221-230
221: Conquering The Endless Forest 2
Alex who had just eliminated the Bane Lizard let his guard down.
It happened at that moment.
Whoosh! Bang!
Alex's head burst like watermelon and he was insta-killed.
Silveria who was watching everything from afar couldn't help but sigh. How can master commit such a blunder? Well, the enemy is a sneaky one. All the blame can't be put on master.
Indeed it was as she said, Alex may have let his guard down, however, if there was an enemy behind or not too far from him he would have known. Only if this enemy let his killing intent slip, even it was a little bit of it, the thing that's monster didn't do. The monster had perfectly concealed himself, whether it is his presence or his intention to kill. It was no wonder Alex with his limited divine sense couldn't spot him until he strikes.
Alex reappeared in the same spot, however, this time he was prepared, he rolled on the ground dodging another stone hurled at him. Yes! It was a stone that killed him. While dodging the second stone, Alex hurled a knife in the direction where the stone came from.
Bang! Crack!
Knife and stone clashed, it was the stone that broke into pieces while the knife continued its course before striking the hiding monster.
''Roaar!"
A loud bellow could be heard, followed by the forest shaking. Looking at this scene, Alex's heart sank.
Boom… Boom…
Shortly after, heavy, deep footsteps echoed and a tall figure appeared before him. It was a huge ape with a thick white fur, clutching a thick, stone club in one of its hands while in the remaining-hand was stone.
''You gotta be kidding me.'' Alex's eyes widened in horror when he saw this monster.
[Demonic Ice Ape (Mini-boss) Level 75]
Bang! Bang!
Alex attacked, not giving the ape the time attack. However, the ape still dodged before vanishing.
'Fast' Alex thought before crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Bang!
When the demonic Ice Ape reappeared, he was already in front of Alex, punching him.
Like a rocket, Alex was flung back, traveling more than thirty meters passing above a lake. The moment he passed, Alex felt a chill down his spine, as if there was a dangerous monster lurking in the depth of the lake.
He knew he would die several times if he were to face the demonic Ice Ape.
'If the inner zone is this hard. I wonder how strong the monsters in the core zone are?' he wondered.
As if she could read Alex's mind, Silveria chuckled, ''Fufufu! Let's see how you will deal with them.''
The moment Alex landed on the other side of the lake, an idea cropped up in his head.
Grinning evilly, he decided to put his idea into motion. Using Accel, he reappeared not too far from the demonic Ice Ape.
The Demonic Ice Ape turned to him abruptly and upon witnessing his presence, it snapped its jaw open and let out a deafening bellow. Then, it turned decisively, and started pursuing him.
"Oooo———!"
Along with the raging snarl, the Demonic Ice Ape metamorphosed into a formidable storm that charged straight at Alex. Although it was massive, its speed wasn't slow at all, he knew this.
Alex sprinted as quickly as possible, but the demonic Ice Ape followed him closely. The trees that obstructed its path snapped, and the demonic Ice Ape showed no intention of stopping. Not only that, but the gap between Alex and the Ape was also closing!
'Great keep following me.'
Even though it was what he wished for, Alex felt somewhat nervous. He didn't dare to underestimate this monster behind him. His divine sense was in max as this monster has unusual movement skills.
'I need to be faster!'
Alex's speed quickened to the max.
Suddenly, his six senses warned him of extreme danger.
'So he is going to use it.' Alex thought.
Swish!
The instant this thought cropped up in Alex's mind, his vision dazzled. At that moment, he turned over abruptly to deviate from his original path, stamped his foot, and leaped up. At the same time, along with a flash of blinding brilliance, the Demonic Ice Ape disappeared without a trace, only to stop right in front of his intended path in the blink of an eye.
Fortunately, Alex had switched directions. If not, perhaps he would have walked right into the trap of the demonic Ice Ape! and get pummeled to death.
"Roar!!!"
The Demonic Ice Ape that completed its teleportation swung its arms furiously from above and slammed onto the ground. However, Alex was ready to dodge this deadly attack. Without any hesitation, he zoomed past the monster leaving a trail of afterimages behind.
Alex knew that the Demonic Ice Ape movement skill was similar to his own, teleportation. Therefore he was prepared against it. If not, he would have ended up miserably if he were caught off guard and stopped by the Demonic Ice Ape.
The Demonic Ice Ape realized its attack had failed to hit its prey and couldn't help but feel bewildered. But at the next moment, it let out a furious bellow, turned around, and charged at Alex.
The latter nimbly dodged the monster attack and kept running. This infuriated the monster even more, like a mad bull he charged at Alex.
While dodging the monster's attack, Alex continued to run ahead with one goal in mind.
The Demonic Ice Ape is only a monster with limited intelligence, if not he would have seen through Alex's scheme. However, due to his limited intelligence and Alex's scheme, the demonic Ice Ape ignored everything and charged at him. Being a territorial creature himself, the demonic Ice Ape should be aware of what happened when an unwanted guess barge into your territory. Anyone who trespassed on another monster's territory would only head down the road to extinction.
Silveria knew what her master was up to, she couldn't help but smile. It was a pretty clever move. The moment the Demonic Ice Ape sent Alex toward the lake he had already lost.
Crossing one leg over another, she ate her popcorn while muttering.
''An interesting show is about to begin.''
•••••
The chase continued, Alex was running for his life, from time to time he would taunt the Demonic Ice Ape by attacking him. Even though Alex's attacks didn't deal too much damage to him, they were still annoying. The monster vowed to tear Alex apart no matter what it takes.
Alex quickly checked his remaining MP,
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 65
Experience Value (XP): 200/18800
Magic Power: 3820/5020
Magic: None
Attack: 1100
Defense: 1000
Agility: 1130
Intelligence: 1000
Luck: 780
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] (New) [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5] [Synthesize Level 2]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn]』
'I still have more than half of my MP.' Alex muttered and continued running. The Demonic Ice continued chasing after him.
They kept running until Alex saw the lake. The instant he reached the shore of the lake, he turned around, and unleashed a dozen knives at the Demonic Ice Ape!
"Roar!!!"
The sight of Alex not only escaping from it but also brazenly retaliating enraged the Demonic Ice Ape. It raised its muscular arms and hurled its fists at Alex. Winds blustered in the vivid, powerful force that blasted the knives away.
The Demonic Ice Ape lowered its body to dodge Alex's Phantom Bullet as he knew how dangerous the invisible bullet was.
After dodging the bullet, the Demonic Ice Ape disappeared to reappear in the air, he clenched its fists and rammed into Alex's body.
Boom!
The feeling of crushing a body didn't happen. Like a ghost, Alex appeared above the monster his leg raised high before striking the monster's head with all his strength.
Bang!
Boom!
The timing of this attack was exceptionally ingenious as it caught the Demonic Ice Ape on unstable footing. Even though Alex's strength was weak compared to the huge Ape, this all-out attack shouldn't be belittled. Due to that reason, the defenseless Demonic Ice Ape who suffered from the attack couldn't maintain its balance. Its huge body couldn't help but sway, before crumbling into the lake head-first and setting off tall currents that rushed in the stream.
Alex who successfully landed this attack had no intention to seal the deal at all. After witnessing countless bubbles emerging on the surface of the lake, he displayed a subtle smile and shuttled across the forest swiftly to hide and watch the show that was about to happen.
Upon realizing that its prey had escaped, the Demonic Ice Ape was unable to restrain its anger. It rolled over, stood to its feet, and stomped toward the shore in large strides. But this time, it didn't succeed because the peaceful water surged all of a sudden. Shortly after, a dozen, thick water tentacles broke out of the water surface and bound the creature.
The lake started to roll, separate, a gigantic snake opened its mouth, countless razor-sharp teeth could be seen. The gigantic snake launched an attack on the Demonic Ice Ape.
222: Borrowing A Knife To Kill
The lake started to roll, separate, a gigantic snake opened its mouth, countless razor-sharp teeth could be seen. The gigantic snake launched an attack on the Demonic Ice Ape the moment it appeared.
"Hissss…!"
Along with the gigantic snake hissing sound, everything changed all of a sudden. The water boiled, twisted, warped, and coalesced into huge blades, shuttling out of the lake and slashing the Demonic Ice Ape.
