Chapter 89 - First Hunt
"Kurgh-"
I spilled quite a lot of blood from my mouth as I flew into the fog and landed on the ground at a rapid speed. The branches that hit me had already crushed my bones.
THUD
And the moment I landed on the ground, the pain intensified. The shock caused my ribs to damage more, as I felt every anchor of my body aching.
'That hurts.'
I was on the ground, tasting the metallic tang of blood in my mouth, as I stared up at the fog-shrouded sky.
Pain radiated through my body, every broken bone and bruise a cruel reminder of the reason why I was here and the betrayal that had just unfolded.
'That bastard for sure used his skill with full power.'
The way Boss Monster reacted was certainly stronger than in the game. Either it was because I was feeling it in real life, or it was because he was feeling more concerned.
In any case, it didn't matter. Those were the details that I could think about alter; for now, my attention was elsewhere.
I could see him walking farther away, thanks to small tendrils connecting him and me.
"Huk!"
Summoning all the strength I could muster, I forced myself to sit up despite the agonizing pain that radiated from my chest. I could feel the shards of my broken ribs shifting inside me, like jagged knives threatening to puncture my lungs.
"Gurghk!"
Feeling the blood rushing to my throat, the urgency of the situation pushed me forward.
GULP
With trembling hands, I reached for one of the high-grade potions I carried and brought it to my lips, swallowing it in a single gulp.
The potion worked its magic, knitting my bones back together and staunching the internal bleeding.
'There goes my two thousand Valer.'
I could only grimace at the cost, knowing that the potion was worth a small fortune. But at this moment, I'd pay any price to continue the fight.
Pushing myself upright, I willed my body to move despite the lingering pain and weakness.
My senses felt heightened, and the oppressive fog seemed to thicken around me, distorting my surroundings and making it difficult to gauge the battle raging nearby.
CRUMBLE TOK
Even then, the tremors of the fight and the scene that was happening around me, I was able to pick all of that.
"Huff…."
After the potion had finally taken its full effect, I could feel the strength returning to my body, and the same comfortable feeling made me relaxed.
The injuries of my body healed one by one.
My priority right now was to catch that bastard and destroy him, and to do that, I needed to act as fast as I could.
As I took a tentative step forward, the distant sounds of the battle echoed in my ears, muffled by the thick fog.
However, before I could take more than a few strides, an unsettling presence loomed behind me.
SHRIEK! SWOOSH
I spun around just in time to see a group of Sylvans emerging from the dense fog. Their twisted, grotesque forms make me want to throw up again.
The Sylvans, with their gnarled limbs and malevolent grins, moved with a sinister grace. Clawed fingers reached for me, their intentions clear — they were here to finish what the Putrid Embertree Spirit had started.
But, this time, I was not going to hold back. After all, the fog was already covering everyone, and Fred had started escaping.
"Finally."
Reaching out my gun, I felt a heavy and cold metallic feeling.
'It has been a while.'
Raising the gun, I immediately pointed it to the Sylvan's approaching.
And pulled the trigger rapidly.
PIU! PIU! PIU!
The silencer I had equipped worked as intended, suppressing the deafening noise of gunfire. Instead, the shots were replaced by dull thuds, but the impact was anything but dull.
THUD THUD THUD
Their bodies fell to the ground one by one as I aimed at their heads. The power of the gun was slightly lowered thanks to the silencer, but since it was a close distance, it didn't matter too much.
SWOOSH
Dodging swiftly and spacing properly, I basically kept my distance and left them on the hang.
PIU! PIU! PIU!
With each shot, I imbued the bullets with my own mana, enhancing their firepower.
SHRIEK!
The bullets tore through the Sylvans, causing them to stumble and shriek in agony. It was a dance of death, and I was the reaper.
After firing a bunch of bullets and finishing my magazine, I made sure the monsters were all dead.
'Now it is time to hunt.'
Since I was able to use my gun, my fighting prowess was a lot higher than daggers or bows. And this proved to be a faster clearing choice.
Raising my head, I could feel the green tendrils that were connecting me to Fred getting weaker and weaker, and this alone showed he was getting away. Thanks to the small needle I had thrown, I could track him down, and this was exactly my plan.
'He will be able to leave the dungeon in just thirty minutes if he goes with his full power.
I didn't know the exact range limit for now, and I didn't want to gamble it. Since my wounds were completely healed at this point, I could now go into full power as well.
Immediately using my skill [Dash], I felt the increase in my strength, and my speed was rising.
The mana started getting sucked, and without stopping any second, I rushed forwards.
SWOOSH
I could trace where he was, thanks to my mana, and that was enough.
SWOOSH
The training I had been doing all this time was now proving to be helpful. My muscles and my form were clean, and thanks to that, I was able to run both fast and effectively.
My body felt lighter and more agile as if I could defy gravity itself. The mana consumption was substantial, but I had prepared for this moment. With each stride, I closed the gap between Fred and me, the distance between us shrinking with each heartbeat.
My senses were on high alert, and I could sense his presence ahead, a faint but distinct trail left by the needles I had implanted.
I followed it like a hunter tracking prey, my footsteps barely making a sound as I moved through the fog-shrouded landscape.
I was also using my second trait [Shadowborne] to erase my presence, and this made me able to go undetected by the leftover monsters that were lingering around.
Time seemed to blur as I ran, the seconds stretching into eternity. Of course, it wasn't that, but thanks to my low endurance, my muscles burned with exertion, and my lungs ached from the strain, but I pushed on.
'You are going to die here.'
And soon after reaching the Area of stage one, I was able to see where he was thanks to the fog that disappeared.
'Keen Eye.'
Thanks to my skill [Keen Eye], I could see him laying some traps inside the forest. He was also muttering to himself, and even though I couldn't hear what he was saying, I could read his lips.
"Killing Ethan Hartley, huh?" I whispered to myself, my lips curving into a cold smile.
