorgeous black wings erupted from his back as two powerful horns extended from both sides of his head. A slithering long tail erupted behind him as his body also continued to expand, quickly becoming more than five meters. His body let out crazy levels of power as the red light died down. A stifling pressure was pressing down on everyone in the surroundings as if the whole world was falling on them. This was the pressure from [Demon King's Haki]!

The terrible power shown above made many people afraid, but the nearly 10-meter tall sword-wielding beast looked at this scene...as his eyes seemed to shine a dangerous light. The [Sigil of Hegemony] he had cast as soon as he arrived had already run out and he was waiting to cast it again, yet his defenses were still firm as he pushed off the enemies in the skies.

The primal spirits that were constantly damaging his [Bear Emperor's Hide] and smashing into the sword saint incarnation were not able to notice the dangerous light that shone in his eyes as the man hidden at the center of the large incarnation looked longingly to the Demon King, as if he wanted to consume the entire demon whole.

==========

=====

---

Noah had finally met the demons that were the true culprits behind much of the destruction that occurred in his homeworld. The first thing he did after recognizing the [Mephitic Turtles] he had fought before in the Blessed Empire was to send numerous [Icebergs] their way.

The next thing after that was him sending a command to the fifteen EPIC beasts at the central area of the Frozen Plateau Spiritual Land, and then releasing them to the outside world.

Many of them were still weakened with their origins eaten up, but they were still EPIC beasts holding powerful strength. They were the easiest to send commands to with their high ranks, so only these 15 beasts were let out of the Spiritual Land.

They would help to reinforce the Frozen Kingdom's forces against the demons while the Holy Blight that had taken the appearance of a graceful holy saint through the use of [Two Faced] worked to heal and covertly caused even more chaos in the battlefield through the use of [Zombie Master]. Seeing the ferocious green zombies running below him rampantly gave way to many ideas and possibilities.

After attacking the Demon King with extreme speed, two summoned beasts began pursuing him in the skies. The [Blue Manticores] he continued to clash against were genuine LEGENDARY beasts, every single one of their strikes with the deadly stingers pushing him back and dealing heavy damage that he quickly worked to heal.

The connection with [Summon Holy Blight] was extremely strong, and he continued to receive constant heals and buffs as his large incarnation became damaged. When [Sigil of Hegemony] became inactive, he wanted to test how he fared against genuine LEGENDARY with the usage of his EPIC skills, but it seemed just that alone was not enough to bridge the gap.

He was ready to activate the LEGENDARY skill as soon as the cooldown ended and start fighting back with heavy attacks once more when the situation changed, and the Demon King underwent a rapid transformation. The creature to appear at the end of it was a ferocious winged demon that nearly reached his incarnation's size.

The thick red arms of the demons were raised high as pulsating pillars of flames appeared on his palms roaring to the skies, a malevolent smile came on the demon's face as a powerful voice rang out.

"I'm gonna skin you alive and use your fur as a f.u.c.k.i.n.g rag."

========

========

=======

=====

[Sigil of Hegemony] :: A highly protective sigil establishes itself as far as 30 meters around you, empowering you and your allies while hindering your foes for 30 seconds. Another 30 seconds are required before it can be activated again. Absorbs half of all damage dealt while active. +200% Casting and Attack Speed. +200% damage to enemies in sigil. +200% Speed. -50% Enemy Elemental Resistances. -50% Enemy Speed.

The skill had the craziest buff and debuffs I had ever come across, but also had something I haven't had with many of the skills I used so far, a cooldown.

The Demon King, followed by his two [Blue Manticores] floated dangerously in the air as the hellish flames that were shooting to the skies aimed themselves towards me. I could feel my heart already pumping excitedly as [Teleport] was cast, and I appeared behind the transformed demon.

My long sword was already stretched outright as I cast [Sigil of Hegemony].

WAAAAH!

A beautiful sound as if something was long released from its confines erupted out as a blue circle began to spread with me in the center. Runic formations I could in no way understand were layered on top of this expanding circle, going to cover more than 10 meters around me quickly, and still expanding.

The moment [Sigil of Hegemony] was cast, I felt the strength and speed of my body become multiple times greater, accelerating the speed of my cold sword even faster to the three targets in front of me.

I could see the arrogant face of the Demon King undergo a change as a thin protective covering erupted in front of him.

BOOM!

========

=======

=====

[Demon King Gremory]

What?!

The Sword Beast in front of me continued to bring more and more surprises as it teleported behind me and used the same spectacular skill. A sigil of unknown origins spread out, the moment it passed through me I felt my defenses and speed weakening significantly.

I had battled for hundreds of years, and never thought I would be faced with something new after all this time. My bloodthirst began rising as the beast that I thought would die easily could actually put up a fight.

==========

=======

=====

=

[Demon King Gremory]

What?!

The Sword Beast in front of me continued to bring more and more surprises as it teleported behind me and used the same spectacular skill. A sigil of unknown origins spread out, the moment it passed through me I felt my defenses and speed weakening significantly.

I had battled for hundreds of years, and never thought I would be faced with something new after all this time. My bloodthirst began rising as the beast that I thought would die easily could actually put up a fight.

BOOM!

The beast's cold sword met the protective layer of [Blood Barrier] and actually broke through it, my two primal spirits using their stingers to stop it from piercing into my body. As I felt the chill of the blade near me, I found myself smiling towards this beast.

"You actually have the strength to back you up, good!"

Now, let's see how you fare against my attacks. Even though my defenses and speed were reduced, it didn't mean I couldn't dish out my killer attacks.

[Rending Flames] was cast as claws of dense flames went to strike on the body of the white-furred beast. I looked forward to the scalding reaction but...I watched as more than half of the skill's power disappeared the moment it neared the body of the beast, the other half quickly dissipated from the thick fur surrounding it.

Haha, now what sort of skill is this hmm?

I was a collector of many things unique and weird, and this beast with his constantly changing skills would be a great addition to that collection. Now, let's see how many more attacks you can withstand!