Facing this attack from the gigantic snake, the Demonic Ice Ape reacted swiftly. Struggling, the muscles on his right arm bulged to the limit until he broke free from the water binding, using this freehand he punched the air and with this move, a burst of gales erupted, took up a physical shape, and ripped the water blades into shreds. But it was a pity that… the gigantic snake wasn't his only enemy.
From his hiding place, Alex fired a Phantom Bullet toward the Demonic Ice Ape.
Boom!
Just as the Ape repulsed the snake attack, a loud explosion sounded all of a sudden.
The invisible bullet struck the chest of the Ape like a hammer make him stagger on his feet. The Demonic Ice Ape roared not because of pain but because he knew the culprit behind this attack.
How dare he, a lowly bug sneak attack him while he was fighting against this noisy snake? Unforgivable, he must catch the bug and crush him. Not only this bug played him and forced him into his current predicament, but he also hides and sneaks attack him from afar. How despicable.
''Rooarr!"
The Demonic Ice Ape let out a loud bellow before headbutting the gigantic snake.
Boom!
Having not expected such a move, the gigantic snake whose name and level is [Gydra's Snake Level 72] was momentarily stunned thus losing control of the water-binding the Demonic Ice Ape.
And how could the Demonic Ice Ape let go of such occasion? The moment his other arm was free, he caught the jaw of the monster and bashed it against the surface of the lake.
Boom!
The strike was so strong that the lake was parted in two revealing what was in the depth of the lake, countless monsters' bones.
Even though he had successfully managed to attack the Gydra's Snake, the Demonic Ice Ape was happy at all, he felt that something was amiss. The feeling of extreme danger assaulted him, he wanted to jump out of the lake, however, it already too late.
From behind the Demonic Ice Ape, a thick long tail could be seen. It was the Gydra's Snake tail.
Whoosh!
Boom!
The snake's tail strikes the Demonic Ice Ape's unguarded back. The lake got divided into two again, creating a tsunami.
Seeing the water come in his direction, Alex quickly changed his hiding place and continued to watch the fight.
The moment the Gydra's snake sneak attacked the Demonic Ice Ape from behind and forced him into the lake face first, the snake hissed before wrapping its tail against the fallen ape's leg and tried to bite down the ape.
However, the Demonic Ice Ape reacted quickly, before the snake's jaw could bite him he sent an uppercut toward it.
Bang!
The snake hissed in pain, undoing the snake's tail wrapped around his leg, the Demonic Ice Ape took hold of it before starting to spin, after rotating on himself several times, the ape launched the gigantic snake body into the air.
The Demonic Ice Ape wasn't done yet,
''Roarr!"
Roaring furiously, the Demonic Ice Ape beat his chest like a King Kong before jumping high into the air. It was thirty meters jump.
Alex's eyes widened in a stupor when he saw that the monster could jump so high.
After performing such a high jump, the Demonic Ice Ape appeared above the flying Gydra's snake before joining his two hands together and used them as a hammer to strike the snake toward the ground.
Bang!
Kabooooom!
Like a rocket, the Gydra's snake was launched from the sky toward the ground and crashed against it.
A five meters deep crater was created. The remaining water inside the lake was evaporated.
An ice-cold chill ran up Alex's spine like an electrical current.
'No good. I must flee.' He decided.
After the Demonic Ice Ape strikes Gydra's snake, still free-falling he looked in Alex's direction and extended his hands, two meters long Wind spear was created.
And as he was about to throw the spear at Alex, the Demonic Ice Ape expression abruptly changed because the Gydra's snake hissed before dozen water spears were launched at the Ape.
Clank! Clank!!!
Using the wind spear, the Demonic Ice Ape deflected the incoming water spears.
Alex who just managed to safely escape heaved a sigh of relief. He hadn't thought that the ape would still target him even while fighting against the Gydra's snake.
Shaking his head Alex focused his attention ahead, he saw that the Gydra's snake was injured, few of his scales had fallen off.
'I guess, the ape is stronger. I was hoping for mutual destruction though.' Alex murmured before his expression abruptly changed.
The Gydra's snake kept launching water spear after water spear while the Ape deflected them using the wind spear in his hand.
However, in the next attack, instead of only spitting water spears, the Guydra's Snake spurt another thing, it was poison.
The Demonic Ice Ape was caught unprepared, when the poison landed on the ape's arm, it let out a burning sound before that arm started to rot. The Demonic Ice Ape roared in pain and tried to retaliate.
It was at that moment, the Gydra's snake activated its domain, the water remaining in the lake was shot into the sky before transforming into thousand small water spears. These water spears were pointed at the Demonic Ice Ape.
Sensing his doom, the Demonic Ice Ape used his special ability to teleport from where he was before the water spears strike.
However, just as he reappeared, the water spears that should have been obliterated after striking the empty ground appeared right before him. It was already too late to dodge, the Demonic Ice Ape punched the incoming spears to oblivion.
While doing such a thing, his focus was momentarily drawn elsewhere, therefore the Guydra's Snake chose that time to strike.
Appearing in the Demonic Ice Ape back, the Guydra's Snake opened its enormous maw and tried to bite off the ape's head.
It happened at that moment, the Demonic Ice Ape whose attention should be focused ahead abruptly spun around and sent a punch straight into the snake's mouth.
Alex was flabbergasted by the Demonic Ice Ape action, so was the snake.
However, the next moment after closing his maw, the snake's expression changed.
The Demonic Ice Ape arm (he used the one that was rotting) exploded inside the mouth of the Guydra's Snake. The latter head exploded into pieces.
Boom!
The explosion sends the Demonic Ice Ape crashing back, he vomited a mouthful of blood and struggled to get on his feet with his remaining arm. He knew he must quickly escape or that despicable human wouldn't let this chance go. Using his injured arm covered by the wind element, he detonated it to kill the snake, it was a huge sacrifice. If he had not done this, he would be gravely injured, worst he may lose his life.
Once on his feet, the Demonic Ice Ape scanned his surrounding in search of Alex, unfortunately, he wasn't able to locate him no matter how many he tried.
Frustrated, the Demonic Ice Ape could only drop the matter for the moment. He vowed to take revenge on the despicable human after recuperating.
Alex who hides his presence thank Vanishing Bullet moved.
Like a cheetah, he appeared in front of the injured Ape.
The Demonic Ice Ape was surprised at first before his surprise turned into anger and he bellowed while raising his remaining arm to quash this damned bug into a meat patty.
However, just as his arm was about to strike Alex it stopped. The Demonic Ice Ape couldn't move a muscle, he started trembling uncontrollably under Alex's death eye.
Grinning Alex aimed the silver muzzle at the head of the Demonic Ice Ape and said.
''It's checkmate.''
''Phantom Bullet''
Bang!
The head of the Demonic Ice Ape was burst open by the invisible bullet. Until the end, the Demonic Ice Ape wasn't able to understand why he died so easily. He may have been weakened, but it wasn't to the extent to die like this.
Bang!
Alex fell onto the ground while panting heavily. The feet he had just accomplished weren't easy as it seems. First, when he appeared in front of the Demonic Ice Ape he automatically activated his domain to suppress the Demonic Ice Ape, however, he knew he wouldn't be enough to take down the monster, therefore he combined his domain with death's eye. It was an experiment, an experiment that worked.
Under the combined might of Hell's sing and Death's eye, the Demonic Ice Ape froze, using this opportunity Alex quickly finished the monster.
Now that he killed the monster, he was extremely tired, the move he used earlier consume too much MP. His MP was almost drained.
''Well done. Not all fights can be won by using only strength, using your mind may be useful sometimes.'' Silveria who appeared and sat next to Alex said that.
223: Silveria's Suggestion
''Well done. Not all fights can be won by using only force, using your mind may be useful sometimes.'' Silveria sounded near Alex. Looking at his right Silveria was there.
''I know. If I decide to fight them I don't know how many times I will die. It's a good thing that the snake helped me to weaken the Demonic Ice Ape. Thanks to that I was able to kill.'' Alex said while gazing at the blue sky. He wondered what it's the real identity of this world, it's an illusion or a real-world?
Shaking his head, he decided to not care about such a matter, for now, someday he will know the answer.
''Why don't you check your status to see what you have gained?" Silveria suggested.
Nodding his head, Alex proceeds to check his status.