The name Hartley carried weight in the world of Hunters, and it seemed Fred had his sights set on the biggest game.
'But that was not in the game. What caused the change?' As I asked this question, I got the answer immediately.
It was me.
'Though, if you changed your mind because of me, you are gravely mistaken.'
GULP GULP
Gulping two potions at the same time, I first renewed my stamina, and second, I renewed the mana I had used. I was not someone who was strong; thus, I needed to be in my peak condition all the time.
I crouched low, using the terrain and the shadows for cover.
Since we were inside the forest, where the light created more shadows, this was my place to hunt.
Going from shadow to shadow, I slowly decreased the distance until I deemed it enough.
'This should be fine.'
Fred hadn't noticed my approach yet, too consumed by his murderous intent. He continued to mumble about his plans, unaware of the danger that lurked just behind him.
I steadied my gun, feeling the cold metal in my hand. It was time to strike.
PIU!
With a steady hand and a calculated aim, I squeezed the trigger. The silenced pistol spat a muted thump, and the bullet flew with deadly precision, heading straight for Fred's head.
CRACK SPURT
The projectile struck true, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. A look of shock and pain crossed Fred's face as the bullet penetrated his skull. Blood rushed from the wound.
SWOOSH
But he didn't collapse. Instead, something strange happened. His body convulsed, and a sickly green aura enveloped him, casting an eerie glow in the fog. It was as if the demonic energy within him was fighting to keep him alive.
Fred staggered, clutching his head, blood oozing from the wound. He seemed to teeter on the brink of death, yet the demonic energy within him refused to let go.
Fred's body trembled with the aftermath of the gunshot wound, but his eyes blazed with a murderous intent that even sent shivers down my spine. Incredible amounts of pressure oozed from him as he used his mana.
'This is at least on the level of rank-4 or maybe rank-5?'
It was a lot higher than mine; however, compared to the rest of the party members, it was clear why he chose to betray.
But even then, the battle was going to be hard, and I knew it. But that didn't mean I was going to let him leave like that.
He spoke through gritted teeth, his voice laced with venom.
"You dare... attack me?" His words were barely coherent, distorted by pain and rage.
He looked around wildly, his gaze sweeping the forest as he tried to locate the source of the attack. But I remained hidden, well aware of the advantage darkness and silence provided.
"You think you can kill me with a mere gunshot?" Fred hissed, his voice a sinister whisper. "You underestimate me."
However, despite his bravado, he seemed disoriented and struggled to maintain his balance.
The demonic energy that coursed through him had saved his life, but it couldn't completely heal him. He was vulnerable, and I intended to exploit that weakness.
PIU!
I fired another gunshot after changing my position.
SPURT
And it landed just like it should have been.
"Kurgh-"
And I could feel him coughing blood. He was covering his head with all his mana to defend himself from the bullets, but this made him more and more vulnerable to my attacks.
"Cough…..Come out, coward!" he spat, his voice laced with frustration. "Show yourself!"
This was the start of the tiring fight that I was going to drag on.
Chapter 90 - First Hunt (2)
What is the biggest advantage of guns in this world?
The answer to that is simple. Not high firepower as bows, but high attacking speed thanks to guns' mechanism.
However, there is one other thing that is advantageous.
When an archer is trying to attack someone, they will cover their arrows with mana by gathering them around the arrow, increasing its firepower.
And, if they are not that proficient and high-ranking marksman, the place where they attack from will still be in the range of the target's senses, and this will reveal their location.
However, because gun base firepower is high even without mana, and most of the time, the mana is hardly used to increase a gun's firepower, they don't have this negative advantage.
And this was exactly why I was able to hide in my tracks while still attacking constantly.
The silencer of my pistol and the small amounts of mana I was using were making it impossible to trace it.
"Cough…..Come out, coward! Show yourself!"
Fred's frustration grew with each gunshot, and his efforts to locate me became increasingly frantic. The misty forest played tricks on his senses, and his pain was slowly sapping his strength.
"You can't hide forever!" he roared, his voice echoing through the woods.
'I can. You don't need to worry.'
Thanks to shadows, I was even able to escape from the senses of Kaya Hartley, and I could certainly hide myself from Fred.
And hide I did, moving stealthily from tree to tree, my gun trained on him.
I knew I couldn't let up, couldn't give him a chance to retaliate.
'Keen Eye.'
My keen eye showed me the weak points of his body that were now slowly eroding thanks to the demonic mana that he was using to sustain his wounds.
PIU! PIU! PIU!
I continued to fire, my shots calculated and precise, targeting him in vulnerable spots. The bullets found their mark, causing him to cough up more blood and weaken his defenses.
Fred's breathing grew ragged, and he staggered, struggling to maintain his balance. He was on the brink of exhaustion, and I could see the fear in his eyes.
"Kurghk-!"
Blood flowed from his mouth as he coughed constantly. Like an injured soldier, he was trying his best to stay on his foot, but that was proving more and more hard.
"You won't... break me," he gasped between ragged breaths.
But then, his tone shifted, and he spoke with a sense of regret. "I didn't want... to use this."
I watched the scene as the aura around him changed.
THUMP
My heart rate increased with each passing time as the demonic energy around me increased.
The pressure emanating from Fred transformed, becoming darker, more menacing. It was as if he was tapping into a well of power he had been keeping in reserve.
His body contorted as he forced a transformation, and the air grew thick with an oppressive energy. Fred's eyes gleamed with an eerie, crimson light as his appearance shifted.
'You finally used the capsule.'
He had become a half-demon.
There was a reason why demon contractors were annoying to deal with. It was because they could use this capsule and force themselves to become a half-demon with the price of losing their strength for a while.
It worked like an overdrive.
Fred's voice dripped with hate as he spat out his words. "You think you've won? You think you can take me down like some common Hunter?"