========

======

======

===

Many of the soldiers and mercenaries were sending reverent and thankful looks towards this Saint, but they could have never imagined that this same saint was the one causing the most mayhem in the battlefield with the use of [Zombie Master].

Bodies that should have remained dead across the snowy fields were constantly rising and spreading dangerous poisonous fumes. Many of them remained in the ranks of the Demon Legion's forces where they fought against them until they exploded into clouds of poison.

It was a terrifying sight where the numbers of green moving corpses were not decreasing overtime as they constantly exploded, but were actually increasing as more and more corpses were created. This created a tough fight for those in the Demon Legion as they found themselves increasingly cornered with more and more defiled corpses moving against them.

============

=========

=======

==

=

.

The reason this chase was occurring was because a powerful sigil that was spread for more than 30 meters had caused a tremendous amount of damage for a winged demon and his Primal Spirits, and that sigil had disappeared after thirty seconds. This scene repeated itself multiple times in the past half hour. The disappearance of the sigil drastically reduced the power the white-furred incarnation was releasing, causing the current scene.

The Demon King that had caught up to the white-furred incarnation that was Noah struck out with his strong arms as hellish red flames erupted out. Two Primal Spirits were not far behind as poisonous stingers appeared from behind looking for an opening on their target.

SHLUCK!

One of the stingers from the [Blue Manticores] was able to pierce through, leaving a large gash on the shoulder of the incarnation which quickly closed up. This rate of healing so rapidly from an attack of a LEGENDARY beast could not be explained normally, as many skills came into play to cause it.

First and foremost was [Life Steal]. Every single attack from Noah had the trait of absorbing health based on a portion of the damage dealt. The ferocious ice storm that continued to surround him, the cold blade that continued to smash into the bodies of the Primal Spirits and the Demon King, even the attacks made by the summon that was called forth by him, all of these were his attacks, and he gained a portion of health from the damage they dealt.

The battlefield was also largely populated by green defiled corpses at this instant that were ferociously decimating the Demon Legion. Just those attacks alone made it so that [Life Steal] was constantly working to heal and regenerate any damage. This wasn't to mention the constant buffs and heals that came directly from the Holy Blight.

As Noah waited for the cooldown of the powerful LEGENDARY skill to finish, he rapidly moved across the skies, taking many hits that could rupture apart the [Corrupted Sword Saint's Incarnation] that was even protected by [Bear Emperor's Fur]. The only thing that kept it apart were the constant heals that covered up all the damage in the blink of an eye.

===========

========

========

========

======

"You do not seem to be familiar with Demon Kings, so let me enlighten you."

BOOM!

An expanse of red sprouted out as the outline of a large spear formed out of hellish flames. The spear chased Noah's figure and exploded vigorously.

"First, we hold massive reserves of mana. Whatever game you think you are playing by running around like this, the longer it goes, the more you guarantee your death. No being has ever competed and won against the mana pool of a Demon King."

Gremory's words seemed to be hitting air as Noah's beast incarnation came out of the explosion safe and sound. An expression of excitement appeared on the incarnation's large face as a powerful runic sigil was activated yet again.

The manticores surrounding the Demon King returned to his side as they guarded menacingly, watching out for the figure of Noah that had begun moving at extreme speeds once again with the activation of [Sigil of Hegemony].

"Second, our bodies were born from the primeval essence of the Demon World, granting us extreme resistance to all forms of damage. Surprisingly, this skill of yours can momentarily cause a drop in my defenses, which makes you a very interesting little beast to study."

VOOOOM!

A sound as if the arrival of the most terrible disaster appeared as Noah finally showed himself, appearing on an opening between the Demon King that was surrounded by two LEGENDARY primal spirits as his incarnation's mouth opened unnaturally and a destructive breath roiled out. [Arctic Breath] was cast for the first time.

Pah! Pah! Pah!

Sounds as if popcorn was being popped rang out as the freezing breath surrounded the Demon King and his summons. But this was a Demon King. One of the ranked beings that was especially born from a large world.

[Despondency of Spirit]!

A powerful yell came from the Demon King as one of the spirits covered in ice exploded out, forming into a thin line of light that attached itself to Noah's figure.

BOOM!

A resounding explosion rang out as the figure of the white-furred incarnation shot towards the ground like a ballistic missile. One-third of the incarnation's body could be seen decimated, as even with the absorption of half of all damage from the now active [Sigil of Hegemony] could not stop the devastating damage from an explosion of a Primal Spirit.

Noah's body was roughly breathing inside as the impact had spread across all the way to him, the EPIC items and layers of lower skills he had on reducing the rest of the damage as he suffered minimally. Only a few seconds were left to the recently casted [Sigil of Hegemony] as his incarnation fully healed and he teleported to the skies. The voice of the arrogant and injured Demon King rang out once again.

"Lastly, our Unique Skills...are f.u.c.k.i.n.g unique!"

===========

======

======

=====

My incarnation and summon received tremendous boosts while the enemies we were facing reduced in speed and defense. I wanted to use the next 30 seconds to the fullest as [Arctic Breath] was already leaving my mouth and [Bone Spears] were thrown out again and again.

The skills that were only of EPIC rank showed extreme effectiveness when boosted by [Sigil of Hegemony], and it looked like the defences of the Demon King were finally wearing down after he was hit for so long.

The summoned Holy Blight entering the fray caused the battle to be even more balanced as Noxious Breath was also continuously released onto the enemies.

BOOM!

I kept the primal spirits at bay as I watched my summon use its large body to smash the Demon King into the ground. Whatever attacks were thrown at the Holy Blight, they quickly healed as even more virulent poison was released from him.

The Demon King...neared his end.

The one surprising thing was his nonchalant expression as his body continued to be poisoned and injured. Even when the Holy Blight, with its huge stature exploded its body while clutching onto the Demon King and causing a tremendous amount of damage, he continued to laugh.

"This is definitely interesting. To be defeated by a beast I have never heard about, I'll have to thoroughly investigate this in the future!"