''Status"
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 65
Experience Value (XP): 200/18800
Magic Power: 5020/5020
Magic: None
Attack: 1100 (+100) ✒ 1200
Defense: 1000 (+ 100) ✒ 1100
Agility: 1130 (+100) ✒ 1230
Intelligence: 1000 (+100) ✒ 1100
Luck: 780 (+100) ✒ 880
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] (New) [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5] [Synthesize Level 2]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn]』
''Wow! 100 points. I didn't suffer for nothing.''
Hearing Alex's shameless words, Silveria couldn't help but sigh.
''Master, you should rest for a bit before heading to the core zone,'' Silveria suggested, it was more a warning than a suggestion. Alex knew it, he may have recovered his MP, but this doesn't mean that he was in top condition. He decided to follow her advice.
''Let's have a chat shall we?"
''What do you want to talk about?" Silveria asked after sitting comfortably.
''Who do you think is targeting me?" He asked.
''The mysterious organization.''
Silveria's answer was short. Alex nodded as he also came to the same conclusion.
''I thought the same. However, I wonder why they are targeting me? Is it because of my Gift? Or it is because I'm a threat?"
To his question, Silveria pondered for a moment before answering.
''I don't know what is the right answer but if I must pick a one, I will say it's because you will become a threat.''
''I see. What I fear the most it's them targeting the one I love, especially Gracier. I'm sure I won't be following Gracier to the dungeon as I have my schedule to follow. Building a good relationship with this Goddess princess is a must.'' Alex said fearing the possibility that his sister would be targeted while he was away.
''I understand how you feel, however, there is nothing you can do except for hoping that your fear doesn't come true. Also, you tend to forget that Gracier won't be alone. Leon, Ferris, Eris, Kuina, Maria, Luna and Sakuya will be there. Even if all of them are not with her, someone among them will accompany her. So, don't worry.''
Alex nodded his head and wanted to talk, however, he was stopped by Silveria's next words. His expression couldn't help but twitch when he heard her words.
''You should be more concerned by how to completely win that princess over. I understand that you want to build a good relationship with her for the future but I suggest making her yours. It will be faster this way. She is talented, a reincarnated goddess to boot. You won't ask for better. Having qualified women beside you can be considered as being powerful. So do your best, you will be alone with her in the dungeon exploration, use this chance to make her yours.''
Alex stayed silent for a moment before massaging his temple.
''What do you take me for? Some kind of Harem protagonist that went after all beautiful girls?" He asked in a not amused tone.
Silveria chuckled before asking, ''Aren't you a Harem protagonist? Luna, Maria, and Sakuya let's not forget Sera and Elseria.''
''Ugh! You talk as if all of them are already my women.'' Alex retaliated.
As if waiting for him to say those words, Silveria said,
''Elseria aside, Maria and Sakuya will be yours, same with Sera making them four. I see no need to not add another four on top of it. This is for your own good. Women control the world, having a bunch of women is equal to controlling the world. I won't say to go after all beautiful women you will see, however, there are some you should consider making yours. You need subordinates, people you can trust, there won't be a better choice than women that love you, that care about you, they will be ready to do anything for the one they love. None of the women I'm talking about are weak. Let's take for example Artemia, if you succeed in making her yours, you will have the support of the whole Drexia empire as she is loved by everyone.''
She took a deep breath before continuing.
''You may be wondering why I'm adamant on this subject. Well, all I can say it's because of the future. You need talented individuals that can fight alongside you. You may befriend a lot of people that may decide to help you in time of need, however, I believe most of them won't move in dire time, some may backstab you, this is how ugly people are, your best friend will kill you in front of benefits. However, if you have powerful women beside you, they will willingly help you as they don't want the one they love to die, they want to be utile to you, they will die for now.
It's unlikely that they will betray you. Forgive me for not going into the details as it will detrimental to your growth but I can say that the real enemy isn't here, your final destination isn't here. This world is just your first step. I know you know the saying 'With a great strength comes to a great responsibility.' You have been bestowed upon a great Gift, naturally, come alongside such great Gift it's an equal responsibility. Not only you but all others as well. Just that they are unaware of the meaning being what they received. They will come a day they will understand. To help you carry your responsibility you will need followers, reliable followers, I thought having women will be more convenient hence my suggestion.''
Alex stayed silent to digest what he just heard, unlike that idiot Leonardo, the moment he received his Gift, he knew they must be a reason behind it, there is a saying 'There is no free meal in this world.'
What Goddess Mea said before they left was total bullshit. Alex had the feeling that someday he would face that Goddess again.
Some may say, I can choose to refuse my responsibility. For example, I can't choose to not be the Hero if that is my responsibility. However, will you really stay still when the world is about to be destroyed? Your loved ones about to be killed? No, you will not. You will step out and fight, fight for your future, fight your happiness even though initially you didn't want to.
Those behinds (who gave you power) knew this. So, from the beginning, you didn't have a choice. You can only play on the chessboard as a chess piece until you are strong enough to become a player, strong enough to decide your fate. That's Alex's final goal as he knew that the current him was a chess piece on a big chessboard.
Taking a deep breath Alex finally said, ''I do understand your point. I'm thankful for it. I will think about it.''
Seeing that her master had taken her suggestion seriously Silveria was pleased.
Truth be told apart from suggesting something that would be beneficial to Alex, Silveria had another goal, which was to let some information slip. She couldn't tell him directly, therefore she found another way to do it. From her words, Alex seemed to understand something, he may have not totally grasped it, however, he must have an idea. That was her goal.
Smiling Silveria said ''That's good.''
''Sil, can you tell me at what level I can unseal the second gun?'' Alex suddenly asked Silveria this question.
If he had not remembered wrong, Silveria had said around level 75. He wants to know if it was still the same. He hoped it was still the same as he couldn't wait to see what kind of abilities the black gun will have considering how OP Silveria is.
Unfortunately, Silveria's answer shattered his hope.
''Huh! Let's see around Level 90.''
224: A Small Miracle
Unfortunately, Silveria's answer shattered his hope.
''Huh! Let's see around Level 90.''
''You can't be serious right?" Alex said disbelief written all over his face. It couldn't be helped previously it was around Level 75, now it's has become around Level 90. He wondered why.
''Well, I'm pretty serious, though. The reason the requirement has changed is because of what happened back then. Because Big sister intervened and saved your life it has, it has changed everything. Her seals got further reinforced, it's because of the spirit possession.'' Silveria explained the reason for the sudden increase in the requirement to unlocks the black gun.
''It is because of that. Well, I need to work hard to unlock her.'' Alex sighed.
He then added, ''Can you explain to me what spirit possession is?"
Silveria took a deep breath before starting her explanation, ''Spirit possession: is the ability to synchronize with your Gift's soul. Only the Gifts that have souls and are powerful enough have this ability. Some conditions must be met to be able to execute this ability. You must have the acknowledgment of your Gift first. Your souls must have the same wavelength to be able to synchronize. When you can perfectly synchronize with your Gift, it is called Absolute Duo. During the Absolute Duo, you can use the original ability of your Gift to seventy percent.''
''I see. I wonder what is your race? I believe that at the start you weren't the weapon's spirit. What's your origin?" Alex asked as he was curious about Silveria's true identity.
Facing Alex's question, Silveria did not immediately answer, she stayed silent for a moment as if thinking about something before saying.
''You are right. I and others are from the ******** race. Well, you can't understand even though I said it. We are prohibited from saying it. Even if we said it, you won't be able to understand. Let's forget about that and focus on completing the task at hand. You will learn everything in due time.''
Alex couldn't help but sigh, when he asked that question earlier he had expected something like this to occur hence he was not too surprised.
After talking with Silveria for another hour she excused herself leaving Alex alone.
Before leaving she murmured, 'A big surprise awaits you, tomorrow master.'
Alex was too lost in thoughts to heard what she said.
Staring at the night sky, Alex sighed once more. He wondered how many times he sighed today. He needs strength, strength to protect himself, his loved ones, strength to decide his fate.
''I need to slowly build up my strength. Let's start by clearing the Endless Forest tomorrow.'' Alex said, he knew it was going to be easy, even so, he would try his best.
.....
The next day morning, Alex woke up, and after getting ready he departed toward the core zone of the Endless Forest.
En route he didn't encounter any monsters, it was kinda boring as he was expecting a bit of action.
Two hours later, Alex managed to leave the gigantic ice forest. He was sick of seeing white every time he looked around.
The moment Alex left the ice forest and entered the last zone of the Endless Forest: the Core Zone. He was first shocked because in front of him was endless white plain as far as the eyes could see, nothing else.