'It is coming.'
And, as the mana surged around his body, I could see the eerie crimson light in his eyes intensifying.
ROAR!
He threw his head back with a maniacal roar. The sound was deafening, and as he roared, an onslaught of dark mana surged from his body, lashing out at the surrounding trees and ground.
The very air seemed to tremble under the force of his unleashed power. The ground shook violently, and trees were uprooted as the torrent of mana raged out of control.
SWOOSH
This was one of the skills that he would use as the boss in the future parts, where he would simply attack everything in the close proximity.
[Roar of Catastrophe]
SWOOSH
Activating my skill [Dash], I immediately increased the distance to get out of his attacking range.
Unless one had an artifact that defended themselves, it was impossible to evade this skill unless you were out of range.
Fred had turned into a destructive force of nature, and I knew the ways of destroying his figure.
After all, I was the one who knew his characteristics as a Demon and was prepared for this case.
In the midst of the chaos, I spotted Fred's form, now distorted and grotesque, as he embraced his demonic side.
THUMP
His laughter echoed through the forest, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine, thanks to the pressure emanating from him.
'But this is nothing compared to that time.'
However, I knew how it felt to be in the presence of someone strong, and Fred was not one of them. I forcefully calmed my body down as my mind cooled down.
"You can't escape, Astron!" he taunted, his voice carrying a twisted glee. "I'm going to tear you apart, piece by piece!"
At this point, it seemed he understood it was me who was aiming for his life, but it didn't matter at all.
"Escape? Why should I?"
I mumbled, looking at the bastard.
"In the end, you fell for it."
His wounds healed one by one thanks to his newly revealed half-demon form. His physical capabilities were top-notch and higher than any human could be at his rank.
However, in this world, everything has a price. If you are strong and big, you are going to be slower.
If you are fast and agile, your attacks won't hit as strong.
This was a world that was based on a game; thus, everything that could be targeted as an enemy had a weakness.
And Fred, who was the future boss of the
'Weakness to attribute of light.'
Not all the demons are weak to Light Attribute, different from how their reputation worked. No, rather, there are even some demons that can use the magic attribute Light.
However, some of them do have the weakness of light magic.
'Vitalisanguis Clan.'
A clan that has a very high regeneration power uses the dark and demonic psions around the environment to increase the efficiency of their body circuits.
And, because they are utilizing dark mana, when they are attacked by light attribute psions, their body circuits will be interrupted, resulting in them not being able to regenerate as much as they did before.
'All of this….Just to kill one bastard…'
I grabbed the capsule that I bought from the academy. A special type of capsule that is filled with Light-Attribute mana and the size of the bullet for my gun.
I specifically ordered this capsule in this size just to make sure that I would be able to use it with it. It cost 10 thousand Valer to buy it, quite a lot.
But I didn't care. Since, just by grabbing the things this guy had, I could simply make it worth it, and even if it didn't, as long as I erased on more demon contractors, I was fine with it.
Putting it into the special thrower for that capsule, and raising my gun, I started getting ready.
"WHERE ARE YOU BASTARD!"
I could hear Fred's shouts from far away.
I reached into my bracelet and pulled out a small vial containing a shimmering potion labeled "Potion of Strength." Without hesitation, I uncorked it and downed the potion in a single gulp.
The surge of power from the Potion of Strength coursed through me. At this point, my bullets won't even damage his body thanks to his regeneration; thus, using the same tactic won't work.
However, he was still physically stronger, and his demonic abilities made him a formidable adversary. And since the capsule wasn't a bullet, I needed to use it from a closed distance.
'Dash.'
I activated my skill, and once again, I felt the surge of energy coursing through me.
SWOOSH
As I closed the distance, Fred's eyes widened, and a smirk appeared on his face.
"So, you finally decided to show yourself."
SWOOSH
Fred's attack came swiftly, a powerful right hook aimed directly at my face. He put his full force behind it, leveraging his immense strength to deliver a bone-crushing blow.
However, I had anticipated this move.
SWOOSH
With newfound agility and strength, I dodged his punch with a hair's breadth, feeling the rush of air as his fist narrowly missed my face.
"Grr…..I will kill you, as the price….You fucker!"
SWOOSH SWOOSH
Fred didn't miss a beat. He followed up with a sweeping low kick, aiming to knock me off balance. His leg moved like a blur, targeting my ankles with precision.
But, once again. Fred was still not a fighter but rather a worm that simply hid himself.
His movements were too easy to read, and my eyes immediately analyzed his muscles that were clenched. Normally, it would still be impossible for me to dodge his moves, but the potion was just around the range that made it possible.
SWISH
I was ready. I leaped over his leg, narrowly avoiding the sweep. Even the wind that was cursing through made me stagger backward slightly.
'I am going to die if I get hit even once.'
It was the dance of battle and death.
THUD
In mid-air, I spun around and delivered a swift kick to his back, using the momentum to create some distance between us, as well as to disrupt his balance.
And that worked just as I intended.
Fred staggered forward, clearly caught off guard by my agility that he hadn't observed before, and I was flying over him in the sky.
"You….You were hiding yo-"
And that wasn't the end, as I raised my gun and channeled as much mana I could to my gun, using [Lunar Enigma].
BANG!
The sound of a gunshot echoed, but this time, I had already taken the muzzle off to increase the power of my gun. I didn't want to take any risk.
THUD SPURT
The bullet pierced through Fred's chest, and blood spurted from the wound. But that was still not the end.
'Keen Eye.'
Raising the thrower of the Capsule, I aimed it right at the point where my bullet had pierced. The wound was already regenerating, and Fred was about to pick himself up.
PUF!
As I fired the capsule, it immediately pushed through the narrow opening that my bullet momentarily created.
BAM!
And exploded inside his body.
SPURT!
Blood spurted from his insides as the yellow-colored light shone through the wound.