==============

========

========

========

===

A wicked smile was on his face as he looked at me once more, the hellish flames he usually released from his palms fizzling out as his primal spirits were kept at bay. The two summons of his were hard to kill, and caused heavy explosions when they died, only to appear a few seconds later.

They were trying to break through the encirclement of my incarnation and summon, but we defended and absorbed their attacks, healing from them quickly while trying to end the life of this powerful opponent quickly. His twisted face spoke yet again.

"Here's the last thing about Demon Kings that I can tell you now, you gained the right to learn that much. Demon Kings...never really die! Haha! Even if you kill me here and now, I will be resurrected by the Demon World in a few months. That is a right that is rare across many worlds, only given especially to the ranked rulers of the Demon World. Now, when that happens...you better hope you're not in this same location, or the Demon Legions I will bring with me next time...Haha!"

The demon was maddeningly raving as I threw down more [Bone Spears], being one of the skills that dealt a lot of damage as he couldn't heal from them easily. As for his claims, let's put them to the test.

My large body glowed magnificently as another [Sigil of Hegemony] spread out, and I used the boost of speed and power to bypass the barriers the Demon King had set up around his body, my cold blade piercing through his chest.

The primal spirits behind me trying to claw their way past the Holy Blight that continued to explode and push them away screamed out as they exploded too. The cold blade that passed through the chest of the Demon King vibrated as the destructive cold elements spread out with it as the center.

The Demon King still had the same mocking expression on his face as he could feel the freezing feeling spread across his chest and completely overlap his heart.

"I'll see you in a few months, puny beas-"

AAARGH!

A painful wail rang out to the Demon King about to die as a red light exploded outwards, his face adopting a despairing expression as something seemed to have gone wholly wrong for him.

"What- you, what are y-"

ARGH!

One last scream erupted out as the red light exploded outwards even more, giving me a surprise as the red light exploded to become gold bundles of books, items, cores, and something else I had never seen before.

I breathed out heavily as I looked at this scene that had never occurred before. The essence of the beasts I defeated usually gets pulled into one of my storage items where I would find the loot there. This time, an explosion of loot had occurred outside as the demon completely perished. The primal spirits that exploded before him were also nowhere to be found.

We had moved away from the battlefield for quite a distance as we fought and flew, and I found myself near a peak of a snowy mountain as the yells and screams of the battle a few miles away continued.

I sent the changed Holy Blight that was now adopting my face with his saintly aura caused by [Two Faced] towards the battle to continue saving more lives as everything wrapped up, and I looked towards the explosion of loot in front of me. What kinds of rewards would fall out from a Demon King?

============

=====

==

======

==

While the battle was concluding in the snowy mountains between a Demon Legion and the forces of the Frozen Kingdom, a world shocking notice passed through the minds of every Demon King in existence!

Whether they were the highest-ranked Demon Lords carrying out conquest in large worlds, or the Demon Kings currently invading the beast world, a singular message passed through their minds.

Something that rarely occurred and has not come to pass in the last hundreds of years, had now taken place.

A Demon King had faced True Death!

Shock!

Disbelief!

Apprehension!

Lines of communication that went across the worlds were sent out as the Demon Kings looked for answers. Who had died? Which world were they in? And the most important thing, which powerhouse had they offended that they faced True Death?!

===========

=========

=========

=======

===

=

This was one of the core reasons why the Demon World was able to wage war and dominate many other worlds, their main forces seemed inexhaustible as time passed. It was a World that continued to rise through the ranks, and almost neared the upper echelons of Prime Worlds.

Their strength was also their only weakness, where the 72 Demon Kings and the upper ranked Demon Lords were very careful when they waged war across worlds. Many things would be considered. What level was the world they were invading? Were there any beings there that could truly threaten their lives?

This was the crucial question that was always looked at first before any Demon Kings or Demon Lords descended onto other worlds. Over the past hundreds of years, a complete list of Worlds not to get in conflict with had all been doc.u.mented from past events where a Demon King had faced True Death.

Worlds that focused on and were proficient in Soul Systems were left alone. Worlds where inhabitants increased their strength by unlocking the secrets of the universal laws, were left alone. Only recently growing worlds that had not yet established their place in the universe were targeted . This allowed the Demon World to roam free and rampant, and prevent the True Deaths of their strongest forces.

==========

=======

=

=======

=====

There used to be 72 rulers of the Demon World in total, and now only 69 remained. Where had the Demon King fallen? Which grand world had one of them stepped into that caused such a huge incident?!

Communications were sent back and forth across worlds as the rulers of the Demon World confirmed their positions. In a matter of a few minutes, all of the remaining 69 checked in.

The only one that was missing...was rank 56, Demon King Gremory!

Even more shock came from the realization of this, because Gremory was in a world that was neither weak nor powerful, but it definitely did not have powerhouses or such powerful systems of strength that would allow for its inhabitants to cause a Demon King to face True Death.

The Demon Kings currently in the Beast World were the ones that felt even more apprehension because they knew the situation of Gremory very well. He was a powerful Demon King of LEGENDARY rank, with many skills at his disposal.

He was the one in charge of occupying the kingdom in the Northern Lands of the Beast World where the weakest Kingdom resided. Yet...he had actually faced true death there?!

Communications continued as the Demon Kings and higher ranked Demon Lords quickly moved the information around. An impossibly cold voice rang out through the channel of communication that was established across worlds.

This was one of the highest-ranked rulers of the Demon World, someone ranked in the top 10 speaking!

"The ones remaining in the Beast World, focus your forces in the region where this incident occurred. A few more Demon Kings that are in nearby worlds will come to reinforce you soon enough. Move carefully. This could be a serious threat that is just now budding in this world, or something entirely different. Information is key, find out everything behind this incident first. Then we will see how to move forward."

======

======

=======

===

===

"That won't be necessary. The Beast World is not highly developed and still has strict universal laws protecting it from the descent of high tiered beings. Even trying it would deplete treasures and essences we've collected over the past thousand years. It is not worth it."

========

===

===

====

It was a Demon Lord that took over a world and completely massacred its inhabitants just to build up an army.