Alex even wondered if it was some kind of joke, he almost turned around and leave, however, he decided to continue, who knows maybe a big surprise awaits him over there.
Having decided to continue, Alex stepped into the core zone, the moment his feet touched the ground his expression changed, he felt his vision shifting as if he was being teleported somewhere, he unconsciously closed his eyes.
When Alex opened his eyes again, the entirely different scenery stunned him. At that moment, it was no longer the endless white plain, but a vast, pitch-black forest instead. The sky was also incomparably dark. At a glance, the entire world seemed to only be dyed in two colors; black and white. The winds gliding across the black forest brought along slight pain. But before Alex reacted to where exactly he was, the calm shadows ahead suddenly warped. Seconds later, along with deep roars that echoed through the forest, mysterious creatures emerged one after another. They had strange appearances, swaying constantly like shadows and snapping their huge jaws open to reveal terrifying glow from their razor-sharp teeth. It was like a mix between goat and lion. Above their heads, you could see. [Abyss shadow Creature Level 70]
The moment Alex was sent to the real Core Zone, Silveria also follow him. Looking at her master, she smiled and said ''Let's see how you will handle this stage. Unlike others, this is an underground forest. The dark abyssal forest, most beasts here have the shadow element making them appear like a ghost. Normal weapons won't work on them. Will, you immediately notice their unusualness or you will suffer at their hand first?"
As usual, Silveria decided to watch everything from the sky.
~Back to Alex.
"Seems like you guys are my enemies huh!."
Alex smiled and squinted, he sent his knives back as he noticed the monster's unusualness, he was not a paladin so his normal knives won't work. Summoning the silver gun Alex immediately used Xerox. Holding the two silver guns he was ready for battle.
At the next moment, the shadowy creatures howled and pounced on him like a violent wave. Hundred of shadowy creatures leaped toward him as to devour him not leaving even bones behind.
No matter who witnessed this scene, perhaps they would think that Alex would be devoured at the next second.
But the truth was otherwise.
The shadowy creatures dashing from all directions were wild and aggressive—a few seconds ago. The instant they launched their attacks on Alex, he wouldn't have been able to stop them even if he had a normal Gift. But in that instant, along with Alex's action, everything changed. His Gift is not normal.
Facing the shadowy creatures, Alex didn't even glance at them. He stared at the silver guns in his hands that were emanating a brilliance that was as bright and glistening as the full moon. Then he moved, first by removing his eye patch and.
Bang! Bang!!!
Bullets flew killing monster after monster, it only takes one bullet to kill one monster.
Silveria's bullet seemed to work on the monster as if she was their natural nemesis. This assumption was partially right, the magic bullet indeed has the ability to injure shadowy creatures, however, it was only to the extent of injuring not insta-killing them. There was something else mixed with Silveria's bullet, no mixed with Alex's magic power because it's his MP that is used to create bullets. Something himself was unaware of, a miracle even Silveria was unaware of.
Silveria was gobsmacked as she watches Alex slaughter the abyssal creatures as if they were goblins.
''No way! What's going on?" Silveria was surprised, really surprised. As matter of fact, she knew that she could affect shadowy creatures to some extent, however, able to eliminate them like that must be impossible. It's almost like her bullet was enhanced with the Light element.
''Impossible,'' Silveria mumbled. She decided to verify what happened later.
While Silveria was surprised, her chained big sister was even more shocked. Her expressionless face showed for the first time some kind of expression, she was smiling, she couldn't help but be happy. If her hypothesis was right then Alex possesses an ability that his successor did not have. With this ability, things may change. If truly possess that ability, he would be unrivaled. Previously, she frowned upon her little sister's suggestion, however, now it's different. Alex must follow Silveria's suggestion. He will become the strongest, the most feared of all.
'Let's wait and observe the situation first.' she thought while smiling for the second time, does who knows would be left speechless if they saw the current her, the Death Goddess smiling.
Back in the abyssal forest, Alex danced around while shooting bullet after bullet.
Bullets producing white light were being shot repeatedly, they were like harmless Holy light that didn't seem to have any aggression at all. But despite that, the shadowy creatures wailed and were shredded into bits by the white bullet instantly. Before they struggled, they were like thick apple skins being peeled from the flesh. The white light dazzled, dismantling the shadowy creatures into worthless remains in an instant. Fragments of their bodies drifted in the air, before disappearing into nothingness like melted snowflakes, into a black snowflake.
Like the other Alex was surprised that he was able to easily eliminate the Abyssal creatures, he attributed this success to Silveria unaware that the latter was even more confused about what's happening. She rubbed her eyes several times wondering if she was not dreaming, alas it is the reality no matter how many times she checked. For the first time something happened that Silveria could not understand, she couldn't explain, her brain couldn't find the answer, she could only watch and hope to unravel the mystery later.
Silveria could not help but shout ''Can someone tell me what hell is going on?"
Unfortunately, nobody answered her. Alex was busy eliminating the shadowy creatures while her Big sister being what she is wouldn't answer Silveria even if she were to beg her.
225: Against The Shadow Generals
The massacre continued for a moment until all the shadowy creatures were dead.
After wiping out the enemies, Alex didn't continue his offense immediately. He took a deep breath and scanned his surrounding to check if there was any more enemy nearby. Fortunately, there was none.
''Status'' Alex called out.
Unlike the others Zones where he must kill the boss before gaining stats points, here it's different. Every time he killed the Abyss shadow creature he sensed that he gained something. It was why he decided to check his status after killing the shadowy creatures.
As he summoned his status, a blue panel appeared right before his eyes showing his new status.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 65
Experience Value (XP): 200/18800
Magic Power: 4520/5020
Magic: None
Attack: 1200 (+50) ✒ 1250
Defense: 1100 (+ 50) ✒ 1150
Agility: 1230 (+50) ✒ 1280
Intelligence: 1100 (+50) ✒ 1150
Luck: 880 (+50) ✒ 930
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] (New) [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5] [Synthesize Level 2]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn] [Shadow Nemesis] (New)』
Alex was pleasantly surprised to see that he gained fifty points by killing hundred Abyssal shadow creatures.
''Not bad,'' he muttered. Training in the Endless Forest brought him a lot of benefits. Not only he was able to increase his stats, but he was also now able to perfectly use his gun as if it was the extension of his arm. Whenever he moved he would automatically aim for the other party's vitals and his shots were perfect and accurate.
Before closing his status Alex stopped for a moment as he caught sight of a new title, curious he decided to check what this title is about.
[Shadow Nemesis: The wielder of this title can deal tremendous damage to Dark creatures.]
''Wow! What an incredible title. I believe I won't need to fear undead creatures with this title. It must because of this title that I was able to quickly dispatch the Abyssal shadow creatures. Time to seriously farm.'' Alex said before he blurred as he dashed into the black forest at full speed.
He wanted to clear this core as fast he can because he felt he go crazy if he stayed in this black and white world for too long.
There were no colors in this underground forest, where everything was divided into black and white. It was as though one was looking at a monochrome television from the Middle Ages. Others may think of this as refreshing. But to Alex it wasn't the case, he hasn't spent an hour here yet, but he was fed up. To him, The most beautiful thing about life was its vibrancy. On the other hand, this Core Zone was a world of black and white, it lacks beauty. Spending too much time here may deal some irreversible damage to one personality. He believes such a thing.
So to not completely lose his sanity, Alex decided to clean up this stage.
As he kept running in the black forest, he encountered a bunch of Abyss shadow creatures, unlike their predecessors they were stronger, unfortunately, they couldn't last in front of Alex's attacks.
After dealing with them Alex continued to run deeper inside the black forest. This forest seemed vast and endless.
One, two, and three days passed in the blink of an eye. It has been four days since Alex entered the Illusionary Battlefield. He spent three in this monochrome killing weak monsters, he hoped that he would encounter the big boss, unfortunately, his wish remains unfulfilled as no matter how much he advanced, he couldn't find the big boss.
Alex started to lose his sanity, he had the feeling that he has grown older, that he even grew a beard.