THUD
With a smooth thud sound, I landed on the ground as I looked at my product.
"AH!
And for the first time after Fred had transformed, he screamed as if he was in pain.
"H-how….."
He staggered as his body circuits were being interrupted from inside. The power of regeneration didn't work as he wished.
"This whole time, Fred Nilsen…..No, should I say Fred Nickleson…The thousand faced…..'
I spoke, slowly approaching as my gun was raised.
"You were playing in my hand."
"Grr…..Huk!....."
Constantly, blood poured from his mouth and his wound as his body convulsed. The light attribute mana was spreading into his body like the cells of cancer, eating him from the inside.
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
SWOOSH
With a loud shout, he tried to grab me. But I was already expecting that.
THUD
Evading his attack just as before, I smashed his face with my feet, stepping on his head.
"One bullet, Fred Nickleson….."
I grabbed my gun and pointed it at his head.
"This is all it takes…."
And pulled the trigger.
BANG!
Those were the last words he heard before losing his life.
SPURT
As that one bullet pierced his head….
Chapter 91 - The Chrono Grove
THUD
As the body of Fred fell to the ground, I was left alone inside the forest with my gun in my hand.
"….."
TAP TAP TAP
The sound of rain falling to the ground could be heard, and before me was the body of the dead half-demon.
The metallic feeling of my gun was in my hand.
I just stood there and looked at what I had done without making any sound.
My clothes were slightly getting wet, but at that moment, I didn't care.
'So, this is how it feels, huh? Hunting someone down….'
A weird feeling enveloped me as I had finally achieved something after coming here.
The anger in my heart still existed, as the figure before me made me remember the scene where her chest was pierced by the claws of that demon.
"Because of you….."
And this made the emotions inside me boil more. While I was dealing with Fred, I forced myself to calm down, to think with my logic, and to ignore my emotions.
But there was no need to do that anymore.
"Because of dogs like you….."
My voice grew colder as I raised my dagger, fixing my gaze upon the wretched creature before me.
STAB STAB.
With each thrust of the blade, I channeled all the rage and sorrow that had festered within me. The world seemed to blur as I repeatedly drove the dagger into his lifeless form.
"BECAUSE OF FUCKING YOU!"
STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB.
This savage act marked the end of my catharsis, leaving me with a haunting sense of emptiness. The anger the grief, all had dissipated, leaving behind a desolate vacuum.
I continued to stab the bastard, letting out everything; however, slowly, the feeling turned into nothingness.
And then, as abruptly as it had begun, I halted.
PAT PAT PAT PAT
The rain soaked through my clothes, chilling me to the bone.
"Haah….Haaah….."
My own ragged breathing filled the silence, no longer drowned out by the rhythmic stabs.
I lowered the dagger, its blade slick with rain and blood, and took a faltering step back.
My gaze once filled with fury, now carried a haunting vacancy as I stared down at the mangled body of those belonging to my nemesis.
The forest, the rain, and the body before me bore witness to the complicated emotions that had now given way to a profound sense of emptiness.
'This is not enough.'
In the midst of this surreal scene, I finally began to process the void that had replaced my earlier turmoil, a void that demanded acknowledgment and introspection.
'This is not the end.'
The rain continued to fall, unrelenting and indifferent, as I stood there, a complex mix of emotions replaced by an unsettling void, searching for meaning amidst the aftermath of my vengeance.
'I still have yet to finish…..No….I have yet to start properly….'
Looking at the body, I slowly lowered my hand and started searching for it, my hands roaming around.
The first thing I noticed was his bracelet; it was a bracelet that had a bigger space than normal bracelets.
Aside from that, he also had a small watch.
A watch that was slightly different than others.
'This is a tempered smartwatch, one that could be accessed by only those who contracted with demons.'
It was an item that was untraceable and was used by demons to contact their followers.
'However, I guess he is still at the starting phase.'
Opening up the watch, I started looking for its contents.
--------------------------
[Messages(6)] [Calls(1)] [Mails(23)]
---------------------------
At first, the opening style was the same, but on the side of the watch, a small needle was there.
'I guess he was too confident that he wouldn't be caught.'
As I slowly pushed the needle, this time, the interface had changed. The color got more and more darker as a bunch of tabs popped off.
It was the tab of villain society, mainly called the InfernalCovenant.
-----------------------
[...]
[...]
[...]
[Missions]
[Currency]
------------------------
The first three tabs were inaccessible. However, I knew what they were for.
'Announcements, Bounties and Contacts:'
However, they would only appear after one passed a certain threshold of trust and got recruited under a senior villain and when they get enough currency.
Just like any other society, Villains also had a hierarchy, even though their goals were different.
After looking at the watch for a little longer, I saw the amount of money he had in his account.
'50k, huh? Certainly covers my losses.'
This was his money in his normal bank account as the hunter Fred Nilsen. However, he also had another currency as points.
'DeValer.'
Of course, when talking about a villain society, the first thing that would come into one's mind would be the idea of anti-government, which could be seen here. From the name alone, it is obvious.
Of course, the one that founded the society is a hateful villain itself, but whatever.
There was a lot to explore, but right now, I didn't have much time.
'I need to find the hidden stage before they clear the boss.'
Since Fred was dead, and I didn't have much else to do, the only thing that was left for me to do was simply leave this place and reach the place where the hidden stage was located.
'However, I shouldn't leave any evidence.'
At this point, my head was cooler than before, and I could finally think like any normal person was supposed to.
Rather, how I would be supposed to do.
I stored Fred's body and any other thing in my spatial storage and then left the place.
'The rain and the dungeon will already repair itself.'
There was not much time left for me to stay here and erase the traces of fighting, neither did I have any intention to. It is the characteristics of dungeons that any outside influence would be dispersed.
This is the reason why the environment in some dungeons is widely used to train people or work people inside, even erasing murders.