This was the Necromancer of Chaos, the one who gained the title of Destroyer. Rank 8 Demon Lord, Barbatos.

======

=======

===

The horrifying corpses that were moving in the battlefield to decimate the Demon Legion also rushed to the mountains soon after, leaving behind a field of blood and gore, but not a single corpse in sight. No matter if they were human, beast or demon, not a single corpse remained on the battlefield.

This sort of power caused much apprehension and reverence on the forces of the Frozen Kingdom as many questions plagued their minds. What was the identity of the Saint that saved so many lives? Where did the Sword Beast that clashed against the Demon King come from?

There were many questions with no answers as the process of healing was taking place in the Frozen Kingdom.

The Ill.u.s.trious King was heavily injured in the battle, the result causing him to lose his right arm even after the constant healing lights fell from the Saint.

What many people didn't know was that the biggest loss he received from the battle...was the loss of his first son. The older prince was jailed in a secret location under the orders of the King as soon as the battle finished. The trusted Battalion Commanders did not raise any questions as they did what they were told.

The powerful king has lost a limb, and also lost much more, as the shock of stupidity and betrayal from his own blood made him despondent. Was he such a bad father that his own son would plot to take down everything they had built? No! There had to be something else...

The king was searching and grasping for straws as time passed, trying to understand the sequence of events as much as possible. This was the terror of Demon Kings, where even though they had won the battle, it still felt like they lost something much more. A shattered family where a son acted against his own father, who else can enact such a scene?

As problems were solved, new ones arose. The damage the demons had caused on the counties and dukedoms before they reached Valen County and Shadow Dukedom were plentiful, destroying many of the farms, warehouses, and homes of common people.

===========

==========

========

=======

=====

[Demon King's Haki] :: Your strength displays itself outward, placing tremendous pressure on those you are facing.

[Memory Plunderer] :: Dip into the abstract and plunder the memories of your enemies and certain objects.

{Primal Conjurer} :: Two Primal Spirits of the same level are called to your side. Currently Available Spirits(Troll, Manticore, Dullahan)

Two brand new LEGENDARY skills and a unique dropped from a single Demon King. The unique skill aside, just the two LEGENDARY ones made me want to go hunting for more Demon Kings right away.

Two of them were very straightforward, but [Memory Plunderer] was one that made me do a double-take as it was one of the skills that weren't the usual offensive or defensive, but something entirely different. Skills like these usually gave me the biggest surprises.

Next up were new things that I hadn't come across before.

[Power Jewel]x2 :: A condensed form of powerful Abyss Magic. Can be used to increase the firepower of skills by corrupting them with this terrible magic.

[Ruler's Medal- 56] :: Grants you the highest authority in the 56th region of the Demon World.

=======

======

==

I placed a small amount of mana into the [Power Jewel] while looking at my panel, seeing 2 skills become greyed out and many more starting to shine bright red. Unique Skills were greyed out, and it seemed the [Power Jewel] couldn't be applied to them. Every other skill was blinking red as if asking to be selected.

I looked to my most powerful skills aside from unique and selected [Sigil of Hegemony]. A flash of red occurred as the [Power Jewel] melted in my hands and flew into my body. I felt a rumbling of essence as I watched the flickering of the LEGENDARY skill until it soon changed.

[Corrupted Sigil of Hegemony] :: A highly protective sigil establishes itself as far as 30 meters around you, empowering you and your allies while hindering your foes for 30 seconds. Another 30 seconds are required before the runic forces can be activated again. Absorbs half of all damage dealt while active. +300% Casting and Attack Speed. +300% damage to enemies in sigil. +300% Speed. -75% Enemy Elemental Resistances. -75% Enemy Speed. Restrict Movement is applied.

This...

The skill now had even more boosts to damage, speed, and much more. Something even more spectacular called [Restrict Movement] was also added on top of it. I quickly thought about the powerful enemies I continued to face as my power continued to grow like this.

I had just boosted a LEGENDARY skill with the powerful jewel that the Demon King left behind. Its rank hadn't gone above, but its power was now even greater. With my constant use of the skills that increased their proficiency before I combined them, it meant my power would continue to get closer and closer to the next rank with all of these factors put into place.

I left the other [Power Jewel] behind for now as I felt the movement of the Holy Blight and EPIC beasts near the snowy mountain where I finished off the Demon King. Rushing along with them were hordes of terrifying green corpses that moved erratically.

I transferred all of the beasts and [Defiled Corpses] into the Frozen Plateau Spiritual land. There were many things for me to do, and I had to go through them slowly to make sure there were no mistakes.

With the end of the battle outside, there should be a period of peace as everyone recovered from this battle, although I didn't know how long that peace would be. I knew that killing a Demon King would have huge after effects, I just didn't know how extreme the retaliation would be. The Frozen Kingdom might even be faced with even more Demon Legions after this.

I used {Spiritual Land Management} and saw the changes occurring as the [Defiled Corpses] were transferred in. The [Emperor Penguin] and other beasts were transferred on top of the Spiritual Land where the snowy [Whitefall Trees] were abundant as they rested from the battle.

The Holy Blight was like a sheepherder as it stood in the skies and commanded the [Defiled Corpses] to stand in neat rows in between the [Whitefall Trees]. The sight was terrifying as the count of the [Defiled Corpses] reached a few thousands.

I remained underground in the center of the Spiritual Land below as these things continued above me, sending out a command to my summon and the EPIC beasts to just be on standby as I wanted to figure out my new skills and look a bit closer at the Spiritual Land and its functions before I head back to the Frozen Kingdom to see the aftermath of this battle.

The first thing that had been itching in my mind was [Memory Plunderer]. The description mentioned that memories of enemies and certain objects could be read. I thought for a bit as I reached out to the remaining [Power Jewel] and activated the skill.

A red light flashed...but nothing occurred.

I didn't give up and reached out to the large body of the Demon King I kept with me as I activated [Memory Plunderer] once again. The same red light flashed...and it continued to become brighter.