Shaking his head Alex killed his 400th Abyss shadow creatures. By now he has gained more than 100 points.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 65
Experience Value (XP): 200/18800
Magic Power: 3750/5020
Magic: None
Attack: 1250 (+150) ✒ 1400
Defense: 1150 (+ 150) ✒ 1300
Agility: 1280 (+150) ✒ 1430
Intelligence: 1150 (+150) ✒ 1300
Luck: 930 (+150) ✒ 1080
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5] [Synthesize Level 3]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn] [Shadow Nemesis] [The Slaughterer] (New)』
Alex gained this new title after slaughtering his 365th monsters. Since then it became harder for him to kill the Abyss shadow creatures as they seemed to instinctively fear him. His Synthesize skill's Level increased as well. He could now merge three bullets into one, this one bullet can kill multiple enemies at once.
All of this should have made Alex happy, however, it wasn't the case as he spent three days in this monochrome world.
Suddenly as he was feeling depressed Alex's divine sense caught sight of incoming monsters. They were only two, however, their speed was faster.
In the blink of an eye, two shadows appeared not too far from him before vanishing. Alex was not able to see their real appearance only their names and level.
[Shadow General Level 82]
Alex felt a chill crawling up his spine and his face turned ashen the moment the monsters disappeared. He immediately lowered his head,
Whoosh!
One of the shadow generals' deadly claws passed above his head. He didn't have time to breathe before the second shadow general breathed a sinister black flame toward him.
Knowing that he couldn't the incoming black flame as the latter seemed to have the propriety to lock the target in place. Alex's heterochromia eyes turned serious, he moved his two hands.
He used one to shoot an ice bullet at the black flame, an explosion occurred.
Boom!
Alex was swept into the explosion, using the recoil produced by the explosion, Alex floated in the air, he slightly shifted his body to dodge the other shadow general's attack before shooting at the monster just as he passed above the latter. Everything happened too fast, so the monster was not able to dodge.
BANG!
With a shrill shriek, the white bullet tore through the air and heavily slammed into Shadow general's back.
The impact sent the monster crashing on the ground, slamming him against the black earth. The earth was caved in creating a deep crater with the shadow general in. Black blood was oozing from the injured back, the monster had trouble standing up and how could Alex let go of such occasion, his eyes turned determined, he didn't mind the small sacrifice because if he didn't make a move to finish the monster the latter would stand up in a matter of seconds as the monster possess a regenerative ability. His injury was recovering.
Aiming the real gun at the struggling monster Alex shouted,
''Synthesize''
BANG!!!
SCREECH~
A white bullet tore through the air creating a beautiful white light akin to the descent of an angel. The injured Shadow General couldn't move as he could only watch helplessly as the white bullet obliterated not leaving anything behind.
Boooomm!
A big explosion occurred that sent Alex tumbling back, unfortunately, his trajectory happened to be in the direction of the last shadow general, the latter had already slashed at Alex, the distance between them was closing at speed, so impossible to dodge.
Bang!
"Cough!"
Alex coughed up a mouthful of blood. His chest and hands ripped open, and hot blood splashed out.
Alex ignored the pain as the impact sent him flying again. He put his feet on the ground forcefully and stopped himself from dragging back any further.
"This is so much fun!" Alex grinned as blood trickled down his lips. "But now is the time we bring this to the end! Don't you think?"
Alex said eyes filled with madness, it was as if he had finally found something interesting after spending a decade in this monochrome world (his misconception).
Both human and monster charged toward each other, their eyes were filled with the will to destroy the other at any cost.
Whoosh!
BANG!
Both humans and monster passed each other before stopping at five meters of distance with their backs facing each other.
Silence hung in the air for a moment before a thud sound was heard followed by Alex's voice.
''It's my win.''
Crack!
Cracking sounds could be heard, it was as if something fragile had broken.
Alex fell on the ground face, his left arm was gone, sliced off by the frozen Shadow General (Broken in pieces) when they were passing each other, at that time Alex shot an Ice bullet into the monster mouth.
Silveria was surprised at how the match ended, suddenly, her expression changed turning into a smile.
''It's about to get interesting.''
226: Seen Through Scheme
Alex fell on the ground face, his left arm was gone, sliced off by the frozen Shadow General (now broken in pieces) when they were passing each other, at that time Alex shooted an Ice bullet into the monster mouth.
Silveria was surprised at how the match ended, suddenly, her expression changed, looking in a certain direction she couldn't help but smile.
''It's about to get interesting.'' She murmured before her presence receded as if she was not present.
Unaware of what happened Alex rested for a moment before crawling toward his severed arm before connecting it back. His regenerative ability kicked in mending the severed flesh and connecting the bones and muscles, everything happened so fast that in few minutes his severed arm was good as new.
Alex sat cross-legged, he decided to think about the previous fight.
It happened at that moment, a sudden voice could be heard.
''You have taken good care of my children while I was busy dealing with something. You deserve a prize don't you think?"
The voice icily asked.
This voice was so cold that Alex felt a chill crawling up his spine and his face turned ashen. Just from the voice alone, he knew that the other party was not a pushover.
''Well. There's nothing I want. Oh! Yes, I want your head as you are the big boss here. I can take it myself so no I don't want your prize as I will take everything once I kill you.'' Alex replied arrogantly, even though he was scared of this unseen enemy it was not a reason to cower if he were to cower now, the other party will win this round. This is a physiological war.
In the sky, Silveria couldn't help but chuckle as she found her master's words amusing.
On the other hand, the owner of the voice was not offended by Alex's words, on the contrary, he was amused.
''Oh?! That's some confidence you have there. Well, you are not half bad.'' said the voice, still cold as ever.
'Half bad huh?! Let's see how good you are.' Alex murmured.
The voice continued by adding, ''In your current, you won't even serve as sparring partner, therefore I will let you recuperate. Let's fight tomorrow. I wish you a good rest.''
The voice disappeared after leaving those words behind. Alex nodded before letting himself fall on the ground staring at the pitch black and white sky. He was neither offended nor furious at the voice owner's words. From the voice's owner's words, you can see how confident he was in dealing with Alex in top condition.
'I wonder how strong this person is.' Alex asked eyes, curious about the other party's strength. This fight was about to get exciting as unlike the other monsters this one seemed to be intelligent.
As he ruminated on how strong the other party would, Alex lost track of time.
....
At the same time somewhere in the depth of the black forest stood a simple cottage, sitting on a black throne in this cottage was a man with tall stature, his features couldn't be seen due to the darkness that enveloped the whole cottage.
The tall man heaved a sigh, strangely his voice resembled that of the man that spoke to Alex earlier.
''To think after being caught and sealed for many years I would wake to find out that our purpose is to serve as a training dummy for some brat. How ironic. It's sin to be weak as you don't get to decide what to do with your life. It is the privilege of the strong to decide what you are worth, your fate. I want to know how things are in the current world. Did we win?'' The tall man wondered before adding with a sinister tone.
''For this, tomorrow's plan must not fail. I was fearing that person would be here monitoring that brat, however, from what I see it was not the case. That person didn't even intervene when the boy almost dies. There is the possibility that she may have hidden her presence but I would have known if it was the case because the current her is weak compared to her past self, not even half percent of her past self. I have a chance to complete my goal. The boy is the perfect opportunity to execute it. I will be free, roam the outside, and do as I wish. She can't do anything if everything works perfectly tomorrow. I could have acted when the boy is injured, however, that would have dropped the chance of completing the ritual. Hyahyahyahya! Freedom will be mine tomorrow.''
While the tall man was laughing while imagining himself succeeding in whatever he had prepared unaware that someone was listening to everything he just said.
Chuckling Silveria couldn't help but pity the fool. Even if she was not what she has been, it doesn't mean that she has lost her wits. So there was no way she had not anticipated this lowly bug plot for freedom. This is her world, a world she governed, everything ongoing in this world was known to her whether she was weakened or not. So, the tall man little scheme was vowed to never succeed. He thought Alex's status was weak, not worth getting angry over in the case something were to happen to him, how wrong this thinking is if only the tall man knew.
''Let's him dream all he wants when he wakes up he would find out why dreams are called dreams, not reality. That not everyone has the mean to accomplish their dreams.'' Silveria said before turning to watch her master.
Unknowingly, he had fallen asleep while thinking about tomorrow's fight. It couldn't be helped he was tired after that intense battle, not only physically but also mentally.
Spending an extended period in this monochrome world can mentally exhaust one's mind. The reason Silveria let her master experience this world was to prepare him for any eventually. He will start dungeon diving soon, dungeons are like a different world with a lot of unusual landscapes better be prepared in the case that you are thrown into an unusual environment such as this one.