'It is convenient, at least.'
With that thought, I left and started running to where the hidden stage was located.
********
Hidden Stage.
As the name suggests, this only appears in staged dungeons, and even then, it is a rare occurrence.
'Right now, most of them are not even known.'
There are quite a lot of dungeons with hidden stages, but none of them are discovered, and even the ones that are discovered are mostly hidden by the discoverers since they are impossible to identify with the technology of the current world.
This is how humans work. If you find something, rather than sharing it first, you should take a look at it and discern if it is something useful to you.
And this is a logical thing, which I am also doing right now.
As I reached the same scene I had seen in the game after walking for a little while, I stopped before the rock.
SCREECH
From time to time, I could hear the loud sounds of monsters screaming. It seemed because of Fred's skill, even the monsters in not close vicinity went berserk.
After reaching the rock, I looked at the thing belonging to me.
"Everything is ready."
After confirming that my preparations were complete, I closed my eyes and drew my mana from my trait.
My moon mana shone radiantly in my dark world with my eyes closed. The feeling of using mana is hard to explain. It feels like you have another organ you are moving, but at the same time, it is not.
It's truly a surreal feeling.
And the moment I drew my mana and started expelling it, suddenly, I felt something pressing on me.
A pressure descended upon me like it was sucking me in. Different from the gates I had used, this one felt like a black hole.
SWOOSH
Relaxing myself, I let the pressure drag me in, not resisting. And, soon, the same feeling of my insides turning out enveloped me.
THUD
Followed by a simple, almost anticlimactic thud, I arrived at my destination.
The sensation of falling was unmistakable, even though I had not physically moved an inch. I opened my eyes to a realm of utter enchantment, a place that defied the laws of time and space.
'The Chrono Grove.'
Those words would be emblazoned on the screen if I were playing the game now, a cryptic gateway to a future landscape that Ethan was destined to explore.
A place where common sense didn't exist and time, space, and rules of physics were tempered.
Thanks to the occurring mana phenomena everywhere around.
Before me stretched the Chrono Grove, a pocket dimension hidden within the Raining Forest dungeon extending to a realm that was inaccessible.
Time here flowed at a breathtaking rate, a staggering thirty times faster than in the outside world. I stood at the boundary between the ordinary forest and this surreal realm, feeling a tingling sensation in my skin as I acclimated to the distorted temporal flow.
The grove was an intricate tapestry of climates and landscapes, ever-changing in response to the altered time.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a searing heat upon the land, only to be abruptly replaced by dark, ominous clouds and torrential rain.
It was a place of constant transformation, a training ground like no other. If one side was raining, it was bound to be replaced by the scorching sun, or freezing cold.
But what truly set the Chrono Grove apart was its mana density and the wavelength of mana here.
Here, mana was thicker and denser at the same time, resonance with more frequency and a lot more energy, challenging my every attempt to harness it.
As I closed my eyes once more, I tried to feel the mana psions around me, and even that proved to be a challenge.
'As expected, this place is the best to train.
A place that was surreal and incomprehensible.
A true mana phenomenon came from the depths of the beginning of time to the end of it.
"Hmm?"
However, at that precise moment, something extraordinary occurred. The Lunar Energy within me began to surge with unparalleled intensity, radiating like a pillar amidst the chaotic energies of this realm.
"What is this?" I murmured, my senses overwhelmed by the sudden influx of power. It was not the first time my trait [Lunar Enigma] was acting on its own, but this one was more intense.
Then, as if in response to my bewildered reaction, the Lunar mana that coursed through my veins began to manifest of its own accord.
It surged around my body like an ethereal shroud, shimmering with celestial radiance.
This was a phenomenon unlike any I had ever experienced: an uncontrolled display of Lunar Energy.
"Ah-!"
But as the mana surged and pulsed around me, a sharp, stabbing pain suddenly assaulted my senses.
My vision blurred, and I suddenly felt like the surrounding landscape was changing. Everything was vivid and dreamy, but I could feel my body and everything, as it was not a dream at the same time.
In this dreamlike state, I saw a scene of a young, skilled fighter engaged in fierce combat.
I couldn't quite make out his face, but his combat prowess was undeniable.
He wielded an array of ever-changing weapons—a bow, a strange ethereal rifle, a flamethrower, a crimson dagger, and more—all with astonishing agility.
'Ah, it is him.'
At that exact moment, I understood who it was. The person in my dreams as I acquired my art related to my trait in the library.
This mysterious warrior was battling a multitude of adversaries, switching weapons seamlessly as he dispatched each opponent.
His moves were more advanced this time, and I could feel and understand everything better.
It was as if the man before me was not moving to teach me but rather fighting for his life.
'Is this real? A scene of the past?'
I asked myself. The scene still reminded me of Chrono Grove, but at the same time, the small details were different.
The forest was burning, and the chaos surrounded everything.
As I watched this captivating spectacle, I tried to discern the warrior's identity, but he remained elusive, hidden in a shroud of mystery.
Despite this, the images of his battle were etched in my mind, leaving me in awe of his extraordinary abilities. Despite this, even though his face was shrouded in mystery, I could see one thing. His mana changed its color.
Just like me.
However, before I could even think anything more and analyze the scene, I was forcefully returned to reality as my vision also returned to normal.
'Just what was this?'
Only more and more questions remained.
Chapter 92 - The Chrono Grove (2)
Returning to the physical realm, I found myself standing on the boundary of the Chrono Grove, its surreal landscape stretching out before me.
The afterglow of the enigmatic vision lingered in my thoughts, but I knew that now was not the time for introspection. This place was a hidden stage of the dungeon, but at the same time, it contained a special environment.
In this world, dungeons are places that are mostly associated with monsters and destruction. Therefore, there is a certain view of them being thought of as a place that needs to be left immediately.
A place of danger and hazard alone.
But, this was not necessarily true.