============

=======

=====

Not many beings in the universe had the chance to kill a Demon King and also have a skill that allowed them to take away their memories. Gremory had used this skill on his defeated enemies to obtain and use an extravagant amount of information over the years. Much of this information was now passing through my head.

A few minutes passed as I felt all the colorfully shining activated skills as the nauseousness died down and I felt like myself again. The fear I had been feeling slowly reduced as my expression became somber. The enemies I faced...were truly powerful.

I didn't even want to think of those that gained the title of Demon Lords as of right now, as my power in no way reached where they were at. Just the Demon Kings on the Beast World currently were enough for me to worry about. Memories of different worlds were placed aside as my focus narrow down to the most important things I had to keep in mind.

I calmed myself as I forced my memory to recall that it had barely been 2 months since I awakened. Barely two months, and I was already at the position I was at right now. It didn't matter how powerful my enemies were, if I continued growing at this rate, or became even faster with the gaining of new skills, I had nothing to worry about.

I realized the period of peace I thought we would have might not even last two weeks as some memories clicked with recent events. The biggest thing on hand was the death of Gremory. The consequences from it were much grander than I thought.

Recalling the expression and fear he felt before he died, I connected it to one of the mysterious powers of the Demon World, the fact that its Demon Kings and Demon Lords were resurrected when they died.

Power from the Demon World recalled their origins the moment they were killed, and only time would be required before they return as good as new. Very few powers in the many worlds could cause the 72 Rulers of the Demon World to actually die, and it seemed like the system of power instituted from my world...could do it as well.

Damn. This was purely a conjunction from the new memories I held and the sudden change of reaction from Gremory who was confident about the resurrection that would take place after. Those were his only thoughts I could grasp from the last few minutes of his life, everything closer to his death remaining a blank darkness.

This conjecture was most likely true, which meant things were about to get very dangerous. Another ruler of the Demon World had faced True Death, and in the hands of someone unknown in a developing world in some corner of the universe.

[Thought Acceleration] was working to the fullest as I compiled everything from the memories that would have the most immediate impact. The first was the Demon Kings spread out in the Draconic Kingdom, as well as the ones targeting the surrounding Mythical Kingdoms.

I was finally able to learn more about the Beast World with the memories from Gremory, coming to understand the other three Mythical Kingdoms standing strongly right now. The demons had actually not made any more progress after the victory with the Draconic Kingdom, the other kingdoms having formed alliances as powerhouses were sent back and forth to stop the advancement of demons.

=============

========

=======

====

Neither the demons nor the Mythical Kingdoms placed too much attention on the small Frozen Kingdom in the frigid North, leaving the brunt of the fights away from here. The advent of Gremory and the help from the transparent red figure that came to the Northern Lands to strengthen the forces here was only a cause and effect from the continuing war.

But now that a Demon King had died because of this recent battle, the North would become the center of attention.

I continued to keep myself calm as I organized all my thoughts. The Mythical Phoenix Kingdom in the west. The Mythical White Tiger Kingdom in the east, and the Mythical Tortoise Kingdom in the south.

Small bits of information about the powerhouses there were in Gremory's memories, as well the Demon Kings they faced.

I also got the information...of the Demon King that was put in charge of sending the enslaved forces of beasts to recently found small worlds. The name Belial floated in my head as I had found the direct culprit that sent down destruction to my homeworld.

But, all of this had to be put behind for now. The most pressing matter was the swift reaction these powerful rulers of the Demon World would take towards something as monumental as the True Death of someone in their ranks.

I had to be completely prepared. The enemies I faced were truly terrifying to think about, but so was my speed of progression. My emotions were fully reigned in under control as my mind was made up. It didn't matter if entire worlds were my enemies, I would move past them.

As for something that could quickly raise my strength...well there were many ways to go about it. With such an abundant amount of information in my head, I didn't even need to wait for my enemies to come to me. I knew many of their secrets that I am sure they would have no idea I would be able to get my hands on.

Memories of the Unique and Ultimate Skills of Demon Kings and Demon Lords passed through my mind as the next thing I looked to was the Frozen Plateau Spiritual Land. What were you really, and how can I best use you?

============

Gremory himself had very little knowledge of these Spiritual Lands, as the demons classified them as the Beast World's Unique Treasure that promoted the strength of its inhabitants.

Some major worlds had exceptional Unique Treasures that made them powerful and stand out in the universe, one of the examples being the system of 72 Rulers of the Demon World that were near impossible to truly kill.

The Beast World had Spiritual Lands as its Unique Treasure, or so the demons thought. Spiritual Lands were one of the things that stopped their advances into the Mythical Kingdoms from continuing as the powerhouses defended themselves with hordes of beasts as well as many other features from higher tiered Spiritual Lands.

The Frozen Plateau Spiritual Land I had obtained was currently still very small in size, hidden amongst piles of snow as I, the beasts, and thousands of [Defiled Corpses] were safely staying inside as if it was our own small world.

I could feel my connection to the Spiritual Land and some of the intricacies involved in controlling it. Using the unique skill {Spiritual Land Management} made the very complex intricacies of the spiritual land very easy to handle, but I still didn't have enough information.

Since [Memory Plunderer] worked on the body of the Demon King, I wanted to give a try to another object. Nothing occurred when I activated it with the [Power Jewel], so let's see if this object that was a Spiritual Land would be any different. I prepared myself for another potentially headache-inducing experience after just coming out of the first one.

I placed my hand on the clear ground of the Frozen Plateau as I felt the strong connection intensify, and I activated [Memory Plunderer] once again. A red light shined again, and became even brighter as this Spiritual Land became the first object that I could obtain memories from.

This was a very abstract concept as I pondered on objects that could be considered to have memories. It was much hazier than the memories of the Demon King, and they came in small amounts as I saw some of the history of the Frozen Plateau.

Many things about its formation, plants, beasts, and the continued condensing of essence that made a lot of fantastical things possible passed through my mind. Soon enough, the scene of the transparent red woman came out as I watched how she underwent the process of upgrading it from tier 1 to tier 2.