''Let's hope everything goes well tomorrow. I won't need to intervene.'' Silveria whispered before flicking her fingers, a blanket appeared out of thin air and was put on the sleeping Alex.
227: The Meeting Of The Gods
While Alex was training, somewhere extremely far a meeting was taking place in a gigantic hall so beautiful that words could not be used to describe it. If words could be used it would be 'This is not a place for mortals.'
Sitting around a golden round table was several figures dressed elegantly, possessing otherworldly beauty whether it was woman or man.
Two beautiful women sitting shared a look. If Alex and the others were here they would have identified one of the women as the that introduced herself as Goddess Mea, the one responsible for their reincarnation. The other woman was none other than Nyx, another Goddess, the one that came after Alex and the others left.
Presently, they were looking at holographic windows in front of them.
Surprisingly it was Alex and other information that were depicted on these windows.
''How are their progress?" Asked a bored voice. The owner of this voice had long black tied with a red ribbon and from his half-closed eyes, you could see a pair of dark eyes that threatened to devour you.
''Hades, stop being lazy and properly watch what is in front of you.'' A voice chided the black-haired man with the name of Hades. It was a beautiful woman with deep black hair and ocean blue eyes.
''Tch! Tits Goddess has spoken.'' Hades clicked his tongue in annoyance.
The black-haired woman became furious and wanted to retaliate, however, he was stopped by Mea cold glare.
''Enough! Both of you. Hestya, do not get easily provoked and as for you Hades behave or else.''
There was no need for her to finish her words as everyone sitting here know her temperament. Better obediently follow her advice while she was still smiling or else hell await you if you ever angered her.
Hades nodded his head like an obedient child before looking at the holographic windows in front of him. The information of the reincarnated was shown there, their current picture and detailed status.
[Alexander Kael Touch:
Level 65
....]
[Maria Alexia Rosares :
Level 62
....]
And so on.
''Wow! That boy with a sealed Gift is doing pretty well.'' Nyx exclaimed as she observed Alex's status. She almost peered into his life to see how he managed to become so strong with the odds against him. However, in the end, she controlled her urges as to not anger the Devilish Goddess Mea.
''Well, not bad, however, he is not the strongest.''
Someone pointed out, it was a blue-haired man, eyes of the same hue. Known as the God of Water, Poseidon. Poseidon pointed his finger at one particular holographic window.
The others looked at that particular window and as he said, Alex was not the strongest as the strongest was shown on this holographic window.
It was a girl in his late teens, the same age as Alex and others. Deep red hair (bob cut style) and red eyes.
If Alex and others were here there would have identified this girl as one of their classmates known as Erin Spencer, nicknames 'Eriri' or 'Eris'
[Erin Spencer:
Level 85
....]
Erin's level was the highest, meaning that among the reincarnated she was the strongest. Let's not forget that they have been reincarnated not even a year had passed and yet she was this strong.
While it's true that Alex and the others were sent to a different world, it doesn't mean that the time in each world was different, it's the same.
''This Erin is sure promising. I will watch her for a while before deciding whether or not she is worthy to receive my legacy.'' A voluptuous red-haired woman said.
Hearing her words, the others decided to ignore her as it was strictly forbidden to interact with the reincarnated, order of the Supreme being.
''Tch! What are you praising them for? They are only chess pieces not worth wasting your saliva for.'' A brawny man said, he had short brown hair and eyes of the same color. He held a spear in his hands.
While the other Gods and Goddesses decided to ignore the brawny man as they knew how he behaves, there was one person that didn't like the way the brawny man talked, it was Nyx.
''You talk as if you are different. We are all chess pieces just that we are higher chess pieces. Unlike them who may break free from the chessboard, you are and will always be stuck on the chessboard. So, stop being complacent, it makes me sick. You may act mighty today, however, tomorrow you may be beneath their feet.''
''How dare you Nyx!!!" Bellowed the brawny man, he immediately released a powerful pressure, space around him started to crack.
The others were unbothered by this, they could only sigh as it always what happened when those two saw each other. If the brawny man doesn't provoke Nyx, it would be her that would do.
''What Aatox? What I said isn't wrong. You must have mud in the place of the brain to not understand me.'' Nyx added with you got the message smile.
Aatox almost exploded, pointing his trembling finger at Nyx he said, ''You! You!!!"
''You what?" Nyx asked innocently as she could.
''I will kill you.'' Aatox bellowed, ready to charge toward her.
''Hoh! Take me if you can.'' Nyx said provocatively.
The others couldn't help but find her words a little bit off.
"......"
Goddess Mea felt compelled to massage her forehead. They are all adults and yet they act as if they were five years child. It was frustrating.
Sighing Goddess Mea said, ''Enough! We are not here to jump at each other throats. The seal is slowly being undone. This meant they are already moving in the shadow. We must prepare ahead of time.''
The moment the other Gods and Goddesses heard Goddess Mea's words, their expressions changed and became serious as they knew what seal she was talking about.
Everything, (reincarnation) was done to deal with the thing sealed on the other side. If that thing were to break free now that Alex and the others are not prepared, only one outcome awaits them, total annihilation.
''How much time do we have?" Poseidon asked.
''Hundred years!" Goddess Mea answered.
''What?" Exclaimed the others.
''Well, let's wait and see what happens on their sides. How fast they will evolve. Their current pace is not bad. The dungeons will help them evolve.'' Goddess Mea explained.
The others nodded their heads as there was nothing they could do, expect watching, this is the rule.
The meeting continued for another hour before ending and everyone left.
Another meeting will be held soon to see how Alex and his friends progressed.
228: Against The Shadow Lord
While being unaware of the meeting that took place in the God Realm and his other classmates' progress in the other world, Alex slept like a log not bothered by anything as he needs rest, a lot of rest.
The next morning, after freshening up, Alex did his usual morning exercise. Having slept for more than 8 hours, he felt rejuvenated.
He didn't see Silveria appear as she used to, he wasn't bothered by this. She must have her reasons for not showing, at least she was sensible enough to put a blanket on him while he fell asleep, for this he was grateful.
Silveria who was watching her master couldn't help but sigh, it was not like she doesn't wish to visit him, it's just that, that thing seemed to monitor Alex's every action. He may have concluded that nobody was protecting Alex but he was not sure, not until he checked to the last minute. So, Silveria decided not to show up, at least for now.
''Before going over there, I should check my status. I haven't after killing the shadow generals.'' Alex said before calling out his status.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 65
Experience Value (XP): 200/18800
Magic Power: 5020/5020
Magic: None
Attack: 1400 (+100) ✒ 1500
Defense: 1300 (+ 100) ✒ 1400
Agility: 1430 (+100) ✒ 1530
Intelligence: 1300 (+100) ✒ 1400
Luck: 1080 (+100) ✒ 1180
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5] [Synthesize Level 3]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn] [Shadow Nemesis] [The Slaughterer]』
''Another increase of 100 stats points,'' Alex muttered pleased with this increase. His level may have not increased but his current status surpasses that of a Level 70 or even more, he believes that.
Shaking his head Alex did the last necessary check-up before departing toward the final boss.
....
One hour later Alex finally set foot in the deepest part of the black forest.
In front of him stood a hut, however, Alex's attention was not drawn toward the hut but what standing in front of the hut.
It was a bulky figure quite tall as well, height towering around 3 meters (9.82 ft), pitch-black skin, three eyes, and two curved horns on top of its head.
''Welcome, Young man, I was waiting for your arrival. I hope you will not disappoint me.'' Said the black skin monster.
Saying he was not surprised to find a humanoid monster with pitch-black skin, eyes, and horns like that of a devil would be an understatement. Alex couldn't help but swallow down his saliva. This thing was giving him enormous pressure just by standing there alone.
Fortunately or unfortunately Alex was able to see the other party's status, albeit some part of it. Seeing the monster status whose name goes by Ceros, Alex sucked a mouthful of air.
『[Ceros [Shadow Lord]
Class: ????
Age: ????
Male
Race: Shadow/Abyss Creature
「 Rank 8」
Level 90
Magic Power: 6000/6000
Magic: Dark, Shadow
Attack: 2500
Defense: 2000
Agility: 2000
Intelligence: 1500
Luck: ????
Skills: [???] [???] [???] [???] [???]
Special Abilities: [???] [???] [???]