Dungeons are essentially sub-spaces that each have their own environment. Therefore, they can also be described as in other words.
And not everything in the world is dangerous. There are things that are beneficial as well. It is one's own responsibility to discern what is beneficial to them and what is not.
Even though this space is limited, there is still a lot to explore in this place.
And most importantly, this place is the ideal space to train.
'After all, the time flows faster here.'
Thirty days of time here is equal to 1 day of the outside world, which means one simple thing.
'I have exactly thirty days to train myself fully here and get out.'
In the game, if you couldn't conquer the dungeon after thirty days inside or one day after the boss was slain outside, you would be forcefully teleported outside of the dungeon since the sustained mana core would have disappeared.
'But, I need that reward.'
And, since I was going to need that reward, I couldn't simply sit and train. I also need to conquer the dungeon here, and it is not an easy task.
'The boss monster here is an intermediate-third-rank monster.'
"For Ethan, this task is not that challenging. But, for me, it is."
------------------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 1)
▶Talent Limit: 6
▶Passives:
- Vengeful Bane
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
- Strength: 1.92
- Dexterity: 2.32
- Agility: 2.30
- Constitution: 1.73
- Intuition: 2.51
- Magical Power: 2.7
- Mana Capacity: 1.9
▶Traits:
- Perceptive Insight (Unique)(Unchanging)
- Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 0)
- Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1)
▶Arts:
- Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%13)
▶Skills:
- Dash
- Keen Eye
▶Body Imprints:
--------------------------------
My stats are right now on the border of 2, which is not enough. For an intermediate third-rank monster, I need to have at least 3 in my stats to confront it directly without any problems, but I don't have such aside from one stat that is getting closer to it.
'Magic Power.'
However, right now, I am still unable to use my power to the maximum. And, because of that, necessary preparation and training should be done.
And this is my goal here.
With cautious steps, I began to wander through the Chrono Grove; my senses alert to the ever-shifting climates and landscapes.
SWOOSH-!
The bizarre changes in weather and terrain were as disorienting as they were fascinating, creating a sense of constant exploration in this confined space.
SWIRL-!
However, my movements were soon restricted by an invisible barrier of mana that enveloped the area.
It was an impenetrable wall, preventing me from venturing beyond its boundaries, just like in the first stage of the dungeon.
'Indeed, as expected, the barrier is still there.'
This was a mana barrier as well, but this one was not powered by the mana core of the dungeon but rather by a source outside of this place.
Therefore, it was impossible to break it from the inside, and I had no intention to do that as well.
'I would die the moment I stepped there.'
Since that place is filled with literal 'monsters.' Not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of strength.
In any case, since I am 'restricted' to this place, as well as 'protected,' I continued my walk.
As I continued to explore, I finally reached the place with relatively higher ground.
'Yes, this is the place.'
This stage was not that big, and thanks to my good memory, I remembered this spot easily since this was a good place to scout the small and chaotic landscape of the dungeon.
'Keen Eye.'
Activating my skill [Keen Eye], I started observing the place. And there, I caught sight of the Time Guardian, the enigmatic being that inhabited this realm.
It moved gracefully through the grove, its spectral form shifting in and out of focus as it manipulated time itself. I observed its movements from a safe distance using my [Keen Eye], not daring to provoke its attention.
After all, this was the boss monster of this stage, and fighting him right now was meaningless.
The distance was quite long, so the mana consumption of my skill was high, but that was worth it. I confirmed that the location of the boss was the same as normal, in the midst of space.
Alongside the Time Guardian, my gaze also encountered the Temporal Shifters and Eon Specters, the otherworldly inhabitants or 'monsters' of this surreal realm.
'High-rank-2 monsters. Temporal Shifters.'
The Temporal Shifters were monsters evolved by the mana of time.
They were good at time manipulation, capable of speeding up or slowing down their movements at will. Their forms appeared distorted and fragmented, making them challenging to target.
Even their mass would change with their attacks, making the momentum and impact increase.
'Relativity, huh? Developers certainly went crazy with this design.'
The Eon Specters, on the other hand, were spectral beings that phased in and out of existence, rendering them partially intangible.
They could move through solid objects and were known for their haunting, echoing cries.
'High-rank-2, Phantom Class monsters. Eon Specters.'
They are not known to the world now, but later, there will be an event where they will appear and haunt people, and at that time, they will make themselves known.
They are not that strong if you know their weakness and have the necessary equipment.
'Mana Bell.'
The bell that is in my Spatial Bracelet. When you ring the bell, it will momentarily disturb the mana around the environment. This will result in the Eon Specters having a physical form since Eon Specters are beings who are putting their physical forms into a different dimension using spatial magic.
That was the reason why they couldn't be attacked when they wanted, and they could attack when they wanted.
Though, if you don't have the bell, dealing with them is quite tricky.
In any case, from my vantage point, I continued to observe the space and identify the monsters around, where they were located, and which patterns they were moving.
'This should be sufficient enough.'
After locating everything and gathering enough information about the place, I closed my eyes and started mapping everything in the 3D map I created in my head. Since the place wasn't that big, it didn't take too long for me to finish mapping.
'Good. Let's start the schedule now.'
With the layout of the Chrono Grove clear in my mind, I set to work on my camp.
I carefully selected a suitable location, taking into account both safety and strategic positioning.
The items I had purchased came in handy at this point.
The tent was made of high-quality material that even contained showers inside. The heating was also clearly impressive to the point where I was sure I would never get even when it snowed.
Once my camp was established, I began placing a series of traps and alarms designed to detect any approaching monsters.
This extra layer of security would provide me with an early warning system, ensuring that I could react swiftly to any potential threats.
With my defenses in place, I turned my attention to the primary reason I had ventured into the Chrono Grove—training my mana control and my body at the same time.
This unique environment, with its fluctuating mana density and the presence of the monsters when necessary, provided me with the perfect opportunity to hone my skills.