My mind brightened up at this inflow of amazing information as I saw the possibilities of moving forward and how to use this treasure to give me the best returns. The ways of upgrading also made themselves somewhat clear, and it seemed the beasts born from Spiritual Lands were one of the requirements for upgrading to higher tiers. As the memories continued to come in and consolidate, I opened the {Spiritual Land Management} panel.

{Spiritual Land Management}

[Frozen Plateau-2]

Beasts: F-XXX, E-XXX, D-23,620, C-8753, B-4876, A-411, S-79, EPIC-19

Plants- Whitefall Trees. Available for planting(Snow Vine, Sacred Rye...)

Features- Size Regulation(Unlocked), Movement(Unlocked), Anchor(Unlocked), Boost Surroundings(Locked), Architecture(Locked), Frozen Barrier(Locked), Offensive Maneuvers(Locked), @#$@%(Locked), Time Dilation(Locked), !@##$(Locked)...

Upgrade- Conditions not met. @%%^#$

The numbers of beasts had increased as the [Defiled Corpses] that the Holy Blight controlled were placed into the ranks of beasts, no matter if they used to be demon, beast, or human.

After going through some of the memories, I started with the Plants, as they were actually one of the important factors.

[Plants]

Whitefall Trees :: Fond of the cold nature, they leave behind a beauty that many creatures enjoy. Time until maturity- 5 months.

Snow Vine :: Plants that thrive in the cold. A collection of Snow Vines growing together is conducive for the growth of all ice attribute beings. The fruits they yield help cultivate the power of beasts born in the Spiritual Land, the effects are heavily reduced for anyone else. Time until maturity- 8 months.

Sacred Rye :: A grain that very few get the chance to enjoy. Slightly strengthens the body, boosts mana sensitivity momentarily, and relieves negative effects. Time until maturity- 1 month.

The plants that could be cultivated in Spiritual Lands were one of the main ways to raise the power of the beasts that were born from the condensing of essence in this land. Once the ranks of the beasts were raised, as well as another factor being met, the tier of the spiritual land would be upgraded and more functions would become available.

I started off slowly and selected [Snow Vine] first, as it was the one that directly boosted the beasts' power. A spectacular scene played out after where fields of empty snowy lands on top of the Spiritual Land were presented in a blue holographic outline in front of me.

I sent my command to the Spiritual Land while using the unique skill, {Spiritual Land Management}, and I was shown the amazing site of tens of large seeds condensing in the air and shooting down into the snowy earth on the field I selected. A blue flash of light passed as everything returned to calmness, and on the section where plants were listed was a new change.

===============

==========

========

[Snow Vine] :: Time until maturity- 8 months.

This fantastical and game-like sight made me sigh in amazement as I wanted to try out even more things. The first thing though would have to be the non-standard skill I gained from the rank S dungeon some time back though.

I sent a command and my figure was transferred into the snowy field where the [Snow Vine] were just planted. The seeds were spread out wide on a large acre of land as it seemed the plants would be similar in size to the [Whitefall Trees] that populated the Spiritual Land currently.

I looked at the clear field of land as I cast [Budding Farmer] on this Frozen Plateau for the first time. A blinding blue light flashed as essence condensed in the location and the skill finished, and I watched in wonder as the seeds that were just planted in the ground trembled before they sprung up. A tremendous amount of essence roiled about as all of this occurred.

Saplings could be seen growing at a visible speed as the formation of beautiful collections of vines began to make themselves apparent. The vines were white in color, holding small pointy ends that shone dangerously in the light. Small blue fruits could be seen growing sparsely on the many vines that sprung up in the acre of snowy land. I checked the panel for the plants yet again.

[Snow Vine] :: Time until maturity- 4 months.

I had to shake myself out of my stupor as I saw the period of maturation for the plants go from 8 months to 4 months. Now the question was, if I continued casting [Budding Farmer], just how much further can I bring down that time?

[Budding Farmer] was cast multiple times after that, where I found the skill to be taking an exorbitant amount of mana that even the LEGENDARY [Sigil of Hegemony] had less energy usage than the skill that propagated the growth of plants. This was my first time coming across a lower-ranking skill that took more energy than another skill 2 ranks above it.

I visibly observed the continued growth of the [Snow Vines] in front of me as the blue fruits growing out sparsely shined more and more, becoming even larger. This process continued until I was presented with the sight of five-meter tall white vines with large blue fruits standing gloriously in the formerly blank snowy field. I checked the Plants section yet again.

[Snow Vine] :: Time until maturity- 2 weeks.

2 weeks. From a period of 8 months that the fantastical plant needed, it was brought down all the way to 2 weeks. No matter how many more times I cast [Budding Farmer] on the now populated acre of land, I couldn't reduce this number anymore. It seemed some time still had to pass before such treasures could be ripened.

Still, these were plants that could only be planted in this Spiritual Land, specifically for the purpose of raising the strength of the beasts in it. It was something that required a significant amount of time to mature, and yet I had brought it down to a period of two weeks. I looked forward to other surprises from these peculiar skills like [Budding Farmer] and {Spiritual Land Management} as my figure moved to try out even more things.

=============

=======

======

The next thing to look at was the other plant I could cultivate currently.

Sacred Rye :: A grain that very few get the chance to enjoy. Slightly strengthens the body, boosts mana sensitivity momentarily, and relieves negative effects. Time until maturity- 1 month.

Seeing this plant reminded me of the project that Adelaide had begun with, and the fact that I still haven't gotten back to the Frozen Kingdom after the battle ended. I didn't know how much time had passed when I blacked out from the extensive hundreds of years of broken memories from the Demon King, so I had to move quickly and take care of the important things in the Spiritual Land before moving out.

The plant, [Sacred Rye], seemed like it could be enjoyed by the beasts born from the Frozen Plateau and others without discrimination as it still provided the same benefits. There were many more plants that I would be able to work with once the tier of the Spiritual Land was raised, and their effects would no doubt be even crazier. I looked through the many regions of the Spiritual Land as I played with a blue hologram of it through the use of {Spiritual Land Management}.