Titles: [The Slave] [The Clown]』
'Almost Rank 9. What shitty luck. If I'm careless I'll die.' Alex while vigilantly looking at the monster in front of him. Not even in his wildest dream he would have thought the monster he would be facing would be a Rank 9, the disparity between them was too huge, however, it wasn't that there's no hope. He believes in himself.
''Let's begin shall we?" Alex said while he readied his weapons.
Ceros nodded, up this close Alex is handsome, the most handsome man he had ever seen. Thinking that he would soon become his, this face, this young man everything. Ceros couldn't help but grin evilly before extending his right arm, a pitch-black sword appeared inside it.
The moment Ceros held the black sword, his presence changed. Alex knew that it has started.
Whoosh!
Ceros disappeared and reappeared behind Alex, his sword slashing toward Alex's neck.
Alex disappeared in turn, he didn't forget to launch some knives at Ceros to distract him as he prepares his next attack. Unfortunately, his plan failed as Alex suddenly found himself in the place his launched knives should be while the knives appeared where he was.
''Dafuk?" Alex exclaimed aloud. He didn't have time to dodge as a dreadful feeling assaulted him, around him numerous Ceros appeared before attacking. Alex knew it was an illusion, however, before he could remove his eye patch he received an attack.
With a shrill shriek, the black sword tore through the air and heavily slammed into Alex's protected chest, giving her no time to dodge. Fortunately, Alex had crossed his knives in front of him at the last minute.
BANG
The impact sent him crashing against the hut. The hut got destroyed, exploding into pieces.
"Cough!"
Alex coughed up a mouthful of blood. His chest hurts and his hands felt numb. He hastily rolled on the ground to dodge Ceros' next attack.
Boom!
Even so, he was still flung into the air like a ragdoll because Ceros stomped his foot hard on the ground as if he knew Alex could avoid his attack.
Bang!
Crack!
Ceros head-butted Alex who was still in the air, the latter couldn't dodge as he was not expecting this kind of attack and to top it Ceros was too fast.
Once again Alex was blasted back, he crashed against several trees breaking them. He vomited a mouthful of blood. Alex lay weakly on the ground, his vision was blurry. He knew that this fight wasn't going to be easy, however, he hadn't thought he would be thrashed to this extent.
Ceros walked toward Alex with slow steps, he wore an evil grin on his face. The first part of his plan worked, now it's time to start the second part.
Alex could hear the sound of Ceros' footsteps. He tried to stand up but to no avail as his body was screaming, saying he must rest. His mind was whispering to him that the difference between them was too huge, he stood no chance against the black-skinned monster.
'Shut up.' Alex roared as he tried his best to crouch first.
"Cough!"
He coughed another mouthful of blood, his face was pale.
Silveria was pained when she saw her master's current state. She almost stopped him, however, for Alex good, she decided not to. Alex must suffer few setbacks, to learn from them. Besides if she were to intervene, she was sure that Alex would hate her. Therefore, Silveria decided to watch how things would unfold.
''Pathetic,'' Ceros said and kicked Alex, sending him flying.
Bang!
''Cough! Cough!"
Alex coughed a mouthful of blood while trying to get on his feet, he started to feel dizzier. Somehow, along the way, his eye patch was lost. His right eye was tightly shut.
With his remaining eye, Alex glared at Ceros. He was not dumb, he noticed that something was amiss, Ceros's strikes were not to kill him but to weakened his morale, to put more bluntly, to break him.
Knowing this fact Alex was starting to get furious as he didn't like to be played.
''You're so pathetic. Didn't you say you'd cut my head off? Where is that person now? Cat got your tongue?"
Alex didn't reply to Ceros's provocative words, he tried to open his right to no avail. The latter refused to open. Frustrated, Alex aimed his gun at the incoming Ceros to only see a blur and he was sent spiraling into the air.
Bang! Bang! Boom!
Ceros multiplied into three and attacked Alex, sending spiraling into the air again and again before knocking him toward the ground creating a huge crater.
It was as Alex thought, Ceros's strikes weren't aimed to kill Alex but to break him physically while he would provoke him with words. The feeling of frustration, helplessness will keep growing until Alex will break mentally as he couldn't fight back. With his strength, Ceros would have ended the match but that would go against his goal, against his plans. He had waited for so long that failure must not be tolerated, this is for his fallen brethren, to get revenge after successfully fleeing, so failure was not an option.
Ceros walked slowly toward Alex, there was a smile on his face. He could see that Alex's spirit was slowly being broken, it just needs a little bit of push to break and he would help him.
Stepping on Alex's hand while watching him struggle, Ceros mocked.
''Weren't you cocky yesterday? Now, look at yourself, you pathetic bug.''
Alex didn't respond, he was still trying to stand up, his head lowered.
Pleased with himself, Ceros continued.
''Stand up and fight. Come take my head, it's right here.''
He continued to provoke Alex unaware of a brewing storm. If only Ceros had seen the current look on Alex's face, he wouldn't dare to continue what he was doing. Unfortunately, he was too focused on what he was doing, unaware that the beast was about to wake up.
229: The Second Seal
''Stand up and fight. Come take my head, it's right here.''
Ceros continued to provoke Alex unaware of a brewing storm. If only Ceros had seen the current look on Alex's face, he wouldn't dare to continue what he was doing. Unfortunately, he was too focused on what he was doing, unaware that the beast was about to wake up. He was the one that contributed to it.
''You m-"
Halfway through his next words, Ceros jumped back as a chill shot down his spine, he couldn't help but jump back for a safety measure. It was instinctual.
Slowly but surely Alex got up before staring at Ceros, the latter couldn't help but take a step back because the current Alex even though bloodied was giving a dangerous feeling.
Unlike most people who would show anger and started cussing after experiencing what he went through, Alex was strangely calm, there was no anger, no hatred on his face, absolutely nothing, only an eerie calmness that makes one spine chill.
For the first time since eon, Ceros felt fear, fear of what was in front of him, one of his hands trembled. Furious with himself Ceros decided to end the match, how can he, a dignified commander of the Shadow army be reduced to such a state by a mere human weakling? Unforgivable.
''How dare you. You-" Ceros was cut short by Alex's words.
''You talk too much.''
Alex's tone when he said this was too bland.
Ceros' eyes almost shot fire when he heard Alex's words, he wanted to shout, however, he couldn't as the next moment Alex opened his eyes, and under Alex's heterochromia eyes, Ceros froze.
On the other hand, when Alex used his death eye on Ceros, this time something astonishing happened, he was able to see fragmented memories. An endless black monster forming a formidable black army, a young commander ready to experiment his first campaign. The scene moved, the black army clashed against another whose features were blurred, then the scene changed once again, the young commander was defeated and made prisoner by a woman.
''From now you will be my slave.'' said the woman with silver hair.
The memories ended there. Alex's expression remained calm as he said.
''So, you are a slave who must be planning to revolt unaware that your master had seen through your little scheme. No wonder you got the Clown title.''
Ceros who had just regained control of his body after experiencing hell bellowed when he heard Alex's blatant mockery.
''Die.''
''I don't think so,'' Alex said.
Ceros' pupils dilated as at the same moment, Alex appeared before him and grabbed his head.
Bam!
He thrashed his face into the ground, creating a small crater there. Before Ceros could release a cry, he pulled him out and tossed her into the air. He followed him in the air, his knee crashing into her belly to further propulse Ceros into the sky before he descended toward the ground.
Everything happened too fast, Ceros felt like he had become slow, so slow that he was caught off guard by Alex's attacks. The truth was that he still under Alex's eye attack.
Looking at the flying Ceros, Alex aimed his gun and shot.
BANG!
A flame bullet was shot toward Ceros and even though he was caught off guard by the previous attacks, this time he was prepared
The moment the fireball appeared he used his special ability to switch place with the fireball before shooting a black flame at Alex, the latter cleaved into two with his knife.
Using this opportunity, Ceros distanced himself from Alex, he didn't dare to look at the latter in the eyes as he knew how dangerous Alex's eyes are, especially the blue one, since Alex stood up, this eye was shining with blueish light. Alex became faster and stronger as if some kind of seal has been removed.
Sighing as he didn't want to open his trump card soon, Ceros had no other choice, or else he would lose even when he is stronger than Alex. The current Alex was different than the previous one, therefore he mustn't hold back any longer.
''Rhashaka Eye''
The moment Ceros said that his third eye shot open, unlike his other eyes which are entirely black, his third eye was entirely white and was shining like a gem.