I started putting the necessary equipment down – simple clothing to sit on and a bunch of dummies when I would want to train—then continued with making the efficiency-increasing potions.
'After all, the second stage of tempering my body, mixed substance – Korion.'
A special type of elixir whose formula was inspired by a secretion from a monster of a special place. It was a monster that tempered its own body using the mana in the atmosphere, making itself a lot stronger.
And what could be a better place than here –a place filled with dense mana?
Since it was already half-ready, I only mixed it and gulped it.
Feeling the slight sensation of my pores widening, I closed my eyes and started trying to draw my mana from the start. However, that proved to be impossible right at the beginning.
In a sense, the mana I had been using came from my trait, but how exactly it happened?
This was the perfect place to investigate how my mana worked.
I was going to investigate and learn about every color of my mana and their characteristics here. I even brought the book 'Moonstruck Convergence: A Tale of Celestial Mana' with me to study its contents more.
Before, my time was limited, and there were countless things I needed to think about, but that wasn't the case here.
I had never questioned my trait before, and now I was just again using it mindlessly, but this time, it felt like trying to swim inside a swamp.
The density of mana was too high, and thanks to the unique nature of space, it was hard to even move the raw mana particles.
'But this is a lot more interesting.'
The harder doing something means, the better you can see the difference between each color of mana and their traits.
In the end, what I was left alone was my own talent and what Senior Maya had shown me at that time.
"Don't try only to feel mana; circulate it in your body. You need to find your own harmony with it."
Just like that, one by one recounting what she said and what I observed, I started my training.
Chapter 93 - The Chrono Grove (3)
First Week of the Training:
During the first week, I found myself grappling with the peculiarities of Chrono Grove's mana. The dense and fluctuating mana density made it challenging to control and harness.
My initial focus was on acclimatization and building the foundational elements of mana control into a much better stage, as well as increasing my understanding of [Lunar Enigma].
However, I often felt frustrated and overwhelmed as I grappled with the unfamiliar mana environment.
My progress was slow, marked by erratic bursts of energy followed by periods of depletion; the fact that the environment and the mana were constantly changing made it almost impossible for me to get used to it.
This made it incredibly more challenging since that meant I needed to start from scratch whenever the density of mana psions changed.
I reduced my sleep up to four hours alone, and the remaining 18 hours were filled with training. Since my mana was depleting when I used my trait, I needed to improve my physic as well.
It was frustrating, filled with failures. I couldn't even feel mana at first.
However, small improvements began to emerge. I noticed that my mana circuits became steadier and more coherent, a sign of my growing control over both the unique mana here and my own Lunar Mana.
Second Week of the Training:
In the second week, I shifted my attention to combat training.
I faced off against the Temporal Shifters and Eon Specters, using their unpredictable movements to refine my combat skills and adaptability.
Even though I knew both of the monster's weaknesses from the game, I didn't utilize any; I simply fought with my body and mana alone to improve my combat-related skills.
Initially, the creatures posed significant challenges, often catching me off guard with their erratic movements. Thanks to the time-related affinity of Temporal Shifters, I needed to be on guard, and my reflexes needed to be quick. But, I injured quite a lot of time while fighting them, though thanks to the potions I brought with me, I was fine.
However, with each encounter, I gained a better understanding of their patterns and mine as well. My reflexes sharpened, and I became adept at predicting their attacks.
While I was fighting in the dungeons and hunting monsters, I realized one thing.
I didn't know how every monster fought since the game couldn't possibly cover the countless possible life forms in the world. Therefore, my knowledge was bound to be limited.
And when I looked back, I realized whenever I fought, I utilized my knowledge quite a lot. So far, most of the time, the foes I had faced were in my knowledge, but what if, in the future, I would need to fight with something I didn't know about?
Leaning on my knowledge of the game was a double-edged sword, and it was necessary to nullify the part that would wound me.
Which is what I am doing by developing my combat sense and my body. Not relying on my knowledge, but rather finding my own ways to deal with the monsters, observing other weaknesses, their small patterns, every minor detail.
This newfound confidence marked a significant milestone in my training.
Third Week of the Training:
The third week was dedicated to meditation and introspection.
I aimed to deepen my understanding of the connections between Chrono Grove and the environment. How this phenomenon occurred, and what is the principle behind it?
Even though it may look advanced and odd while I was observing the nature and rules of this place, I felt like I was able to understand the principles in a much better way.
[Perceptive Insight]
The trait that is not directly usable in combat, but at the same time, the trait that is what makes me who I am along with [Lunar Enigma]. Thanks to [Perceptive Insight], my understanding of the place increased, and I reached a conclusion.
Four-dimensional theory was a theory that was represented by the physicists on Earth, a theory saying Time and Space are related and can't be severed, and relativity is a term that the rules of physics can change according to [Frame] one belongs.
In this space, thanks to time-psions surrounding the space, the constants of each equation representing the relations are changing.
I took notes of my observations and what I have understood from this space; I might need it in the future, and I might even sell this to the mages.
Also, I focused on my Lunar Energy and the enigmatic warrior from my vision. Even though I had been training my art the whole time, thanks to the help of Senior Maya and my own efforts, my understanding of my mana increased, which made me understand better how the figure moved.
It was as if before, it felt like watching a college professor teaching while still being at the level of middle school; now, I am at the level of a high-school student.
At the very least, I can pick up some concepts.
During meditation, I also experienced moments of déjà vu, leaving me with a lingering sense of connection to the Chrono Grove and the warrior. I also discovered quite a lot of symbols that I had no knowledge of.
Those cryptic symbols I discovered while exploring added to my sense of intrigue.
These moments were brief but profound, suggesting that there was more to uncover.
Final Week of the Training:
In the final week of my month, I refined his combat skills further, with an emphasis on precision and efficiency.