There were still many empty snowy lands that could be cultivated as the beasts in the Spiritual Land could be moved around. Even the wide expanse of tall [Whitefall Trees] could be cleared out as they disappeared into particles of essence and drifted back into the Frozen Plateau.

I was looking at multiple acres like this where I selected [Snow Vine] and [Sacred Rye] to be cultivated en masse. The fantastic formation of seeds that formed in the skies and then shot down like a bullet into the ground could never get old. The seeds for [Sacred Rye] were much smaller that the [Snow Vine], with the required time for maturity also being lesser.

I used [Budding Farmer] on all of these new acres of fields and watched the magical sights of the plants that quickly grew all around me. The [Sacred Rye] seemed mystical with its colors of blue and gold on the plants that grew around a meter. Similar to the [Snow Vine], I could not continue to reduce the days for maturity completely, even though the maturity for the rye was significantly less.

[Snow Vine] :: Time until maturity- 2 weeks.

[Sacred Rye] :: Time until maturity- 2 days.

The time for maturity was significantly reduced from 1 month to two days for the [Sacred Rye], still showing just how astonishing the capabilities of [Budding Farmer] were. The first time I used this skill in the outside world was when we visited the Shadow Dukedom. The plant there had taken a single cast of the skill to cause it to mature and ripen. The only limitation to appear were these extravagant plants in this Spiritual Land.

The last thing I wanted to finish up before heading to the outside world was the absorption of the LEGENDARY cores the Demon King had dropped. There was a significant amount, showing just how thick the essence Gremory had collected over the years was. The process took me another hour as I felt the continued strengthening of my body.

The attributes I had currently matched those of someone legitimately in the LEGENDARY rank. Even the support skills that were rank A and S did not make me feel as great as the increase in this power felt.

The boosted [Vitality] and [Strength] made me feel like I had endless strength and could take on any hits. Although I always preferred to protect myself with even more defensive skills and barriers so that no hits even came near my body. Defense was the top priority for this life of mine that was connected to something huge.

I looked around the Spiritual Land where I wanted to stay and do even more things, but I forced myself to go out and check the situation of the Frozen Kingdom first. I had to prepare for the movements that the demons would take after the True Death of Gremory was registered and they began to move. I already had an idea of what would come as I continued to sift through the memories of the dead Demon King.

The Spiritual Land would be of huge importance to me, not just with its magical features, plants, or beast, but because it provided a space where I could do whatever I wanted without prying eyes.

This Spiritual Land effectively meant I had a place to spam my many destructive skills and do whatever I wanted without worrying about prying eyes from the outside world. I left my Holy Blight summoned as he waited dangerously in front of rows of green zombies in another section of the Spiritual Land.

The zombies ranged from ferocious demons, all the way to valiant humans that had faced their death in the recent battle. This wasn't to mention the large disfigured bodies of a variety of [Komodo Dragons] and [Mephitic Turtles], the Holy Blight had gone out of its way to collect many interesting things.

This wasn't to mention the many beasts that could be raised in this Land, and the possibilities of me doing the cruel thing of taking their skills through instituting a dungeon-like scenario similar to the Trial of Supremacy that took place before I gained ownership. All of these functions were capable through the Spiritual Land, and I was looking forward to seeing how many more surprises there were after its tier rose from 2.

The sleek [Emperor Penguin] was giving me a less unyielding look after the show of my power against the Demon King, its beak slightly lower than it was some time ago. I chuckled at the arrogance of this penguin as I looked favorably on the [Teleport] skills that it provided for me.

Its beak pointed even lower after it and the many beasts that congregated around the Spiritual Lands felt the usage of large amounts of mana and then observed the fantastic growth of [Snow Vine] and [Sacred Rye].

Almost all of the EPIC beasts that were weakened and had some of their origin eaten up by me in the Trial of Supremacy cl.u.s.tered around the still maturing [Snow Vines] as they looked towards the white blue fruits vibrantly growing amidst the sharp vines. Even though they could only cl.u.s.ter and enjoy the vibrant air the plants gave, none of them would be able to enjoy the resplendent fruits without my permission.

As most of the things seemed to be settled in the Frozen Plateau for now, I began to move out. I flashed out of the miniaturized Spiritual Land and took it in my palms, using [Anchor] to stably attach it to myself. I looked around the few miles around me using [Regal Archer's Eyes] as the scenes of the deadly battle played themselves out. Soldiers could still be seen in the surroundings of the snowy mountains.

My figure was hidden with the many covert skills that I had active, at this moment looking like my normal self and not the beastial figure of a huge beast carrying around a large sword. I gazed around the snowy mountains a bit longer and then used [Teleport], disappearing and then appearing in a grand room in the Manor at the center of Snowy Peak.

===========

========

====

"The Skypeak Nest that floated quite a distance from the kingdom."

I affirmed her thoughts as I went on to give some pieces of information about the Spiritual Lands that they called Nests. About how the Mythical Kingdoms on the other parts of the continent fully utilized the blessings of the Spiritual Land to rise to where they were today and remain strong in the face of the demons.

Dangerous words that I liked to hear came out of Adelaide's mouth as she looked around in stupefaction.

"With your ability and a treasure like this...Hah, the world really isn't far from being in your grasp."

More and more emotions that I never observed before on the face of this icy princess were coming out as she continued to be surprised at the information about Spiritual Lands, the plants, and the beasts that now followed my commands.

"The things outside can still be carried out as planned, but my present to you is this [Sacred Rye] you see growing bountifully in these fields. It's leagues above any of the common plants you know, with capabilities of boosting mana sensitivity, strengthening the body, and removing negative effects."

The more my words came out, the wider the cute mouth of hers continued to expand in shock as her hands passed through the white gold rye growing all around. She spent the next few minutes eccentrically looking through the fields until she neared the [Snow Vines] too.

Surrounding the nearby vines were the EPIC beasts congregating together as they longingly looked towards the white blue fruits glistening off the [Snow Vines]. Adelaide went close to the powerful beasts with no fear.