Alex's expression changed, turning deadly serious, Ceros with his Rhashaka's eye was giving him a suffocating feel, if not because of his right eye, he would have been on his knees gasping for breath, without hesitation, Alex activated his domain.
''Hellsing.''
Ceros vanished, somehow Alex was able to know where he would appear, from what angle his sword would attack from, almost as he could predict his moves.
Bang! Clank!
Ceros' sword was bounced back unable to injure Alex. Ceros was astonished by what happened, one should know that his speed had doubled, he didn't send one sword strikes and yet Alex was able to block it, not with a knife but by firing a bullet to deviate the sword trajectory before slightly shifting his body to dodge the deadly strike.
While the first time may be attributed to luck, the second and third times were not. This meant that Alex could somehow predict his moves. This realization sent a chill down Ceros's spine as he couldn't believe that such ability exists if someone were to tell this in the past, however, he couldn't deny the truth as he was experiencing it.
Clank! Bang! Clank! Bang!
The two moved at fast speed exchanging more than a hundred moves, no matter from which angles or how fast he moved Alex was able to predict it and used his two guns like a sword to deflect all the attacks.
Even when he attacked Alex using his fists, the latter would dodge using minimal movement, his fists seemed to slow down, even his sword strikes. At first, Ceros didn't understand what going on but later he realized that it was because Alex was using a domain.
So young and already possess a domain? Ceros wanted to possess Alex more than ever, therefore he must end the match.
230: I Hope I Was A Good Student
Looking at Alex who stood proudly before him without a once of fear and with a resolute face as if sure of his victory, astonishingly Ceros was not furious, on the contrary, the current Alex makes him remember a past figure, their prince, the black prince. Ceros wondered if he was still alive, not knowing how much time passed since that war, Ceros could hope that the Black Prince was still alive, that he must go out to search for him, to once again work under him to conquer the world.
And to do this he must go all out and finish Alex with an overwhelming attack.
While Ceros was preparing to end the fight Alex was checking how much MP he had left. He had 2500 MP left.
''This should do.'' He mumbled himself before his expression abruptly changed and he looked in front of him, he saw a grinning Ceros.
You managed to surprise me, I wasn't expecting you to be this strong, sincerely I'm still surprised." Ceros said with a vicious smile. "And I should have expected nothing less from someone she sent here."
"...." Alex turned silent.
"Now let me show you absolute strength that you can't surpass."
Ceros released the restrictions on his pores.
BOOM!
A frightening aura exploded out of him like a tsunami, destroying everything in its path. The ground started to shake as if an earthquake was happening.
"!!"
Alex's expression changed for a millisecond before it reverted to his indifferent one. Lifting his left arm he aimed the silver gun at Ceros and fired.
''Erase''
BANG~!
Like an unstoppable comet, the silver bullet tore through the air and arrived before Ceros in a matter of seconds.
"!" Ceros didn't know why but his face paled from alarm when he saw the silver bullet in front of him. He had the feeling that he must avoid this bullet or else a terrible catastrophe would befall him. Therefore, he tried moving his body, unfortunately, the bullet was too close. Left with only one solution, Ceros bellowed, his muscles bulged to the limit, his magic power roared and got manifested outside of his body forming a ghostly black flame intending to incinerate the silver bullet that was not too far from Ceros's body.
However, what happened next Ceros couldn't ever forget it as it was the same thing that happened back then and he was caught. That ability, that power has hunted his dreams even when he was sealed.
''No way.''
That was all he could say before the silver bullet canceled his magic and entered inside his body before bursting into a silver light that wreaked havoc inside his body like the most terrible poison, his magic power vanished like smoke.
Black blood erupted from Ceros' mouth and spread through his body.
RUMBLE~!
The sky rumbled and the ground trembled under his feet. In that instant he knew he was done for as he was badly injured, he couldn't muster even once of magic power, without magic power he is considerably weakened to the extent that his physical strength will drop more than half, it was to be expected. His race is what they call a magical species. They function essential thanks to Magic, therefore when they are deprived of what made them what they are, they are considerably weakened.
Alex tapped on the ground and charged forward, leaving behind a trail of afterimages. Like a meteor, he directly smashed on the frozen Ceros.
BOOM!
Like a ragdoll Ceros was blasted back, strangely this scene seemed familiar, it was the same thing he did to Alex.
Whoosh!
Alex accel-ed to reappear where Ceros would end up, and he kicked back to where he came from.
BOOM! BOOM!!
In the next minutes, Alex kicked Ceros back and forth, it was as if he was playing soccer. Ceros could only suffer in silence hoping to tire Alex out. He may have lost his strength and some of his physical strength due to lack of magic power but his skin was still tough, so he can suffer a little bit beating, Alex would be exhausted soon, so Ceros thought.
Bang!
Alex kicked Ceros flying, the latter rolled on the ground a couple of times before standing. While wiping away the blood from his mouth, he glared viciously at Alex, however, due to the state he was in, he didn't appear intimidating at all, he couldn't be more pathetic.
Slowly, Alex walked toward him. He had already canceled his domain as he was about to run out of MP, he checked Ceros status, Alex was surprised to see how much Ceros weakened after losing his MP.
『[Ceros [Shadow Lord]
Class: ????
Age: ????
Male
Race: Shadow/Abyss Creature
「 Rank 8」
Level 90
Magic Power: 100/6000
Magic: Dark, Shadow
Attack: 1000/2500
Defense: 750/2000
Agility: 800/2000
Intelligence: 1500
Luck: ????
Skills: [???] [???] [???] [???] [???]
Special Abilities: [???] [???] [???]
Titles: [The Slave] [The Clown]』
All his other stats became weak except for his intelligence's stat.
Sighing Alex vanished to reappear before Ceros, the latter threw a punch toward him. Alex easily caught his hand before twisting it into an unnatural angle.
''Gyaaa~''
Ceros wailed to be shut by Alex could voice.
''Too noisy.''
Bang! Bang!
Alex thrashed Ceros' face into the ground twice before tossing him into the sky like a ragdoll, he waited for him to almost fall at his level before kicking into the sky again.
Bang! Crack!
The ground cracked under Alex's feet as he shot into the sky, bypassing Ceros. Alex spun in the air and positioned himself to deliver a good leg strike.
Bang!
Alex's kick shaped Ceros into V before he clashed against the ground.
BOOM!
A huge crater was created where Ceros landed. His mouth fell open, and blood sprayed out, his body convulsing with pain.
Alex landed one foot on his hand as he did back then.
Still, with a deadpan face, Alex said, ''I hope I was a good student, teacher?''
Ceros spurted a mouthful of blood when he heard Alex's words. How could he not understand what Alex meant?
Alex was repeating what had been done to him, however, while it was not exactly as Ceros did, Alex's way of toying with him was more vicious.
At this moment, Ceros understood why Silveria didn't appear as she knew that Alex could handle him no matter what scheme he may be preparing.
''Kill me,'' Ceros said as he sees no need to continue this charade as the victor could be seen.
Alex only grinned, his grin sent a chill down Ceros's spine as he sensed something ominous that is about to happen to him.
Indeed, his fears came true.
Aiming his gun at Ceros Alex fired.
Bang!
''Gyaa!"
Bang!
''Gyaa!"
Bang!
''!"
Bang!
Four bullets were drilled into each of his limbs, arms, and legs. Black blood oozed from the wounds. Ceros' body kept twitching nonstop, the proud Ceros was no more, what is left was a pathetic squirming bug wanting a swift death, however, even such a simple wish couldn't be granted. So, he couldn't only suffer, he was in so much pain that his voice ceased to come out.
Looking at the current Ceros, Alex sighed and decided to finish him as he has vented enough.
Just as he was about to grant Ceros's wish, Alex heard Silveria's voice, the latter suggested.
''Master, finish with Snatch.''
Even though he wanted to ask her where she had been, Alex knew that now wasn't the time for such a thing. He decided to follow her suggestion, he has more or less guessed what she was after. If not for her, he would have forgotten.
''Bye, it was a good fight.''
Alex said before firing a bullet in Ceros's head. He didn't forget to use snatch as Silveria's suggested.
In his last moment, Ceros answered Alex's previous question.
''Yes! You have been a good student. It was a good fight.''
Ceros's was dissolved into a red light before entering Alex's body. Too tired mentally to check his status even after hearing a notification, Alex fell onto the ground face first.