I also continued my exploration.
To be honest, filling my whole day with training was a lot more tiring than one would think. My body and my mind would sometimes crumble; after all, tempering my body was something painful and uncomfortable, and I was cycling it with my mana control training and my aim.
Therefore, it actually made me need to relax my mind, and I did this by wandering around using my shadows and masking my presence.
I discovered a lot of different symbols, each having a different type of inscription. It felt ancient and ethereal. Considering how this space looked, it made sense as well.
My battles against the creatures became more controlled and strategic. I no longer relied solely on prediction and my knowledge but incorporated calculated maneuvers into my combat style.
My accuracy and timing improved significantly, and I could anticipate and counter the creatures' attacks with greater confidence. It was mostly thanks to the changing rules of the space.
We humans are adapting creatures. Whenever a change occurs, we would adapt to it and make the new situation our home.
However, this everchanging place, with its rules constantly changing in quantum space, made this specific property of ours challenged.
And once something is challenged, it is bound to improve.
The gravity, the acceleration constant, the air friction, the mass of each material, the volume, density, etc.…
Every physical property here is changing. Therefore, I needed to make myself better every time.
My connection to the Lunar Energy deepened, creating a sense of resonance with the grove's temporal energies.
Throughout this training, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, from frustration and confusion in the early days to feelings of improvement and curiosity as I made progress.
And just like that, the 28 days of my stay in this place reached its end.
*******
"Haaah...How hot this is…."
In front of the dummies, I put the place I created under the scorching sun; I was breathing heavily while looking at the sweat I was pouring from my body.
Just yesterday, it was snowing, and now it feels like I am inside a desert.
"Certainly, a crazy place."
My breaths came out in heavy pants as I surveyed the results of my month-long training.
The dummies before me bore the brunt of my efforts, their special wooden frames marred with countless marks and mana traces from my precise strikes and mana-infused attacks.
'Status.'
I spoke in my mind, calling the status window I hadn't even opened once in this whole month. I wanted to wait and see my collective progress of whole month.
------------------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 1)
▶Talent Limit: 6
▶Passives:
- Vengeful Bane
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
- Strength: 1.92 --> 2.33
- Dexterity: 2.32 --> 2.79
- Agility: 2.30 --> 2.73
- Constitution: 1.73 --> 2.09
- Intuition: 2.51 --> 2.91
- Magical Power: 2.7 --> 3.02
- Mana Capacity: 1.9 --> 2.3
▶Traits:
- Perceptive Insight (Unique)(Unchanging)
- Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 0)
- Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1)
▶Arts:
- Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%19)
▶Skills:
- Dash
- Keen Eye
▶Body Imprints:
--------------------------------
"Hmm….Certainly not bad."
Looking at my stats before me, I released a sound of acceptance.
Certainly, dedicating my whole month to training myself paid off—not more than I expected, but it was still good.
Finally, one of my stats reached the parameter of 3, and it was my magic power.
In fact, in the last month, the most improvement I acquired was in my [Lunar Enigma] and my archery.
I grabbed my arrow from my bracelet and knocked an arrow into the string.
"Huff…."
Releasing a small breath, I focused on my eyes and my mana on the arrow.
The blue-golden-colored mana covered the arrow, and I felt my mana sucked in.
SWOOSH
The moment I released the string, the arrow flew towards the dummy.
BOOM
And the moment the arrow met with the dummy, it exploded, destroying the weakly attached dummy and making it fall to the ground.
"Indeed, the firepower of blue-colored mana is strong."
In fact, this was the characteristic of the blue-colored mana I observed. Incredibly high firepower. An area of effect attack that spreads when it hits a target.
However, there was also a disadvantage: its range is short.
The moment I imbue my arrows with this attribute, the arrows would become unstable, making it very hard to control their trajectory unless it's at close range.
I also tried to imbue bullets with blue color, but since the bullets are small, it is very hard to compress the energy into such.
At the very least, the medium needs to be slightly big, like an arrow.
Just like this color, I experimented with all of them and got their own characteristics.
I became almost incredibly proficient at handling my mana and imbuing it on my arrows and bullets, if possible, and made a sketch of each one's characteristics.
Green – Lets me lock to a target I attacked with this mana marking them. This color is most consistent on the long-range, and it mostly doesn't affect the trajectory of the attacks. This is the mana that I am using with my bow most of the time since it is a fairly consistent and non-risky color.
Blue/Gold – Mana contains a lot of destructive energy, making it very hard for it to use in a long range. However, the firepower is very high. Basically a high-risk firepower type of mana.
Red – This mana is mostly suited for my daggers and my close combat style. Whenever I imbue my dagger and my body with this color, I can feel my power increasing proportionally to the amount of injury I have.
It also lets me sustain my wounds the more I attack, basically a life-stealing mana.
White – I am still experimenting with this type of mana, but from what I figured, whenever I imbue this color, my precision of attacks and my attack speed increase the closer I am to the target.
If I am away from the target, this mana is practically useless, but if I am close to it, it becomes deadly.
However, I have yet to find a suitable weapon for this mana since none of my weapons are suitable for it.
Purple/Black – This color is the latest color I discovered, and it also has a weird characteristic. This one doesn't provide a damage-related effect but rather provides a utility effect.
Crowd Control.
Whenever I attack someone using this mana, I can manipulate this mana to increase the gravity that person feels, making them slower and even making them stop for a second. However, the mana consumption is fairly high, and it is even harder to control the output.
This is the basic template of my mana, and it is fairly complex; even now, I am sure I have yet to explore the whole extent of things.
This is not even the first stage of my trait.
In any case, aside from this, I also used [Shadowborne] quite a lot. Since my focus was on [Lunar Enigma], it didn't improve much.
And now, my stay is about to reach its end.
"Let's start preparing to face the boss; the month is about to finish."
With those words, I started getting ready to leave this place….