She trusted my words too much that she only interestingly observed the beasts I told her would follow my commands. She was still rank S, so it was surprising to see her watching collections of EPIC beasts so curiously as she checked on the grandiose growth of the [Snow Vines] too.

My commands were already sent to all the beasts in the Frozen Plateau about not harming a single hair on anyone that I brought in. The sleek [Emperor Penguin] that still had a trace of arrogance in his bones looked with interested eyes at Adelaide's intrusion.

There was a lot of information for her to process as even grander ideas formed in her head about how to best use the [Sacred Rye] she just learned about. She was walking back and forth as she mumbled.

"Merchants and nobles would go crazy for something like this...If it is produced on a mass scale...can even start establishing trade routes with Mythical Kingdoms...ah, so much to do..."

The girl was completely in her own head as we continued to explore the Spiritual Land. I was glad to have someone like her taking care of many things in the background, as my knowledge so far was still that of a drop out college student.

The many memories I obtained from Gremory made me much more knowledgable, letting me see many paths that I could take in the future as time passed. I would be falsely boasting if I said I knew anything about running a country, not to mention a kingdom or an empire.

So while I experienced many things and learned more about the intricacies of power and worlds all around me, I would put some trust in this Princess I found in the Northern Lands of the Beast World.

My strengths lay in the spectacular cheat that was my nearly endless mana, as well as all the powerful things I continued to obtain and use to elevated levels because of it. The Spiritual Lands were just one of the treasures that was unique to the Beast World, and I still only had mine at Tier 2. There were many more tiers and mysteries for me to explore as time passed.

There were also many other unique treasures in the many worlds out there, and I felt the excitement just thinking what sorts of mystical things they held. I was thinking too far ahead though, as I was still just a LEGENDARY ranked individual in a small corner of the Beast World. I would progress rapidly but surely, and be sure to learn about even more secrets and mysteries of the fantastical things all around me.

========

======

=====

=====

==

Unlike the produce in the Spiritual Land, the normal plants in the outside world could reach optimum growth with a single cast of [Budding Farmer]. The fields in front of them were fully grown trees with fruits and vibrant produce that made the inhabitants of the north rub their eyes as they began to collect everything.

==================

===========

=======

Lastly was [Dullahan], where the two summoned creatures were terrifying skeletal horses with an obsidian headless metal armor sitting atop it releasing green smoke. The smoke wrapped around the entire body of the [Dullahan] as if it was the only thing holding the armored headless knight above tightly to the skeletal horse. I was marveling at the sight of these spectacular skills that I could now use.

I was actually experiencing the amazing feeling where the stronger I grew, my speed of rising up did not seem to slow down, but actually sped up. It was a crazy thing to think about.

The only negative aspect out of all this was the fact that I would have very little sleep from now on. It wasn't crucial for someone of my caliber, but the refreshing feeling of a decent night's sleep could not be beaten. I stopped my grumbling and began combining the skills that had long since reached 100 proficiency while activating offensive skills I would normally not have a chance to spam outside of battles.

Today's combined skills were:

Water Barrier + Pain Resistance :: A+ Water King's Skin

Rune of Defense + Dragon Scales :: S+ Draconic Armor

Lion's Heart + Speedster :: S+ Windbourne

Aura of Belligerence + Protection of the Wounded :: S+ Aura of the Demented

Obfuscation + Flash :: S+ Hidden Endevour

==========

======

====

===========

====

On the concept of caution, the demons were moving around carefully to find out exactly what had happened in the north. Their first piece to play was this little girl. She was the singular individual that had such perfect skills for reconnaissance and spying that even the strongest assassins would be ashamed in front of her.

Her battle power was not the highest, but she was the one to give the most trouble and often caused the downfall of many kingdoms and empires across the worlds that the demons conquered.

Her power laid in the two unique skills that she held, making her one of the more terrifying Demon Kings to hold something like this. But the universe was always fair, and not everything would be given to one being. Even though she held 2 unique skills, none of them were geared towards fighting.

This was the Demon King Orias of the 59th rank, holding the unique skills of {Spatial Travel} and {Shapeshifter}.

Her skills made her uniquely capable of moving around rapidly over large distances while also being able to become someone completely different. Through the usage of [Shapeshifter], her entire aura and being would be changed to the form she wanted without any mistakes or give-aways.

If she wanted to be a little girl, she would completely be a little girl. If she wanted to be a gallant knight in shining armor, nobody would be able to tell the wiser. This Demon King was actually one of the direct keys that caused the downfall of the Draconic Kingdom.

She had disguised herself as a powerful adventurer that gained many military exploits when the war against demons began, winning over the good favor and love of a Princess Knight that was fighting in the front lines.

=============

========

======

This was a particularly eccentric one, ranked 59th, Demon King Orias. She was a peculiar Demon King that enjoyed taking the identity of many different personas through the usage of her unique skill. Her usefulness was so high that the unprepared powerful beasts of the Draconic Kingdom fell with her help.

If the demons were to make any moves, she would be the first one. I smiled as I thought about this possibility, and I was more than 90% sure about it playing out this way. Based on all the memories I looked over, it would be even more alarming if something other than that was to occur.

I was actually in a war of information with some extremely scary and powerful individuals. They had no information about me or my abilities, while I had the memories of someone in their ranks that carried huge significance.

I knew about their unique skills and even more importantly, their personalities. Orias enjoyed playing many different personas, but she had the one important trait, and that is she always took the same form of these personas. Whether it was a gallant knight, a sickly old lady, or an innocent girl, she always changed into the same faces.

It would usually not be something that would be considered a weakness as anyone that ended up being around her was already dancing on her palm and would be dead soon enough, but it became a weakness if an enemy knew about it.

Besides her skill that allowed her to shapeshift, there was another particularly strong and peculiar one that made her extremely fearful. But it just so turned out that I had something that could completely take away the advantage of her powerful unique skill when the time came.

I had a daring smile as I continued to train my skills and prepare. If you do end up coming, which shape will you be taking, oh Demon King Orias?